Rain and Reunion

After hiking to the sea caves we headed west to Duluth to meet up with my old high school friend Sheri and her kids. We arrived just in time to catch dinner and the College World Series Baseball Final game at the local sports bar Fitgers. We have not watched TV in quite some time and it was nice to get to see the Gators crowned National Champs!
Unfortunately our day in Duluth was a rainout. We had planned to bike along the waterfront of the city but Mother Nature had other plans. It literally rained all day and was bitterly cold. We made the most of it by touring The Depot – the railroad museum and the Duluth Maritime Museum. It also gave us some time to catch up on some chores like laundry and grocery shopping! The following day it was still cool and cloudy but the rain had subsided so we finally got to take our bike ride from the Leif Erickson park and rose garden all along the waterfront including getting to see the suspension bridge in action before heading north up the coast of Lake Superior to the area known as the North Woods of Minnesota.

On our way up the coast we stopped at the highly recommended Betty’s Pies for lunch.  Betty serves over 30 different kinds of homemade pies and the 5 layer chocolate and caramel apple were delicious!

 

We met up with Sheri and her kids again at Gooseberry Falls State Park where we camped together for two nights. We had a great time visiting and hiking with her family.

 

Just like old times Sheri and I hanging around the campfire eating smores and drinking wine!

Playing on the beach of Lake Superior

 

We took a lovely 16 mile round trip bike ride up the coast to the famous Split Rock Lighthouse. The lighthouse which was built in 1909 has been impeccably restored to its original condition including the original operating Frasnel lens. The lighthouse keepers house and grounds have also been restored to original condition including the appliances and furnishings.

 

 

The 252 steps down to the beach to get the best view of the Split Rock Light house.

 

 

And then we found out there was an even better place for pie so we had to try it too and the five of us voted Rustic Inn Café the winner!  The peanut butter pie was to die for!