Change Is Hard

…but change is certain.

Ashland Wisconsin and Duluth Minnesota

20 Comments

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.

Sturgeon at the Duluth aquarium.

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.

The side of the co-op was covered in a beautiful mosaic. This is only about a third of it.

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.

The flowers complimented the beautiful mural.

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.

These women were real people who worked at the local diner back in the day.

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.

Sometimes the murals melted right into the afternoon sky.

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.

Mural reflections.

I recommend visiting there too.

Then we got back on the road, heading to Duluth.

The bridge into 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.

I liked the grey ship with the grey sand against the blue sky and water.

You saw the post about the mansion in town. There’s also Pattison State Park, named after the family that built the large house.

Upper falls. It’s hard to see just how big these falls are.

Lots of waterfalls there, and I was still figuring out settings to make the water smooth. Sometimes I got it right.

Working on my fluid water technique on the lower falls.

The first night we stayed on the top floor of a hotel with a view of the city.

Lake Superior, a ship, the iconic Duluth lift bridge and a cloud front. Perfect.

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.

Lots of color at night.

Just because it’s fun.

OK, OK…here’s the real night shot.

Took this one with my phone. Phones cameras are amazing.

The second night we stayed at a hotel down near the marina with a lovely view of the bridge and boats.

Early morning light on the marina.

Plus we got to drive across the famous lift bridge!

Crossing the bridge.

After two days of sightseeing in Duluth, visiting mansions, lighthouses, waterfalls, the aquarium and Lake Superior we moved on, heading north into Canada.

Pretty and peaceful at the Duluth aquarium.

I guess I’ll have to post at least one more travel related blog or I’ll have abandoned you at the border.

Roses in full bloom at the Leif Erikson Park at the edge of Duluth as we left town.

And there’s plenty to see in Canada.

Stay tuned.

Building on a building in Ashland.

Author: dawnkinster

I'm a long time banker having worked in banks since the age of 17. I took a break when I turned 50 and went back to school. I graduated right when the economy took a turn for the worst and after a year of library work found myself unemployed. I was lucky that my previous bank employer wanted me back. So here I am again, a long time banker. Change is hard.

20 thoughts on “Ashland Wisconsin and Duluth Minnesota

  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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    • 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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  6. 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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  7. Wow, you’re adding places to my bucket list for my trip west next year.

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  8. What a great tour you are on. Looks like you enjoy yourself. The photos are beautiful.

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  9. Aren’t murals fun? And the views from Duluth’s hills! Love your waterfalls and night shots, too. Thanks, Dawn!

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  10. 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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