Katie has released the blog back to me so that I can get back to the travelogue…we circled Lake Superior in late August and early September. There was lots to see.
I could do a separate blog about each town we visited, but in the interest of saving some time, here are just a few images from a couple towns before we headed into Canada.
Ashland was a town in Wisconsin that we were just driving through on our way to Duluth. We weren’t planning on stopping there, in fact the road moved north of downtown, following Lake Superior’s shore.
But we saw a sign that referenced ‘public art’ with an arrow pointing toward downtown, a block away, so we turned toward town. And we were astounded by our first glimpse of huge murals painted on the sides of many of the retails buildings.
At first we were just going to take a couple of pictures and move on. But then we realized how outstanding these pieces of art were and we parked and walked from one end of town to the other.
I’m only showing you a fraction, they were all worthy of photos and I took pictures of all of them on the main street. I think there were a couple more further away.
If you ever get the chance to visit Ashland I recommend giving yourself an hour or more. Plus there was an absolutely wonderful burger place right downtown. I had a really good bean burger.
I recommend visiting there too.
Then we got back on the road, heading to Duluth.
Duluth is a working town, lots of ships coming and going. While we were at the aquarium we saw a big ore boat come into port. And no matter where we went ships were loading or unloading.
You saw the post about the mansion in town. There’s also Pattison State Park, named after the family that built the large house.
Lots of waterfalls there, and I was still figuring out settings to make the water smooth. Sometimes I got it right.
The first night we stayed on the top floor of a hotel with a view of the city.
At night it was so pretty. I could show you that…but you can imagine it. I sort of liked this shot from our window.
Just because it’s fun.
OK, OK…here’s the real night shot.
The second night we stayed at a hotel down near the marina with a lovely view of the bridge and boats.
Plus we got to drive across the famous lift bridge!
After two days of sightseeing in Duluth, visiting mansions, lighthouses, waterfalls, the aquarium and Lake Superior we moved on, heading north into Canada.
I guess I’ll have to post at least one more travel related blog or I’ll have abandoned you at the border.
And there’s plenty to see in Canada.
Stay tuned.
September 18, 2019 at 8:28 pm
This was great, Dawn! I love the bridges. And your fun night shot–mine always turn out like that! I think it shows the true vibrancy of the city that way. Please don’t leave me at the border! Looking forward to Canada–I have never been there.
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September 19, 2019 at 7:00 pm
Canada is beautiful, though the parts we were in looked a lot like very northern Michigan.
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September 18, 2019 at 9:29 pm
Beautiful photos – I especially love the street murals.
Please don’t abandon us at the border. I’d love to see your Canada shots — and read about your experience here.
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September 19, 2019 at 7:01 pm
Thank you. I’ll do another travel post in a day or two.
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September 19, 2019 at 7:04 am
WOW. Great post! I, too, drove through Ashland, but did not heed the signs for public art. Fail on my part. Thank you for sharing. I loved Duluth. I watched the lift bridge in action and was wishing it was Winter so I could see how motorists actually manage the super steep roads in town!
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September 19, 2019 at 7:01 pm
It reminded me a whole lot of Hancock and Houghton in the UP, where I lived for 6 years, including winters. I remember those hills in the winter. I often just walked.
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September 19, 2019 at 8:37 am
Ashland looks like a great place. That art is amazing. I’d like to get to Duluth sometime, it also looks interesting to me. Your photos do it justice.
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September 19, 2019 at 7:02 pm
Ashland was just a really nice town with gorgeous art!
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September 19, 2019 at 10:09 am
I find it way cool how murals can brighten up a building and draw people closer to explore them further. I’ve never been to Duluth — it’s looks so pretty, but I’ll bet it’s COLD in wintertime. Looking forward to your Canada shots — gee, this is like taking an interesting trip, without the yucky travel or the expenses, ha!
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September 19, 2019 at 7:04 pm
Yep, that’s my goal, to bring you all along. Usually I’d have been writing this as we were on our trip, but we didn’t have as much access to the internet in the wilds, so there you go. Plus I was too busy looking to spend time writing!
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September 19, 2019 at 12:23 pm
I’m loving this trip! It’s been many many years since I’ve been in Duluth, and I don’t know that I’ve ever been in Ashland. Love your photos – the fun night photo is just that – fun. Funny how everyone goes for smooth water, and I like to see the droplets, the splashes, the detail of the water. Not that I’ve ever captured either.
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September 19, 2019 at 7:04 pm
Lots of waterfalls in Canada, I’ll make sure I give you at least one that shows all the splashes!
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September 19, 2019 at 1:19 pm
Wow, you’re adding places to my bucket list for my trip west next year.
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September 19, 2019 at 7:05 pm
Well good! It’s so fun to plan a trip!
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September 19, 2019 at 2:15 pm
What a great tour you are on. Looks like you enjoy yourself. The photos are beautiful.
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September 19, 2019 at 7:05 pm
We had a really great trip. Who knew that driving around Lake Superior is a thing?! They call it the Circle Tour.
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September 19, 2019 at 4:28 pm
Aren’t murals fun? And the views from Duluth’s hills! Love your waterfalls and night shots, too. Thanks, Dawn!
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September 19, 2019 at 7:06 pm
You’re welcome P.J.! Duluth reminds me so much of Houghton/Hancock.
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September 21, 2019 at 4:34 am
Thanks for the photos. I’m heading out for two weeks to enjoy (hopefully) a bit cooler weather. I too like the murals. I saw some when camping near Pella, Iowa, and bicycled into town. Murals really perk up a wall! Glad to see you traveling and having fun. I’ve included a URL for a blog post that includes one of the “Dutch” murals in downtown Pella. https://www.greengoddessglamping.com/2019/06/howell-station-tiny-trailer-bicycle.html
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September 21, 2019 at 8:07 am
Thank you! I remember that post! Have a good vacation!
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