Duluth, the world's largest, farthest-inland seaport, entertained us for a day or two. Despite the rain and the polar vortex. We are still using flannel sheets and the heater is a welcome sound in the mornings. I do wonder if we will ever find summer this year?
Minnesota, best know as the "Land of the 10,000 Lakes", also leads the country in paved bike trails. Duluth anchors one of the longer rails to trails in the state: the Willard Munger State Trail, at least 60 paved miles and several feeder routes as well. We picked up the trail head by the campground and rode an out and back route--up the grade slowly through rock cuts, over rail tracks, through forests interspersed with lakes, streams, and the rushing St. Louis River. We were thrilled to be on pavement and are eager to try out more Minnesota trails.
Duluth is a water front, working town. The "north shore" of Lake Superior is rocky and rugged and here in Duluth it mets the "south shore" -- low, flat, sandy shores. We will explore the North Shore (Route 61 anyone?) after a bit of inland touring.
Huge freighters come and go from Duluth -- loading and unloading cargoes at amazing speeds. Wheat here, coal there, wind turbine parts -- you name it! The Corps of Engineers maintains the Duluth "Lift" Bridge and hosts a fabulous museum on the waterfront. We saw pictures of the ice on the Lake and the efforts made to open the harbor. Oh my, winter with a bite!
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| Bike path rolling south from Duluth |
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| Riding over the St Louis River |
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| Watching the train from the bike path |
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| A lovely loon playing on Lake Superior. Too bad the haunting call doesn't blog well! |
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| Guarding the entrance to Duluth, MN Lift bridge is further to the right. |
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| Highway 61 runs North from Duluth. Bob Dylan is Duluth's favorite son though he only lived here as a child. |
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| Give your spirits a LIFT watching the bridge! Famous landmark marks the entrance to the port of Duluth. |
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