Two Harbors

We got a late start to the day yesterday, leaving home around 11:30 or so, and got up to Duluth in time to enjoy a quick lunch at Angie's Cantina, then off to bask in a lovely, warm day out on the pier with throngs of seagulls who tail every boat in sight. I know many people think they're a nuisance, but I absolutely adore seagulls, so I was in bird heaven. They're so funny to watch, and there were so many it was like an orchestra of seagull cries. They've got such a funny little shape to them, their beaks, tiny round heads and birdy legs :) Although, I was glad none flocked at us for food like they were doing to other people who were giving out bread or pooped on us.

There was an enormous cargo ship coming through at the time, so we got to see the lift-bridge open up for it. All the crew was waving at everyone on the pier. We walked up to the lighthouse and took tons of photos of the gulls, each other and marveled at the grand scale of Lake Superior. It really is an impressive, gorgeous lake. Although I could have stood there for hours, the day was getting on and we headed off to book a room at the Northern Rail, which is a hotel made from converted rail cars! We're in the Lighthouse Porter Suite, which faces the woods and is quaint as all hell. It's what you'd expect for "Up North" decor, and the general manager of the place is as friendly as can be.

We settled into our room, took a nice snuggly nap, then off to explore Two Harbors. We had a lovely walk where we saw 5 deer grazing along the lake that didn't seem disturbed by people in the least. There was a little lighthouse way out in the lake that had a cool gangway that everyone was walking along and even some guys out fishing on it, so we watched the sun setting as we strolled along. It was quite chilly, and the fresh, damp was refreshing. We opted for a simple dinner of sandwiches, fruit and Chex Mix from a local grocery instead of a heavy dinner. We're pretty tired of eating out already, so this morning's simple continental breakfast of oatmeal, bagels and muffins was appreciated.

There is reportedly a friendly wolf that scouts the area, but we didn't see him last night. Poo! I was so hoping to see a wolf up close! However, there are three little deer that were hanging around last night, and then again this morning they were out grazing on the lawn. I got tons of photos that I'll post as soon as John uploads them. He is currently snoozing with his glasses on, and though I'm tempted to join him, I get cranky if I nap too long, so I think I'll just meditate or read my Julia Golding book.

Anyway, it was brilliant to have a night's sleep without a heavy kitty weighing down my chest all night, and we're having a peaceful vacay. We've only got one more day, so we plan on driving up to Grand Marais to see the waterfalls, also hitting Goosebury Falls, Iona's Pink Stone Beach, and another place that I can't recall how to spell. Ok, more later!
Love & hugs to all :)
R&J

PS: We plan on doing a podcast later tonight!! I know you're all waiting with bated breath for that, nyuk-nyuk ;)