Duluth/Superior

For the most part the weather has been terrific for this time of year in the northwoods.  We've had sunny days and cool nights.  The autumn colors have starter to peak out.  It's a good time to be outside to enjoy the weather.

Next to our campground is what is classified a "multi-use" trail.  It is a trail used by hikers, bikers, ATV-ers, snowmobilers, horses, and perhaps pack elephants.  It is primarily a gravel road built upon an old railroad bed.  In Superior it becomes a dual surface--blacktop for bikes and gravel for others.  One afternoon we decided to explore the trail and so we donned our gear and head out for a wild adventure.

We ended our ride at Gronk's Bar and Grill in Superior.

We devoured one of those greasy hamburgers that one should eat only once a decade. It was worth it though. Great burger with fried onions and homemade french fries. Good beer also.   We did not burn enough calories on our bike tour to compensate for the meal!

On Saturday, we stumbled upon a small stree festival on the east side of Superior.  Food, rummage sales and a car show were running.  Here Donna tried to get service from Elvis' car hop:

 

Earlier in the week we ventured across the border to Duluth.  Downtown Duluth is well suited to gawkers from across the border.  They have developed an area along the lake for strollers, eaters and shoppers--Canal Park.  And the view of Lake Supeior is quite special:

 

 

The area is jam-packed with restaurants as well as some higher end shops.  But it also has it curiosities.  Here is a drinking fountain for person and their four legged pet.  The stainless steel bowl is attached to the fountain.

 



And here is a solar powered trash container:

 

 

Why solar powered?  It has a 12 volt battery which is solar charged.  When the receptacle needs emptying, it sends a message to the parks department:  "Come Empty Me."  I wonder if it really saves anybody any time.

 

We also came across this unusual ice cream stand:

 

 

 

Unfortunately, it was closed.

 

And here is structure which is part of a war memorial.  Perfect timing by the photographer, don't you think?

 

 



One of the best known and largest landmarks of Duluth is this interesting bridge.

This aerial lift bridge was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1973.  It is a vertical lift bridge and one of only two in the US.  In the pictured configuration, the bridge is open for vehicle traffic.  When a ship passes, the road deck is lifted vertically to the top of the span.  Though not my photo, here is how it would look when up for ship traffic:

 

 

In an Italian restaurant in downtown Superior Donna found the women's room highly decorated:

 



Cute.  Most restrooms aren't so photogenic.