DAY 10 – June 21, 2013 – DULUTH and MOOSE LAKE

After a wild stormy night in the area that resulted in many people not  having power this morning, we made it out of Minneapolis without too much trouble…a couple of missed exits and one wrong way turn-around. I heard they are expecting another stormy night tonight. My timing has been great so far on this trip.

Stopped by the famous TOBIES in Hinckley for their bakery products…a must see experience. I bought a loaf of pumpkin bread…mmm mmm good!

Decided to drive up to Duluth as we were too early to meet the new cousins in Moose Lake. It was COLD and very foggy and they were setting up for Granny’s Marathon tomorrow. I guess this is a BIG deal here and people/runners were everywhere. We saw the “lift bridge”, walked down to the lighthouse, cruised through the Maritime Museum, and then had lunch at Granny’s Saloon. I am assuming this is the same Granny’s that the marathon is named after. For those who do not know, Duluth is on the Lake Superior although, to me, it looks more like the ocean. J

Lake Superior - Duluth

On the drive back down to Moose Lake, we noticed a line of cars heading up to Duluth that must have been at least two miles long. We got out just in time.

Got to Moose Lake around 3:00 and met the new cousins. We looked at pictures and talked about ourselves then got a tour of Cora’s Quilt Room. Cora has been making quilts for years and has a stash of fabric, batting, and quilt tops ready to finish. It was amazing. Cora will be 92 in August and is still actively (although more slowly now) quilting and doing her hand embroidery work.

Another cousin arrived before 5:00 and then the photo albums came out. Sarah is the one who works on the genealogy so we were able to identify some of her photos and she was able to answer some of my questions. Cora’s sister is still living on the other side of the state (my next stop) so I am going to stop by and meet her while I am over there…and maybe her half-brother too.

Marlys invited us to stay for dinner – pot roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, and green beans. It was a wonderful unexpected treat. After dinner we took some pictures, were gifted with a set of embroidered pillow cases, said our goodbyes, and then we were off to our reserved hotel.

Cheryl, Connie, Cora, Sarah, Marlys

 

When we arrived at our hotel, they did not have my reservation (on a marathon race weekend?) but fortunately, they had a couple of rooms on “hold” so we were at least given a room…at a substantial amount more than my reservation. I will be contacting the General Manager!

Off to sleep for tomorrow we begin our trek to the other side of the state.