Carlton Peak Trail, Tofte, MN

 When life gives you lemons that are being rained on, go for a hike and wait to make lemonade until you get back.

 

This place is just off Hwy-61, north of Tofte, MN. I would recommend it for the easy trails and great views. There are a few terrain challenges, like slick granite, but I think most folks can handle it, especially when dry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Firemaking 101

Now, I'm by no means an expert, but I've lit enough fires to know something about how best to start one. Though not always possible, you're going to want to start with dry materials. Find some old newspaper, some branches that aren't soaked and get to getting ready to put the fire together.

 

See, all laid out, ready to burn.

 

 

Then start assembling the initial burn structure, this is what I call a "Lincoln Log" starter. You can also try a teepee structure, but just make sure there's room to burn... not all packed down so tight you can't see daylight through it.

 

 Fan or blow on the flames to get them going...

 

If the wood's good, the structure has enough air in it, and you have some luck, it will light right up.

 

A fire like this, with a red-hot bed of coals can almost burn anything. Find some driftwood along the shoreline and toss it on.

 

And then finish the firemaking and night outside by enjoying one of these...

 

 

ESPN's Going Home.

Watch "Members of the military return home to reunite with their families" on YouTube

Happy 4th, All.

Temperance River Trail, Tofte, MN

 

 

It seems like there's always something to do up on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Rainy mildly cold afternoon... no problem. Go for a hike at the Temperance River Trail and hike around while you wait for the sun to show.

 

Best part is that with all the precip this year, all the rivers are running pretty fast and full. It was great to check this place out... right off the side of the road. Don't pass it up next time, just swing off the road and get out of the car. I think you'll be glad you did.

 

 

 

 

Beaver Bay, MN

With the late, snowy winter and wet long spring, the rivers that empty into Lake Superior are flush with rich, coffee-colored water, foamy waves, and almost enough noise to drown out the sound of the highway. Stop for 5 minutes and check it out during the drive up north.

Tobie's Restaurant & Bakery, Hinckley, MN

You like donuts, right? You make the drive north every so often, right? Well in case you live under a rock, you should stop at Tobie's on your way up to Duluth. You can fill up the car, fill up your belly, and grab some fresh made donuts for the rest of the drive.

 

And don't think these are regular gas station donuts; these are proper , fresh, bakery donuts...like "they used to make". It's an awesome old-school donut experience. The Custard Bismark (aka, Boston Creme) was great and the Maple Long John was no slouch either. Solid  all around. Even the box they packed them in (to avoid in-car donut injuries) was a custom touch I'd never seen before.

 

Do yourself a favor/flavor and stop in.

MN Storm Damage, 06/21/2013

I think I would ask the arborist for a refund on these plantings.

Not only did this tree get uprooted, but it popped the sidewalk right out of the path too. The felled tree was two feet from the car.

Farfegnowineedanewcar!!!