Pincushion

Superior Hiking Trail to Pincushion overlook.

Grand Marais & Gunflint

On Saturday, the group made its way up the North Shore for World's Best Donuts and coffee at Java Moose in Grand Marais before taking on the Superior Hiking Trail.

After "rehydrating" and grabbing a bite back in Grand Marais at Voyager Brewing, we hit the shops, downtown scene and hiked the shoreline to and around the lighthouse before heading up the Gunflint to Poplar Haus (OMG is that place incredible) for dinner and shakes at the Trail Center.

Oberg Mountain

Steep climbs & gorgeous views of Superior National Park, Lake Superior, Oberg Lake and Moose Mountain... earning our selves a stop at the North Shore Winery & Cider House later that afternoon.

Lutsen Moutain

Lutsen's Alpine Slide, gondola ride and Summit Chalet.

Sea Villas

Views from in and around our Sea Villa cabins & resort. 

North Shore MEA Road Trip

The Backer family spent MEA 2021 on the North Shore, setting up home base at the Sea Villas near Lutsen. Joe & Tisha's family joined us, as did G'pa Tom for a night... and we learned days before that the Jungs were staying just a few doors down and the Kiesers just a bit south in Duluth. 

Especially once the family getaway turned into a large group party, we filled the commute to/from a road trip of pit stops hitting Tobie's for donuts, Jay Cooke for a hike, 2-Fisted Burrito for lunch, Brighton Beach for agate hunting, Kendall's for smoked fish to-go, Palisade Head for gorgeous views on the way up... and Gooseberry Falls on the way back home.

Brace Face no mo'

Look who go their braces off (for now). What a pretty smile, Sossy!

Lanesboro

Meanwhile, with the Fortier wedding being kid-free, Nana took the girls to Lanesboro for a weekend of rest, riding and relaxation.

Rick & Liesl

Rick & Liesl tied the knot in New Ulm on 10/16. Welcome Party at Hermann Heights, ceremony at a new venue that used to be NUHS (and on a floor that Grandpa Tom, Great Grandpa Cal and I all once played basketball on), reception at Turner Hall... and after-parties at the B&L and the Retz.

Happily ever after to the bride & groom!