It’s about a 19 hr drive to Grand Marais. One the way, I found an awesome ma and pa root beer joint in Oglesby, IL:

After spending the night in the Antler’s Motel in Eau Claire, I picked my songwriter friend Rick up in GM (he wasn’t working due to the gov’t shutdown). After a short stop at a WTIP fundraising event:

And finding parking to be a problem in GM:

we headed off to meet up with Shy Anne in Thunder Bay for a 4 day excursion of project songwriting, the workshop itself and the outdoor concert. The event took place in Nipigon just off the Black Sturgeon River. A pretty 40+ acre area and hosted by owner Ben. Here’s a pic of Ben, myself, Shy Anne and Jake

And the little show on Sat nite (Shy Anne and her gtr player Jordan sat in on some songs- lots of fun.)

And finally the workshop participants.

We left Sunday nite for Grand Marais and after spending some special time the next day there it was time to head to Tuscarora Lodge.