Up early and got the minivan loaded. Coming from the Chicago area, I meet up with the three Milwaukee contingent in Madison. We consolidate gear into my van and head on off through Wisconsin.

We meet the Minneapolis guy at Castle Danger Brewery on the North Shore, where we enjoy a couple excellent beers and dynamite weather on their patio.

From there we continue our north shore exploration with a stop at Palisade Head to take in the views and take a few pictures. Very scenic spot.

Then we head up to Grand Marais and convene at the Gunflint Tavern for beers and food. Great spot on their rooftop bar to take in the sights and sounds of the town and harbor...beautiful evening.

As night began to fall, we head up the Gunflint, where Clearwater Lodge would be our destination. By the time we got up there, it was fully dark, but we had little trouble finding it. Found the bunkhouse, which suited us just fine. We ended the night with a couple more beverages and some stargazing on their dock down on massive Clearwater Lake. Finally turned in to get some rest before the next day's entry.