Hey Twin Cities Apugger's

I will be in the Twin Cities next week Mon -Thur. I was thinking of dragging the 4x5 kit along and extending through the weekend. I saw some posts about multitudes of rivers cascading into Lake Superior. So... if I was "off work" Thursday evening, would I have a reasonable amount of time to get to the Lake area to shot Friday and Saturday?

My last experience with TSA and LF was less than pleasant, but perhaps time to brave it again?

Cheers,
Geary

Welcome to Minnesota. You just missed the snow, which is a much worse threat than Thousands Standing Around pawing through your gear.

The drive to Duluth is about 3-4 hrs. You'll be fine getting up there in time for the weekend, but you might want to book a room ahead of time. It's tourist season up nort'.

Do you want to go north of Duluth or hang around the city. Duluth has a number of rivers and good shore line opportunities.

It is 156 miles and all freeway. If you don't mind the extra drive going up to Gooseberry Falls is worth the trip. It is very accessible and very photogenic. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is also a good choice. Both are within an hour of Duluth.

These pictures were taken in Duluth.

If you have Time when you get here PM me. Maybe we can have lunch.

Regarding lodging, I don't think you'll have any problems. Snow sports season is done and the main tourist season doesn't start until after Memorial weekend. This is a less busy time for motels and hotels up there and the rates are usually lower until mid-June. If you want to be centrally located for many of the North Shore parks and attractions, consider staying in the Lutsen area.

Northeast Minnesota had abundant snowfall this past winter so the rivers will be thundering! No green color yet as spring doesn't arrive up there until late May.

Have fun and bring lots of film.

Rick

Thanks to everyone! I am excited and exploring the logistics. I'll keep you posted.
Cheers,
Geary

Rlibersky said:

It is 156 miles and all freeway. If you don't mind the extra drive going up to Gooseberry Falls is worth the trip. It is very accessible and very photogenic. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is also a good choice. Both are within an hour of Duluth.

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I would agree. There's a multitude of photographic opportunities in both areas.

Perhaps you might know of the hill that once had a mansion at the top. All that remains are remnants of the fire place (as I recall). I've always wanted to revisit the spot but I don't really remember where it is. I do remember the spectacular view and the long climb up the hill though.

Stillwater is near the Twin Cities and has a very interesting riverscape and an old mechanized bridge that rises for river traffic. Also some large old buildings on the water front. At Red Wing you can watch the barges negotiate some sharp bends in the river. I don't live there, but visited on business before. It sounds as if you are seeking more natural areas to photograph.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions! My plans are to drive to the Northshore early Friday morning. Scout the Gooseberry Falls and Knife River areas. Spend the night in Two Harbors. Out early shooting on Saturday. Any other suggestions in the area would be most welcome! After the light and/or my inspiration fails, drive back to the Twin Cities and stay near the airport. I have a flight out mid-morning Sunday.

Would love to meet for a beer on Wednesday or Thursday evenings!! I am staying at the Embassy Suites near the airport.

Cheers,
Geary

While this reply is far too late, consider driving south from the cities next time. Travel down highway 61 (Bob Dylan mentioned it) which runs down the Mississippi River, then go West over the river in Winona, Minnesota and travel back North on Wisconsin highway 35. That circuit puts you between the river and the *bluffs and coolees which are remarkable geographic anomalies. I'm sure you will find a lot to enjoy. Stop in Nelson, Wisconsin for some of their icecream and great cheeses. If you do this on a sunny Sunday, the road near Nelson sometimes looks like a parade of sportscars.

Oh - and it snows here as late as May, albeit rarely, but tonight we expect a hard freeze. Again. My journal has an entry, "Winona, MN. June 1, 1989. 5am. 40F". Enjoy.

*the hills - Minnesotans call them bluffs. Wisconsonites call them coolees. The distinction is lost on me.

One view: http://elearning.winona.edu/jjs/alma

Geary,

Please let us know how it went on the North Shore. Sounds like the weather may have been less than ideal but hopefully you had a good time anyways.

The Northshore of Lake Superior is magnificent! Lovely shoreline. Cool lighthouses. But for me the main attraction was the raging rivers cascading into the lake. I loved the area, but NOT the weather. Rain, drizzle, sleet, rain & rain. The trails were sloppy muddy, but the rivers were magnificent. Did I mention that it rained? And how about the coldest May 12 in 115 years of record keeping.

I hiked to the Gooseberry 5th Falls, and Caribou Falls,(although the trail was closed just before the falls ) on Friday. Saturday I hiked both sides of the Temperance River. Thanks to blaughn for suggesting it and showing me the great shots taken there!

Boy, was blaughn right about the "brown" water!! Don't know how my shots will turn out. Had to battle rain, wind and really slippery trails. But it was worth it! Hope to get the film developed before the weekend.

600 miles of driving. 18 miles of hiking, (that would be slogging through mud with a 4x5 kit in a backpack!). But it was definitely worth the effort! Thanks to everyone for their suggestions!!

Cheers,
Geary

Sounds like you had a nice trip. If it makes you feel any better I think all of Minnesota was under a giant raincloud and down here near the metro area we also experienced records colds. You should plan a return trip for the future - sometime in the fall. The fall colors only make the area that much more stunning and if you're lucky you'll have dry weather.

anyte said:

You should plan a return trip for the future - sometime in the fall. The fall colors only make the area that much more stunning and if you're lucky you'll have dry weather.

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I am in the Twin Cities about every 45-60 days on business. This was the first time I had the opportunity to take some personal time. Generally it's "In 'n' Out"!

Cheers,
Geary

galyons said:

I am in the Twin Cities about every 45-60 days on business. This was the first time I had the opportunity to take some personal time. Generally it's "In 'n' Out"!

Cheers,
Geary

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I think you just picked the wrong darn May to visit. Friday was the first time I think I seen the sun all month, but now the rain is back.