Canadian North Shore

We took a couple of days to drive from Grand Portage to Sault Ste. Marie.  There were a lot of steep grades to climb but we were often rewarded with spectacular views of the lake.  After a couple of overnight stays we headed back to the US side of the St. Mary’s river to view the Sault Ste. Marie locks.  It took almost an hour waiting to clear US customs.  I of course picked the wrong lane.  We discovered that our agent was a talker.  He was from NC and wanted to talk more about where he was from rather than where we were from.

MI Miata Club on a rally

Controlling the flow for the locks

Tugs to aid large ships through the locks.

Working Hydro plant.  Water is tunneled from above the locks.

Note the lighthouse in the bricks

Entering the US locks 

Up 21' and then out

Painting the bridge over the locks.  Not a job for me.

Entering the Canadian locks

Exiting the smaller Canadian locks

North Shore

The north shore of Lake Superior is great.  I finally have some scenic pictures to share.  Our first stop was Split Rock Lighthouse.  Took the stairs to the top (not many) but passed on the stairway down to the lake.  It rained some, but we didn’t melt.

Then on to Grand Portage just six miles from Canada.  Stopped at the 120’ high falls and then drove to the Grand Portage National Monument.  It was very interesting to learn about the fur trade and how those early Voyagers lived.

Glad I washed the RV at David's

High Falls

Sculptures at a house on US 61

Danbury

Well we are back in the gambling mecca of northern Wisconsin.  After a quick shopping trip to Duluth we made it back in time to head over to Yellow Lake Lodge for their all-you-can eat broasted chicken.  Thursday we celebrated Tammy’s birthday with a great dinner at Tesora Woodshed in Siren.  Friday was a van ride down to Cedar Lake speedway to watch nearly 100 late model stock cars churn up the dirt and throw much of it our way.  Of course there were plenty of concessions like cheese curds, cinnamon pecans, and corn dogs.  Saturday was spiced burgers and venison hot dogs on the grill at David and Tammy’s hacienda.  (are you getting the trend here)?  So what would you expect we do on Sunday but hit the Prime Rib buffet at the casino.

This week, we were visited by friends Judy Schlei and Janice Wenker.  After some long hours at the gaming machines, we went back to the motor home for a few beverages and visiting.  The gambling was only so-so but catching up with old friends, priceless. 

Eagle on the speedway light tower

Watch for flying dirt

Yellow River view from the RV

Back to Lake Elmo

We checked back in to Lake Elmo Park Reserve and set up in our new favorite site (#37).  I found an open view of the southern sky and set up the new dish with a push of the button.  Made a trip to Best Buy for an external Hard Drive and we now have DVR capabilities.  Not as good as home but we now can record our favorite shows and watch them later.

Saturday was the Nelson family reunion at Beth and Sue’s house.  About 50 relatives, cousins (their families) and one aunt (Jeanette) gathered and reminisced about times long ago.  It was really good to see everyone and we hope to see many of them again next year.

Grotto

GNR was officially over on Sunday but we stuck around for an extra day or so to take a road trip on Monday.  We drove down to West Bend IA to see the Grotto of the Redemption shrine recommended by Dave & Tammy and Ted & Bernie.  The drive was well worth it as we spent a couple of hours viewing the display made entirely of semi-precious stone and petrified wood.  Bernie’s family had donated a marker there so we made sure to check it out.