Posts Tagged ‘Minnesota’
Take the Scenic Scenic Route to Grand Marais
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
What does take the Scenic Scenic Route to Grand Marais mean? (yes, I know we put Scenic in there twice) It means slowing down a little and taking in the sights you might not have known about while missing the road construction in Duluth.
Grand Marais has put together a great video and map of how to travel in the great State of Minnesota and visit some iconic small town stops like the Frank Lloyd Wright Gas Station in Cloquet or the Skibo Vista on Minnesota’s Laurentian Divide. Hop in the car with Jason Portman as he explores these great places. Check out http://www.grandmarais.com/scenicroute/ for this fun filled computer adventure…which you too could partake in with your own car (maybe not one as cool as he has though)!
If you are just interested in getting around the construction a little closer to Duluth, they have maps for that too. – Kris
Tags: Duluth, Grand Marais, Minnesota
Posted in Uncategorized |
Wildflowers Bloom in Grand Marais River Valley
Wednesday, May 5th, 2010
Wildflowers and trees are already blooming on Lake Superior due to the warm spring weather. But inland, at the Surbaugh family compound, the blossoms have just now appeared. The first wildflower to bloom in the spring woods is the marsh marigold. It grows with its “feet” wet in streams or swampy places. It’s very striking to see the sturdy, yellow marsh marigolds glowing against the still-brown creek banks.
Our kids love to play in the seasonal creek (which feeds into the Cascade River) during the spring. We’ve spent many happy hours squishing through the mud in rubber boots, jumping the creek and racing stick boats. Those are Tristan’s (5 yrs) brand new “puddle boots” in the photo. – Kate
Tags: Cascade River, Cascade Vacation Rentals, Grand Marais, Minnesota
Posted in Stories and Pictures |
Lake Superior Beach – So Calm
Wednesday, April 28th, 2010
It is not very often you see Lake Superior in a calm and quiet state. It seems like there are always waves rolling in, sometimes big, sometimes small, and sometimes there are waves that fishermen call the Walleye Chop. On my drive to work this morning there were no waves at all. Large Lake Superior was like a sheet of glass. I stopped at the Schroeder boat launch to take a picture and could see clearly all the rocks lining the bottom of the lake. I do love seeing the big waves roll in as it is exciting to see how high they can get and how they hit the rocks, the sounds they make, but something about today was a nice change. It would have been a great time to practice my rock skipping. Maybe next time! - Kris
Tags: Cascade Vacation Rentals, Lake Superior, Minnesota, North Shore, Schroeder
Posted in Stories and Pictures, Travel |
Lutsen Wildlife Returns for Spring
Wednesday, April 21st, 2010
We had the first ducks of the season in our Lutsen-area pond. We usually get mallards in pairs- male and female. It is fun to see them swim around and explore. They don’t stay for very long, some only 15 minutes and some for a couple hours. Below is a picture of the first pair.
The frogs have also started to pipe up. It isn’t as loud as last year, but we can still hear them inside with the television on and the doors and windows closed. I have found a large amount of frog eggs which I am keeping my eyes on. If that many eggs hatch we are going to have a frog infestation!! – Kris
Tags: Cascade Vacation Rentals, Lutsen, Minnesota, wildlife
Posted in Office News, Stories and Pictures |
Homes Available for 9/11- 9/13
Tuesday, September 8th, 2009
Want to relax after the 1st week of school? Plan a trip to the north shore. Here are the homes we have available:
Agrod Schloss – Lake Superior, Tofte
Asle Ta – Lake Superior, Lutsen
Aspenwood 6508, 6526, 6528, 6536, 6550 – Lake Superior, Tofte
Bella Lago – Hungry Jack Lake, Gunflint Trail
Caribou Cove – Caribou Lake, Lutsen
Christine’s Hideaway – Poplar Lake, Gunflint Trail
Deer Creek – Lake Superior, Lutsen
Finn House – Lake Superior, Tofte
Minne Me – Lake Superior, Lutsen
Parkview – Lake Superior, Tofte
Seacliff – Lake Superior, Lutsen
Superior Shores 9 – Lake Superior, Grand Marais
Superior Retreat – Lake Superior, Grand Marais
The Vila – Grand Marais
Thorson House – Lake Superior, Little Marais
Wearing Water – Lake Saganaga, Gunflint Trail
Call 1-800-950-4361 to make your reservation.
Tags: Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, Lake Superior, Lutsen, Minnesota, Tofte
Posted in Uncategorized |
A Great Pontoon Ride
Thursday, August 27th, 2009
Last Sunday our family and 2 other couples had the chance to rent a pontoon from Gunflint Pines Resort on Gunflint Lake. I had bid last year on a four hour ride with pizzas and pop at a local silent auction. Fortunately for us, we picked the perfect day. As I have said before, this summer has been pretty chilly up here, but last Sunday was beautiful. The sun was out, very few clouds, the lake was still a bit cold, but it was perfect. The resort set us up with our pizzas which were very tasty, we hopped on the boat and we were off to find some fish and take in the rays. The owner told us of a place to fish so we headed off to find some dinner. Unfortunately we didn’t find any fish, but we did find a great sandy beach. The beach was a nice place to relax and there were the flatest rocks I have ever seen before. They were great for skipping along the water. After some time on the beach, we headed back to find some fish. Again nothing, but it was such a great experience we agreed to come back and do it every year.
Many of us get so ingrained with our daily lives on the shore that we often forget of the great wilderness of the Gunflint Trail. Next time you are on the North Shore, make your way up and check out Gunflint Lake or call to rent the pontoon at Gunflint Pines. It is definitely worth it!-Kris
A View of Gunflint Lake
My son Carson taking in the experience!
Tags: Gunflint Lake, Gunflint Trail, Minnesota, North Shore
Posted in Uncategorized |
Last Minute Opening for this Weekend!
Tuesday, August 4th, 2009
We have Loon Point (Lutsen, Minnesota) open for this weekend (open August 6-12). Call us today to make your reservation for this quiet home on Caribou Lake, just minutes from Lake Superior. 1-800-950-4361
Tags: Caribou Lake, Lake Superior, Lutsen, Minnesota
Posted in Uncategorized |
Homes Available for July 17-19, 2009
Wednesday, July 15th, 2009
This week we have the following homes available for rent on Lake Superior:
Asle Ta – Lutsen
Aspenwood 6508 – Tofte
Aspenwood 6550 – Tofte
Grey Havens – Lutsen
Squantum Point – Hovland
Thorson House – Little Marais
If you are interested in any of these homes, please call 1-800-950-4361.
Thanks!
Tags: Cabins for Rent, Lake Superior, Minnesota, North Shore
Posted in Uncategorized |
Llama on the Loose
Wednesday, July 8th, 2009
It is very common to see wildlife on the North Shore. Just last week I saw a fox almost eat my husbands golf ball at Superior National, then later that week I saw a large bear cross the road. You would expect me to say I saw a moose or a wolf, but never a llama. I was bringing my son to daycare last Thursday on County Road 7 and saw something large, furry and white up ahead. I slowed down to a stop and stared at a llama on the side of the road. It was so bizarre. I didn’t know what to do, so I pulled out my camera phone and took a picture, then went on my way and called the police station to alert them of the oddity. I must apologize to the dispatcher as I could not stop laughing. I was caught so off guard, especially when she asked me to describe the llama…tall, furry, white with a brown spot. I hope that the owner now has their llama safe at home and all is well. As for me, I now look for all types of wildlife on my drive to work, including llamas. -Kris
Tags: Grand Marais, Lake Superior, Llama, Minnesota
Posted in Stories and Pictures, Uncategorized |
Trip to Isle Royale
Monday, June 29th, 2009
We took a trip to Isle Royale this weekend, my husband, 1.5 year old son, father-in-law and step mother-in-law. I have always wanted to go. The boat ride starts in Grand Portage and takes about 3 hours to get to the island, then you spend 3 hours on the island, then 3 hours back. I have never taken a boat out on Lake Superior, so it was very fascinating for me to see Minnesota from a different perspective. The boat driver took us by the Witch Tree which is painted and photographed by many North Shore artists. You can not see it on the land unless you are accompanied by a tribesman. The boat ride was quite cold, but there is an enclosed cabin in the middle of the boat with some limited seating, coffee, pop and snacks. The back of the boat was also enclosed, but still a bit windy. On the way you see many small islands and Isle Royale in the distance.
When we arrived to the island, the boat driver took us over a ship wreck site. You could see the bow of the shipwrecked boat. Then the boat travels into a bay of the island to Windigo, an area with a store, ranger station and many trails. I went on a guided hike which was very informative about animals and plant life on the island. There was a chance to break away from the guided hike to see some lady slippers. We saw quite a few. I have never gotten to see one so close. It was really neat. Unfortunately we did not get to see any wolves or moose which the island is known for. After the hike, we enjoyed some lunch and then we were off to board the boat again. It was quite a quick trip. On the way back it was very foggy and hard to see anything else, but much warmer.
I definately enjoyed the trip, but wish we could have more time for exploring and a little better weather. As a side note, I would probably not bring my 1.5 year old again – it was just too much time on a wobbly boat and not enough time for running around. Live and Learn right! -Kris
Tags: Grand Portage, Isle Royale, Lake Superior, Minnesota
Posted in Uncategorized |
