Lake Superior Vacation Rentals in Lutsen Minnesota

We took a trip to Isle Royale this weekend, my husband, 1.5 year old son, father-in-law and step mother-in-law. I have always wanted to go. The boat ride starts in Grand Portage and takes about 3 hours to get to the island, then you spend 3 hours on the island, then 3 hours back. I have never taken a boat out on Lake Superior, so it was very fascinating for me to see Minnesota from a different perspective. The boat driver took us by the Witch Tree which is painted and photographed by many North Shore artists. You can not see it on the land unless you are accompanied by a tribesman. The boat ride was quite cold, but there is an enclosed cabin in the middle of the boat with some limited seating, coffee, pop and snacks. The back of the boat was also enclosed, but still a bit windy. On the way you see many small islands and Isle Royale in the distance.
When we arrived to the island, the boat driver took us over a ship wreck site. You could see the bow of the shipwrecked boat. Then the boat travels into a bay of the island to Windigo, an area with a store, ranger station and many trails. I went on a guided hike which was very informative about animals and plant life on the island. There was a chance to break away from the guided hike to see some lady slippers. We saw quite a few. I have never gotten to see one so close. It was really neat. Unfortunately we did not get to see any wolves or moose which the island is known for. After the hike, we enjoyed some lunch and then we were off to board the boat again. It was quite a quick trip. On the way back it was very foggy and hard to see anything else, but much warmer.
I definately enjoyed the trip, but wish we could have more time for exploring and a little better weather. As a side note, I would probably not bring my 1.5 year old again – it was just too much time on a wobbly boat and not enough time for running around. Live and Learn right! -Kris

Dragonflies - Who Knew They Could Be So Exciting June 24, 2009

I never really got excited over dragonflies when I lived in the cities. They were neat, but nothing to jump up and down for. Now living in the northwoods I think everyone up here gets very excited for the dragonflies. My yard right now is filled with them. I think we get more than the average joe since we also have a pond. For us the excitement of the dragonflies comes because they eat the ever so nasty black flies. My first encounter with a black fly was when we were looking for a home up here with our realtor Steve (now boss). I looked in the mirror and said in an alarming manor – I’M BLEEDING. I had blood running down my face and had no idea why. Steve laughed and told me to get used to it. I had got bitten by a black fly. This past weekend I had the same reaction as I was working in the garden and looked down to a bloody arm. I did for a second wonder if I had somehow cut myself and then knew that I was a victim. So, now you see why life from now on in my garden will be a little better. I welcome the dragonflies with open arms as does the rest of Cook County.-Kris

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