The North Shore

A trip to Minnesota would hardly be complete without a trip to the North Shore of Lake Superior, but it didn't look like it was going to work out this year. But at the last minute, a few days opened up and we got to spend 3 nights up there with my parents and older brother's family. Unfortunately because of the last minute-ness of the trip, my younger brother's family was not able to make it. The trip did not quite feel complete without them, but we all still enjoyed our time.

We took a day trip up to the Canadian border to Grand Portage. It boasts the tallest waterfall in Minnesota (which inspired the "grand" portage the traders had to make as they carried trade goods inland from Lake Superior after traveling down from Montreal). We also visited a reconstructed trading fort on the shore of Lake Superior. Justin and Kaitlyn were fascinated with the history of the Indians, fur traders, and French-Canadian voyageurs who used to live there.

The tallest waterfall in Minnesota

Dave, Justin, and Betsy

My older brother's family: Jeff, Kaitlyn, Shelley, Micah, and Elissa

My parents with some of the grandkids

 At the fort, there was a reconstructed Indian village complete with a basket of Indian games. Everybody enjoyed trying them out.

Grandma, just before she caught the lacrosse ball!

Justin, trying out his lacrosse stick

Dave, Micah, and Justin, getting ready to throw their mock arrows through a rolling hoop.

 In the fort, there was a kitchen, a canoe-making warehouse, and a great hall where the groups used to dine.

Justin and Kaitlyn learning about cooking in the 18th century at the fort.

Kaitlyn and Justin reciting the junior ranger pledge at the Grand Portage Fort

Justin, posing with the Lake in the background

 The next day, all the guys were thrilled to go out on a chartered fishing trip on Lake Superior. The day dawned foggy and chilly, but that didn't dampen their fun! They caught 7 lake trout!!

Back on the dock, getting the fish ready for a picture, along with the boat they took.

Dave, Micah, Justin, Captain Kelly, Jeff, and my Dad with their catch of the day

 No trip up north would be complete without stopping at Gooseberry Falls!

Justin and my dad traversing the rocks below the waterfall

Justin, Betsy, and Dave at the base of Gooseberry Falls.

The North Shore Gang at the Upper Falls of Gooseberry: Kaitlyn, Jeff, Shelley, Elissa, Micah, Dad, Mom, Justin, Dave, me, and Koty!