The plan was that Larry and Steve would drive up together, and Jim and I together. Larry and Steve were leaving after work. However, Jim and I both got the day off, so Jim picked me up at my house and we were on the road at 10:00 a.m.

What a grand day for a fall drive! We watched the brilliant fall colors gradually diminish as we made our way further north. Too bad Steve and Larry would be driving in the dark and miss this!

We arrived in Grand Marais at 5:00 p.m. and checked in to the Wedgewood Motel. Larry and Steve would have a room two doors down from us. Jim and I went to town and wandered about checking out the harbor and the area. Supper was at the Gunflint Tavern. I’ve been there before. It is certainly OK but doesn’t excite me. I’m more of a Vertin’s or Cranberry’s type of guy. Next time I’m in Grand Marais I think I want to check out the VFW for supper.

After dinner it was back to the motel to watch a little TV and off to bed at 10:00 p.m. Before we turned in, we check to see if Larry and Steve had arrived yet. Nope, no car with canoes in the parking lot but our own.