(Tuesday-Thursday, September 7-9, 2010) – I traveled to the North Shore (of Minnesota) on Lake Superior for a post-Labor Day retreat, to re-energize, reflect, and enjoy the deliciousness of solitude! The weather was in stark contrast to what I experienced last year, on my trip to the Black Hills. I drove up on a Tuesday, in a constant drizzle, with temperatures in the 50’s (last year, in the Black Hills, SD, I arrived to temperatures in the 90’s).
I expected to find plenty of vacancies at the Tettegouche State Park, since it was after Labor Day, and kids were back in school. Surprisingly, there were no tent camping sites available for 2 consecutive nights, other than “walk-in” sites. Reluctantly, I took a walk-in site, after assurances that I wouldn’t be too far from my vehicle. What I found was amazing: site 23, a mere 75 or so steps away from my car, and entirely secluded from others, was perfect!
I set up camp and headed to the trailhead to begin the adventure! I decided to take a small hike, since it was late in the afternoon, and headed along a spur toward the Superior Hiking Trail, which I had read so much about!
I came to a junction with the Superior Hiking Trail and another path, which led to the “High Falls”. I quickly decided to follow the Superior Trail and took about 10 or so steps along the trail, and stopped. Not sure why exactly, but something inside me told me to go to the “High Falls” instead. I’ve found that it’s best to pay attention to your gut feeling (if that’s what it was telling me to turn around), so I retraced my steps and headed along the trail to the “High Falls”. What I found at the “High Falls” was amazing, after a entire day of cloudiness and drizzle/rain, the sun came through this late afternoon, and a beautiful rainbow appeared, for about 5 minutes, over Lake Superior! I’m glad I decided to come visit the “High Falls”!
The High Falls had another interesting feature – a cable bridge with a see-through deck! It swayed pretty good when walking across, and made me think of the movie – Jurassic Park II (or III?) – the birdcage scene!
I found the setting outstanding – perfect solitude – the most interaction I had for the three day trip was talking with squirrels! I found the solitude enriching and re-energizing, and was able to do some reading, hiking, and relaxing (it was delicious!).
I visited “Shovel Point” where just weeks before an arch existed, that fell into Lake Superior.
The Superior Hiking Trail did not disappoint! It was as challenging a hike as any of the trails in the Black Hills, SD (aka Flume Trail). A good portion of the trail was very rocky and had many tree roots, so you had to measure each step very carefully. There were multiple areas of very steep grades to traverse (both up and down). And then there was “the drainpipe”…
The drainpipe is as close to rock climbing I have ever done in my life. I purposely did not take a photo, as the depth/vertical perception in the photo would not do it justice. The drainpipe is a vertical climb of rocks, approximately 25 to 30 feet high – that was both exhilarating and frightening, and adrenaline pulsed through my body as I made the climb.
The Drainpipe was fun, challenging, and in my rear view mirror – I wondered what lie ahead of me on this Superior Hiking Trail!
I veered off of the Superior Hiking Trail to loop around two inland lakes, Nipisiquit Lake & Mic Mac Lake.
The trail around Nipisiquit Lake was closed off, due to a recent storm that had rendered the trail impassable (fallen trees).
I retraced my steps back to a junction that offered the Papasay bypass, that looped around the north side of the lake & connected back to the trail that was closed. Little did I know what lie ahead!
I soon came upon a low, bog portion of the trail that was impassable (unless I wanted to go ankle deep into muck)! After some reflection, and looking backward at 2 hours of retracing my steps, I decided to go off the trail & forge ahead. The woods were thick, and it was difficult to traverse through unchartered area. I soon made my way through and found the trail again, a section that was not too wet! I was relieved, and continued on this wonderful hike!
The hiking along the North Shore equaled the magnificent hiking and solitude of some of the Black Hills, SD hiking trails. I savored the early mornings on this trip, making coffee over an open fire, and enjoying the sunshine – while reading – before heading out for hiking each day! I loved spending time on the North Shore, and was able to re-energize my soul during the three days spent here. I feel so blessed and fortunate to enjoy the spiritual connection found in hiking – enjoying God’s creation!