From Iowa and into Minnesota, we bid farewell to the Corn Belt, appropriately enough in Rochester, where a giant water tower in the shape of an ear of this versatile vegetable dominates the skyline.
(Rochester is also home to the famous Mayo Clinic, although it is doubtful there is a connection.)
We skirted the westernmost point of Lake Superior in Duluth and headed up the North Shore. Henry was so excited about starting to find agates that we had to turn out at the first lakefront access point we came to…..
Sadly, no agates to be found.
On to Beaver Bay and a rock shop of good repute.
Henry had brought along some Franklinite, a fluorescent mineral that is mostly found in New Jersey, of all places. He and the Beaver Bay Agate shop proprietor danced a little pas de deux and negotiated a trade – Franklinite for some raw agates. (Which is not at all the same thing as finding them oneself on a beach or riverbank.)
We thought we were being clever, planning our trip to arrive well after Labor Day to avoid crowds. We were sadly mistaken. Lots of people were still out on the road, so we had to take absolutely the last camping spot available at Gooseberry Falls. It was quite pleasant and almost eerily quiet nonetheless.
At this point, it’s the weekend…. and we were lucky to secure a pet-friendly motel room (the last one!) in Grand Marais for a couple of nights so we could get the lay of the land. Grand Marais is situated at roughly the half-way point of the Minnesota North Shore, so a good home base.
Speaking of pet-friendly….. you probably noticed that Henry built a number of accommodations for Raider for this trip, including the elevated back-seat perch in the truck that allows him (Raider) to see out of all the windows. It is, unfortunately, a bit of a challenge to load…….
It might take some time, but we hope to streamline this routine…..
Emerald Isle to the Norse Lands 
Thanks Robbie, I appreciate your sending me these. Sending copy to Susan Harris. You do have interesting trips.
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Here’s to Raider’s provision of view – our Labrador Buttercup (almost 14) needs not only steps but a butt-shove just to get to the backseat of the Tundra. Our new (19 mos) Labrador Ramble prefers to stand in the backseat with her chin resting on Gary’s shoulder – I think making sure he’s really watching the road. Sometimes Gary fusses her off and my shoulder gets warmed.
Looks like you’re having a blast! We just got back from a little over 2 weeks in NM, split between 3 campgrounds, all at altitude higher (cooler!) than back home.
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Raider is definitely worth the effort! May he accompany you on many a fine adventure as you continue to explore and delight in the wonders of this world.
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You are teaching me new geographic locations. I had never heard of Gooseberry Falls, or Gran Marais–both of which seem interesting and have cool names. It looks beautiful up there. Upon looking at maps, you are edging your way to Thunder Bay. Of course, I know nothing of Thunder Bay other than I like it’s ominous name which finds itself in many song lyrics. Looking forward to seeing the new rocks! Bow Wow!
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Janet – That’s what we love so much about our slow travel to unknown places! It’s a treat to meet and talk with the local folks, see different environments, and understand some new perspectives. Our flight over this area drew a lot of attention; tonight we have been invited to dine with the guy who used to own the lodge where we’re staying, a pilot himself. Fun stuff!
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