Today’s itinerary called for me to hike from Caribou Road to the Hwy. 45 trailhead, which is just past Cascade River State Park. It appeared to be a pleasant hike.
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Overview of forest from atop a bluff near Cascade River State park.
I saw BlueBerry at the AmericInn Tofte breakfast buffet, and that was a little sad because I knew it was probably the last time I’d see him. I told him rain was coming later in the day, so he should get out there hiking ASAP. If he dawdled too long, he’d be setting up camp in the rain. I’m such a mom! But he’s young enough to be my son.

That little sadness aside, I headed out to drop my car at Hwy. 45, my end spot for the day. Harriet picked me up. It’s her birthday today, and she and her lady friends celebrate birthdays for three days. That’s my style! As she shuttled me back to my start at Caribou Road, she told me how she and her friends celebrated last night along the Gunflint Trail. Tonight is another fete.

Heading Toward Cascade River State Park

My weather app, which I’m beginning to hate, said there would be no rain until about 4 p.m. Well, after about 90 minutes of hiking, it began to rain heavily. Luckily, the trees protected me from much of it. But I still got pretty soaked. However, I was able to enjoy some good views.

The trail wound up the west side of the Cascade River. I tried to take a spur trail to view the falls, but it was too narrow, rooty Hiking trail through the woods that is full of huge roots.and treacherous. I’d already slipped in the mud twice and didn’t want to take anymore chances, so I turned around. Rats. Oh well, that’s nature.

Day Is Done

I ended the hike around 4 p.m., then drove to Grand Marais, where I had reservations at the Best Western. Before checking in, I stopped to pick up some groceries for dinner. No going out to a restaurant for me. I was so cold and wet, I knew that once I showered and got all warm, I wouldn’t want to go out again.

Imagine my surprise to find this Best Western a pretty swanky place. It has a bar and small restaurant, plus the rooms are awesome. I was actually looking forward to camping again, but now I’m not sure! I could stay here for a while.

After showering and eating dinner, I caught up on a lot of emails and other things. Looking forward to tomorrow, even though more rain is in the forecast.

Snowshoe

MN NCT miles today: =13.3 (21.4 km)
MN NCT miles to date: 253 (407.2 km)
SHT miles to date: 253 (407.2 km)
Total NCT miles to date: 539.4 (868.1 km)
Total NCT miles to go: 4,060.6 (6,534.9 km)

©2018 Melanie McManus – All Rights Reserved

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