Last weekend, our family accepted an invitation to join the Kastners for a wonder-filled weekend on the northern shores of Lake Superior, the largest of the five Great Lakes. “Great” is certainly the word for it! The expanse of water stretches endlessly–like an ocean! Highway 61 runs along the coast, tunneling under great rocky cliffs and bridging the roaring rivers that plunge down to the lake. Along the highway lie numerous state parks–Tettegouche, Temperance River, Split Rock Lighthouse–each one full of its own unique sights and sounds, just waiting to strike some poor central flatlander dumb with amazement.

We spent much of Saturday on our feet–my favorite mode of transportation when I want to truly see a place. The Superior Hiking Trail led us through miles of forest, along riverbanks, up and down hundreds of stairs, and–owing to all the rain the day before–through some rather gooey mud-puddles.

Walking is very beneficial exercise–but I believe of some delights a little goes a long way. A little felt like a long way for Mollie’s short legs. Lucky for her, there are alternative modes of transportation…

~ Woodland flowers grow in a shady nook ~

~ The Temperance River swirls through a jagged gorge ~

~ The fragrance of wild roses, in full bloom… ~

~ Erica, inside a pothole ~

I have many more photos to share–enough for two more blog posts! You’ve got to see the one I took of Breanna sitting on a log amongst the ferns, a ray of warm sunlight shining on her hair. And the neat silhouette shot Erica captured while we were exploring the rocks along the shoreline…

Until next time, then!