Les Hommes du Nord - the next generation

Below are few photos and comments from this week's trip through northern Minnesota with the two oldest grandsons, Paul and Miles. There is little of interest related to libraries, technology, or schools. Just a selfish account to help me remember some of the highlights of this wonderful trip. 

I am blessed to have a daughter and son-in-law that actually trust me with their children. I believe that trust is warranted since I am far more cautious about what happens with my grandchildren than I ever was with my own children. Sorry, Carrie and Brady. Anyway, this was the third road trip with these boys after the Black Hills and Wisconsin Dells in previous summers, trying to share experiences and places that I myself love.

So...

On the way north to pick up Paul at one of the Concordia Language Villages, we stayed in Fergus Falls where the East Otter Tail County Fair was in full swing. Really big tractors, creepy carnival rides, and farm animals in long, low barns. Pretty much the same fairs I remember as a 4-H member. I don't know that Miles or his grandmother believed me when I told them I slept on a cot in the cattle barn with my calves. 

Malts are one the things that makes the 1905 Douglas Lodge at Lake Itasca State Park a must-visit, especially before the two-hour narrated cruise on the lake to the headwaters, spotting eagles and loons as always. Daily, if not twice-daily, doses of ice cream are a feature of these trips.

At the start of the 17 mile Lake Itasca bike ride. Despite rented bikes with less than desirable shifters, we enjoyed the scenic loop, stopping at the headwaters, the biggest red pine and white pine, and a climb up the fire tower. I wouldn't have made it had Miles not been pedaling on the trail-a-bike. Good way to burn off the ice cream calories.

At the iconic Headwaters of the Mississippi where one may scramble across the might river on stepping stones. 

We travelled through "Da Range" going from Itasca to Ely, stopping at the largest open pit iron ore mine in the world in Hibbing. Oh, there was some folk singer born here too, but I don't remember his name.

A half-mile below the surface at the Soudan Mine near Ely, we learned about the working conditions of the men who supplied the ore that made the steel for WWI and WWII. At age 12, Paul would have been working for 3 years already. Quite the experience to ride the original bone-rattling "man-cage" to the 27th, and lowest, level to board a train going even deeper into the mine.

Walking the beach and climbing the rocks near Lutsens Resort on the North Shore was as popular with Paul and Miles as it was for their uncle Brady 20 years ago. This is truly one of the most scenic places I've ever been - and I've been a lot of places. 

Carlton Peak on the Superior Hiking Trail was our challenge this trip. Starting at the Britton trailhead, we hiked two, often steep, miles to the granite top, then continued down the other side to our car left at the base of the Temperance River, another 2.8 miles away.

More rocks to climb on Carlton.

The amazing Temperance River narrows to a churning rush of root beer colored water as it seeks ever-narrower passage through granite cliffs. Nobody wanted to get too close to the edge, shuddering at the thought of what the whirlpools, waterfalls, and rapids would do to one's body before being dumped into Lake Superior.

Low key morning at the Sea Villas. With a fireplace and loft bedroom for the boys, this comfortable accommodation had access to a swimming pool, a video library, and a mile of shoreline - with rocks for climbing, of course. We got G2, the site of many happy weekends when a friend and I took our own boys there each spring for many years.

The Alpine bobsled at Lutsen Mountains was a new experience for Grandpa. A little worried about the boys, but they controlled the bobsleds like masters and immediately wanted to ride the ski-lift back to the top for another fast ride. Combined this with a ride to Moose Mountain on the gondolas - where we had ice cream at the top, of course.

North shore. Wet shoes. Lots of cool rocks.

We made a quick stop at Split Rock Lighthouse on a rainy Friday before heading home. Got there an hour before it opened, but took a quick hike around. The rain (and crowds) kept us away from Duluth and the Tall Ship Festival, but after six days on the road, we were ready to head home.

A malt at Toby's in Hinkley was our last bite of vacation. Deep discussion on comparing Toby's and Douglas Lodge malts. Both were served with cans for seconds and thirds, so neither were dismissed out of hand. 

My hope is that the memory of these trips are deeply imprinted on the grandsons. A love of new places, of history, of trying new things, of physical challenges, and of appreciating home for having missed it for a few days. 

More photos here.