Tuesday, June 6-Wednesday, June 7                                                                                         Judge CR Magney Campground                                                                                             Minnesota North Shore

Minnesota continues to impress us with its lakes, its beauty, and…

Driving from Voyageurs NP across to the North Shore, we went through a forested area on a two lane road. Up ahead, I noticed some kind of structure on the side of the road.  As we got closer, I suddenly realized, IT WAS A MOOSE!!! We slowed down and stared in stunned disbelief as it casually crossed the road in front of us.  It was a huge bull with enormous antlers, and he was wearing a collar!  We later found out that the moose population is declining in Northern Minnesota, and some have been collared so scientists can track their whereabouts.  I was too surprised to take a picture, but neither of us will ever forget him.  We were so excited!!

This monument is located on the border of Minnesota and Ontario, on the shore of Lake Superior. It was not a planned destination, but proved to be an interesting place to visit.  This nearby campground is nice, too.

We can set up and break down camp with a smooth rhythm now; we each have our own tasks, and every item has its own place.  I thought maybe we’d get tired of sleeping in our tent and living outdoors, but honestly, I will really miss it.  Andy has said the same thing.We bought this tent at REI before we moved to Maine and had used it a lot before this trip. We broke a pole during high wind conditions on Padre Island in Texas, but a little splint worked just fine for the rest of the trip.  We’ll have to send the pole for repair after this season.  One of our smartest investments was a high quality queen size mattress by ExPed.  It self inflates when unrolled, and comes with a hand pump so that air can be added to make it firmer.  There is a layer of memory foam inside that keeps the mattress warm as well as making it extremely comfortable.  I can’t recommend it highly enough for car camping.  Add a double sleeping bag and real pillows, and it’s just as good as any bed anywhere!!

Grand Portage was designated a national monument in 1958. It is on the Ojibwe reservation, and has been reconstructed to give visitors a glimpse of a bustling fur trade depot in a location where a major canoe fur trade route of the voyageurs left the great lakes. The route began with a grueling 9 mile portage.

There are docents here dressed in period clothing who explain to visitors what this place was like during its heyday in the late 18th century.  This man not only dresses the part, he spends each day building and maintaining canoes, using the same methods as the original builders.  We talked to him for quite a while, and it’s clear that he loves his work.  After we left his workshop we heard him playing a button accordion (beautifully).

We had dinner at Naniboujou Lodge, very close to our camp.  Named for the Cree god of the outdoors, this lodge was intended to be an exclusive private club.  Babe Ruth and Jack Dempsey were among the charter members, but unfortunately, the club opened in 1929 and went bankrupt soon after.  The establishment changed hands many times over the years and fell into disrepair, but is now privately owned and has been beautifully restored.  The dining room is painted with Cree symbols and is pretty amazing!  We were told that this is the original paint.

You just never know what the day will bring!!