(Uncle George is wearing the older version of snoweshoes)
(on our way to the overlook)
(Aunt Gail is a rockstar of a snowshoer)
(Up the Gun Flint Trail on our snowshoeing adventure)(I am sorry I had the camera so no pics of Mark, but I'm thinking he's going down a slope himself at this time:)
(Our drive up Hwy. 61 on Saturday, Mark's driving )
(One frozen Lake Superior)
(On our way to Grand Marais)
Arrived and with a beautiful sight!
Last Friday came and it was no surprise that we've been awaiting a getaway...um ALL WINTER LONG!!! This winter hasn't been all that ultra exciting for us, but we always manage to or shall I say I like to keep us busy and always have our calendar plump full, just so we don't get too stir crazy.
We hit the road just after 12:00 to visit Aunt Gail & Uncle George who have retired and lived their since 2004. Their home is just up on the hills of Grand Marais above downtown with a beautiful view of Lake Superior just about any place in their home really.
When staying at their home it's just a real great experience as every wall has something from their travels or maybe past relatives belongings. Regardless to say we stayed in the Japanese style room. My cousin Margaret was an exchange student back in high school, they too have hosted a student "Yoshi Hero" back when I was just a little girl. Each room has its own identity and really reminds me of being in a B & B.
Since we arrived earlier than expected (only took us less than 4 hours to get there) we enjoyed a cocktail hour or two :) and had my Aunts famous Lasagna. When I was little they lived in Lakeland, MN just south of Stillwater so I remember eating "real" Lasagna not the Stouffers disasters and of course that's Mark's favorite!! We went into the evening enjoying our meal and wine and discussed everything and anything. I feel as if this is how our time should be spent more than how we have lately. It's the conversation and enjoying each others company that makes you wish this happened more often with our friends our age. Mostly our age is looking for the best way to get your brew down your throat rather than really getting to know you. Hence why Mark and I have been hermit's much of the winter. Any who, we finished the evening with sipper of the Peach Schnapps that is made in the town were my cousin Margaret currently lives. I can tell you that's a kick in the pants :)
Our next morning we were up early and sipping on what Mark calls it "Rocket Fuel", its the coffee my Aunt & Uncle make. He was off to Lutsen just before it opened with a full grin on his face! I was able to meet a local fitness instructor/friend of Gail & George's and she introduced me to some fun East Coast Swing moves and tried getting us to the "Howling Wolf" for the evenings dance they were holding.
Since I am fearful of heights & speed we decided a snowshoeing adventure would be more up my alley. We drove up the Gun Flint Trail a few miles to a near by snowshoeing trail they had tried recently. I found it to be a great workout and rather more my style of being outside. We went through the trees and headed down towards a lookout area. OMG-OMG! I wasn't as nervous as I thought I would be but soon realized my fear of the heights has narrowed to only a small fear. I just kept far away from the edge (see pics). Now going back up the hill was a rather great workout and my legs were ready for it, I am still not sore today!!
We completed our hike and took a drive up to the half way mark up the Gun Flint Trail to get a Moosehead beer and soup & sandwiches. The bar we went to had all sorts of outdoor sportsman and we even saw snow sculptures on the way up the trail.
Late afternoon we convened at the house and enjoyed the CandyLand popcorn I bring George since it was his favorite sweet when he worked for the City of St. Paul the place is just right near my office. Mark was a bit sore from his excursion but I kept him going by suggesting a drive further up Hwy. 61 going towards Canada at sunset. It was a beautiful drive and we were tempted to cross the line to get Mark some Molson Canadian beer but figured dinner was more important :) Another great meal was devoured and we stayed in and got a great night sleep after the day's activities.
Our last morning we enjoyed our coffee in the beautiful upstairs that has a great view of Superior and knew our trip would soon end just after breakfast. We hope to visit again possibly while snow is still around as we had a great time and couldn't picture a better weekend, probably the best all winter!!
The drive home was sunny and quick, probably too quick. It got us thinking about our plans for the cabin this year and a 4 hour trip up north is nothing anyone should gripe about, because the experiences and scenery is hands down perfect and worth it!!
March is now here and if the Lions come in like they say I'll take another weekend up in Grand Marais any day!!
Hugs,
Mark and Sara
We hit the road just after 12:00 to visit Aunt Gail & Uncle George who have retired and lived their since 2004. Their home is just up on the hills of Grand Marais above downtown with a beautiful view of Lake Superior just about any place in their home really.
When staying at their home it's just a real great experience as every wall has something from their travels or maybe past relatives belongings. Regardless to say we stayed in the Japanese style room. My cousin Margaret was an exchange student back in high school, they too have hosted a student "Yoshi Hero" back when I was just a little girl. Each room has its own identity and really reminds me of being in a B & B.
Since we arrived earlier than expected (only took us less than 4 hours to get there) we enjoyed a cocktail hour or two :) and had my Aunts famous Lasagna. When I was little they lived in Lakeland, MN just south of Stillwater so I remember eating "real" Lasagna not the Stouffers disasters and of course that's Mark's favorite!! We went into the evening enjoying our meal and wine and discussed everything and anything. I feel as if this is how our time should be spent more than how we have lately. It's the conversation and enjoying each others company that makes you wish this happened more often with our friends our age. Mostly our age is looking for the best way to get your brew down your throat rather than really getting to know you. Hence why Mark and I have been hermit's much of the winter. Any who, we finished the evening with sipper of the Peach Schnapps that is made in the town were my cousin Margaret currently lives. I can tell you that's a kick in the pants :)
Our next morning we were up early and sipping on what Mark calls it "Rocket Fuel", its the coffee my Aunt & Uncle make. He was off to Lutsen just before it opened with a full grin on his face! I was able to meet a local fitness instructor/friend of Gail & George's and she introduced me to some fun East Coast Swing moves and tried getting us to the "Howling Wolf" for the evenings dance they were holding.
Since I am fearful of heights & speed we decided a snowshoeing adventure would be more up my alley. We drove up the Gun Flint Trail a few miles to a near by snowshoeing trail they had tried recently. I found it to be a great workout and rather more my style of being outside. We went through the trees and headed down towards a lookout area. OMG-OMG! I wasn't as nervous as I thought I would be but soon realized my fear of the heights has narrowed to only a small fear. I just kept far away from the edge (see pics). Now going back up the hill was a rather great workout and my legs were ready for it, I am still not sore today!!
We completed our hike and took a drive up to the half way mark up the Gun Flint Trail to get a Moosehead beer and soup & sandwiches. The bar we went to had all sorts of outdoor sportsman and we even saw snow sculptures on the way up the trail.
Late afternoon we convened at the house and enjoyed the CandyLand popcorn I bring George since it was his favorite sweet when he worked for the City of St. Paul the place is just right near my office. Mark was a bit sore from his excursion but I kept him going by suggesting a drive further up Hwy. 61 going towards Canada at sunset. It was a beautiful drive and we were tempted to cross the line to get Mark some Molson Canadian beer but figured dinner was more important :) Another great meal was devoured and we stayed in and got a great night sleep after the day's activities.
Our last morning we enjoyed our coffee in the beautiful upstairs that has a great view of Superior and knew our trip would soon end just after breakfast. We hope to visit again possibly while snow is still around as we had a great time and couldn't picture a better weekend, probably the best all winter!!
The drive home was sunny and quick, probably too quick. It got us thinking about our plans for the cabin this year and a 4 hour trip up north is nothing anyone should gripe about, because the experiences and scenery is hands down perfect and worth it!!
March is now here and if the Lions come in like they say I'll take another weekend up in Grand Marais any day!!
Hugs,
Mark and Sara
No comments:
Post a Comment