We stopped at Trail Center for our traditional after-canoe-trip supper, and while waiting to be served I called Poplar Creek Guest House B&B to inquire about the availability of my favorite room there: Ollie’s Room, which has a big whirlpool bathtub. Getting an affirmative answer made my burger and malt taste even better.

The next morning, after enjoying a relaxing night in Ollie’s Room and Barbara Young’s incomparable breakfast, we headed back down the Gunflint Trail. As we were passing the sign that says “Moose Viewing Trail” I sighed audibly and Neil said, “So, do you want to try it?”

Craziness! Of course there were no moose around at ten in the morning! But we hiked back into the woods to the viewing platform overlooking the little pond, and I had my silly hopes up again. There were no moose. Obviously.

Then we were back on the road, with a stop at Grand Marais for a delicious lunch at the Sweet Onion, and a stop at the Split Rock Lighthouse. That, of course, involved another hike, down to the lake for a photo:

And that evening we stayed in Two Harbors, so we got a glimpse of the lighthouse there as well. I wish we had known ahead of time that they have B&B rooms in the lighthouse! Maybe next year!

The next day we drove across Wisconsin to Manitowoc, and on Thursday July 1st we boarded the SS Badger for a delightful crossing of Lake Michigan.

One special bonus of this trip was that the US Marine Corps Reserve Brass Band from New Orleans was on board with us and a small group of their members gave an impromptu jazz band concert for us on the bow deck. Free! It was entertaining and fun!

And finally we arrived in Ludington, Michigan, where we enjoyed a beautiful dinner, a splendid sunset, and a relaxing night’s sleep before heading for home on Friday.