When Duane mapped out the Minnesota leg of our summer tour, he planned to use Grand Marais (Maray, top marker) for the launch point of our motorcycle explorations, but no campground that he contacted had any sites open for a week's stay. By the time he found one, we were at the southern end of the North Shore at Two Harbors.
First, though, we had to get the bike fit four riding. A short stop at the Duluth H-D shop for a new tire turned into a long stay for a new drive belt also.
Sadly, we had to set up camp at Penmarallter Campsite outside Two Harbors without the bike and do our exploring in the truck.
Tuesday we drove 130 miles up The 61 (scenic coast road) along the North Shore of Lake Superior, to visit Grand Portage Heritage Center and Living History Depot.
6 miles away we visited the Pigeon River Grand Falls (middle and lower falls not pictured). The Pigeon River is the official boundry in this area between Ontario, Canada (right) and Minnesota.
Wednesday we stayed closer to home with a tour of three historic buildings in Two Harbors. First was the law office of John Dwan, one of the founding members of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing. 3M is still a major manufacturer of adhesives (Scotch tape) and abrasives (like sandpaper).
Second stop was the Duluth and Iron Range Depott Museum.
The last was the Two Harbors Light Station Museum.
From there we walked down to the Agate Bay pier to watch a big Laker float through the pay and slide alongside the dock.
Wednesday we visited Gooseberry State Park Falls (middle and lower falls not pictured),
then scooted "next door" to visit Split Rock Light Station up close and from the coast below.
Sunday we gave up hope and took the truck on a scenic ride through the Superior National Forest. We enjoyed the winding roads taking us up to 2,000' in elevation past beautiful trees,
occasional views of some of Minnesota's 10,000,
before dropping back down to around 600' at The 61 and Lake Superior. We turned right and headed for home.
We enjoyed our tour the North Shore area, but would have enjoyed it more riding the bike.
Moving day tomorrow.
Louise and Duane
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