We were on the lovely back roads again, this time noticing that the maples and birches were showing more color than just six days before.

We had determined that we would go out of our way a bit and have our lunch at the Trestle Inn. This is a neat place, built from the timbers of an old railroad trestle, and with a lot of rustic charm. Great burgers, too!

We continued on the gravel roads, ending up on Temperance Road, and stopping at the falls on the Temperance River for a photo shot and stretch break along the hiking trail.

Then it was a trip up the north shore, with a quick stop at the Grand Marais Trading Post, finally stopping at our night’s destination, the historic Naniboujou Lodge. We had eaten dinner there years before, but never had stayed overnight in the lodge, so this would be a new experience. And even though we took the last available room, and it wasn’t the premium room, we had a very good time at Naniboujou. The views of Lake Superior were beautiful, the food was outstanding, and just seeing the gorgeous Cree Indian painting décor of the dining room there—one of a kind, for sure—is a highlight of any trip! I am sorry I don't have a photo of the dining room. All I can say is that you MUST go there and experience it! :)

After sleeping in on Sunday and thoroughly enjoying the sumptuous breakfast buffet, we headed back down Minnesota 61 towards Duluth. We stopped at a very interesting gift shop called “Spirit of Gitche Gumee”, had pie at Betty’s Pies near Two Harbors, shopped at Sweet Pea in Two Harbors and ate our lunch at Judy’s there. Managed a photo of the Split Rock Lighthouse on a hazy day, also.

And finally, we made our way into Duluth and up the hill to the Fairfield for our night’s stay. I got myself connected to the Internet, caught up on messages a bit, and we made contact with Karl Everett, whom we were meeting for dinner.

We had dinner at the Blackwoods Grill with Karl and Kerry Everett ("Starwatcher" on quietjourney.com and bwca.com). It was a delightful evening of conversation and delicious food in a relaxing and pleasant setting.

On Labor Day we traveled across Wisconsin, and sailed at 7 PM on the Lake Express Ferry across Lake Michigan from Milwaukee to Muskegon, Michigan.

The sailing was just at sunset, and it was most pleasant.

We spent that night in Muskegon and on Tuesday morning we traveled back home, thankful for a relaxing and memorable vacation with another opportunity to enjoy the Boundary Waters. We are richly blessed.

CODA:

A word of thanks should go to Starwatcher for his assistance in identifying various insects in my report.

And now, very special thank-you to HoHo. Certainly for our cabin lodging, which is beyond anything imaginable, and greatly appreciated. But also for coaching me in how to do a pictorial trip report. It has been another adventure for me--I am still learning. But it was fun, too!

And if you are still reading, after this very long report for such a short trip, thank YOU! We enjoy the reports of others, and we hope you have enjoyed ours.