M. Sullivan Photography Lake Superior, Photography, Photos, Vacation

Grand Marais

DAY 2 (Part 2) – Naniboujou Lodge and Grand Marais

Naniboujou Lodge was first conceived in the 1920’s as an ultra exclusive private club. Babe Ruth, Jack Dempsey and Ring Lardner were among its charter members. A membership of 1000 was originally sought, but when the stock market crashed on “Black Tuesday” precipitating Naniboujou, the club began to fail. In the mid 1930’s the club reached a state of financial shambles. The mortgage was foreclosed, and it was sold.

Throughput the succeeding years the Lodge has been owned and operated by various corporations or private individuals and families. Still reflecting the aura of the 20’s, Naniboujou is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The Lodge boasts Minnesota’s largest native rock fireplace, a 200 ton work of art which stands in the 30 x 80 foot Great Hall. www.naniboujou.com

Outside Naniboujou along the Lake Superior shore.

Watching the waves roll in.

Taking photos and video.

Where is Mike?

Next stop, Grand Marais – just 40 miles from the Canadian border.

Sebastian decided to try out his new rain jacket against the Lake Superior waves.

His shirt was dry, but his shorts and shoes were soaked.

On the way out of town and back to Lutsen for one more night.

Up next, DAY 3 – Tettegouche State Park and Split Rock Light House

 

M. Sullivan Photography Lake Superior, Landscapes, Photography, Vacation

Devil’s Kettle Waterfall

DAY 2 (Part 1) – Judge C.R. Magney State Park

The most popular hike at Judge Magney State Park leads from the trailhead upstream along the Brule River to Devil’s Kettle, where the river splits around a mass of volcanic rock. Half of the river plunges 50 feet into a pool, while the rest pours into a huge pothole…the Devil’s Kettle.  No one knows where the water goes after it enters the Devil’s Kettle. Seriously. NO…ONE…KNOWS. (read more here)

Over the Brule River.

Through the woods.

You have arrived at your destination – Devil’s Kettle.

Devil’s Kettle and a rainbow.

To the falls for photos from above.

The Brule River just before it reaches the Devil’s Kettle.

Next, to the Upper Falls.

The long way back.

Up the stairs.

Down the path.

After we arrived back at our vehicle, we decided continue our journey to Naniboujou Lodge for a few photos by the shore of Lake Superior. We also spent a couple of hours in Grand Marais to enjoy the beauty of the harbor area and check out some shops . Look for DAY 2 (Part 2) soon.

M. Sullivan Photography Lake Superior, Landscapes, Photography, Photos, Vacation, Weather

Carlton Peak | Elevation 1,526 ft

With summer vacation nearly over for the kids, and the warm, sunny days coming to an end, we decided to take an impromptu trip up the North Shore of Lake Superior. We packed up our bikes and supplies and headed to Lutsen for three nights.   We hoped to relax and see some of Minnesota’s State Parks.  We were very fortunate to enjoy fabulous weather and see amazing sights along the way.

DAY 1 – Although hiking to the top of Carlton Peak was not on our bucket list, we had a last-minute game plan change that allowed us to take in the rugged scenery and amazing view at the top of the peak.

We took a lot of iPhone photos on day one, including the selfies above.  Day 2 of our journey will be coming soon with better photos and amazing scenery.

Here’s a bit more about Carlton Peak in the meantime.

Carlton Peak – As part of the Sawtooth Range, it offers supreme views of the lake and the surrounding area. A nice short day hike suitable for any season. The peak is located in Temperance River State Park, and the Superior National Forest.

The rock of Carlton Peak was formed deep under the earth’s crust. Molten rock cooled slowly, forming large green and pink crystals of anorthosite, an aluminum oxide mineral. About a billion years ago, this large block of anorthosite was rafted up on the magma that was forming the North Shore’s cliffs and rocks. Glaciers eventually eroded away much of the surrounding volcanic rock, but they couldn’t scrape away the hard anorthosite that formed Carlton Peak.