Rocks

 We went for a ride in the Buick the other day up the North Shore of Lake Superior.  Our destination was Grand Marais, MN, a busy little tourist town sitting on the shore the big lake.  We walked the streets, did some shopping and had a picnic. After lunch, uuuummmm, what should we do now.  After visiting the Superior North Outdoor Center Bike Shop and visiting with the owners, (great people by the way) we decided to check out some of the Low to High adventure.  The bike shop has all the details.  This could be on my bucket list and here is the scoop on it...  Lake Superior- 602 ft above sea level Eagle Mountain- 2301 ft above sea level, the highest and lowest points in the state. How fast can you make it up and back riding your bike and running? Take your best shot and let us know and we ll add you to our list. You have to be self supported, only use one bike and must run(Watch your footing!) when in the BWCA. Start and finish is dipping a wheel in the water at the coast guard boat ramp, and you must touch the plaque at the top of Eagle Mountain. You chose the route you ride between Superior and Eagle Mountain parking lot. Keep your own time, we trust you, record splits for bike and running legs as below.    

 Another thing that could be on my bucket list, is some gravel riding in Superior National Forest of Northern MN.  The above picture is the little town we came in after traveling about 80 miles of back country roads exploring. 

 Remember, as I said earlier, we were driving the Buick. Although the other roads of the 80 miles of gravel were just fine, forest rd 174 wasn't ideal for that vehicle.  But I am almost always up for an adventure with "her" car.  PLUS, it is only about 10 miles across there.  I just drove slow and avoided the big rocks...which sometimes meant hitting them with the tires so not to scrap the bottom.  About 5 miles in on 174 four ATV's came up behind us.  I got the Buick over as far as I could and when they passed they stopped to talk.  The first words spoke from the nice gentleman was "You alright?" Me, "I thiiinnnkk so." I can only imagine what they had to be thinking.  Remember like I have said before, we were driving a Buick...A Buick LeSabre driving across the Laurentian Divide?  We chatted for a while.  He confirmed our location and we continued on. To be fair to us though, our map showed it as a road. And to be fair to the map, it was a road...just a very narrow rocky road.  And to fair to the nice gentleman, he had very good reason to ask the question.  Did I mention, some were very large rocks.  It was one of those deals where once you are committed to doing whatever, you should be committed. AND, I think my wife was thinking just that.  No cell signal for miles.  Not to worry though.  I told her she could sit in the car (out here in the bush) while I go for a run to fetch help. But, all for naught, because it was all good...as we got back onto a well traveled gravel.

 There are many streams and lakes through this area.  Look at all the rocks.  

 We talked to a man and wife at the boat landing to this lake.  They had about 8 Northern Pike and 2 Walleye in their boat. I don't know who said this, but, only the guy who isn't rowing has time to rock the boat. 

 Great scenery up in this neck of the woods.  See how big some of the rocks are?

 The fishing has to be good. And, OK...the rocks on the road were not that big. Fish stories told here, some are true!

What a great place!! (note...ATV guy  told us how to get here) 

Lets get outdoors and have some fun!

Thanks for reading