Hello friends. I’m back today, as promised, with a load of photos and a few stories to share from my weekend on the shore. I headed north on Thursday morning, arriving at Lutsen Resort around lunchtime. My mom and I stayed in one of their Poplar River Condos. The kitchenette allowed us to cook our own breakfasts and lunches, and there was a fireplace, a huge whirlpool and a lakeside deck–all things which made for the perfect place to unwind and relax. We had no real plans, and no schedule… just three days to do what we pleased, when we pleased, together. Mornings were spent making breakfast, and doing devotions. We hiked all three days, hitting Temperance River, Cascade State Park and Lutsen Mountain. My mom and I both love to hike, and we love the Superior Hiking Trail. From crashing, tumbling waterfalls, to quiet forest meadows and vast overlooks, the scenery is spectacular. At one point, we happened upon a spider building a web in the middle of a bridge we had to cross. I was tempted to flick it away, but paused instead. We watched for no less than 10 minutes, as he carefully made his web, spinning the fine strands of silk round and round. I hate spiders, but watching one at work made me realize what amazing creatures they are, and what an awesome Creator we serve.
We ate well, of course. Dinners out at two of our favorite eateries on the shore (Angry Trout Cafe and Coho Cafe), and at one new favorite (Chez Jude). We also made the mandatory stop at World’s Best Donuts (my philosophy is if you are cheating, do it thoroughly), and picked up smoked fish from the Dockside Market for a picnic lunch on the rocks by the Grand Marais Harbor. We wandered the small shops of this quaint village, and enjoyed each others company. On our last day, after a morning of hiking, we watched the rain and wind from the comfort of our room, where the fireplace flickered and we snuggled under blankets each with a good book in hand.
On Sunday morning, we woke early, packed up and headed home. Heavy fog blanketed the shore as we departed. I made the 4.5 hr drive just in time to catch the sermon at church. I am so thankful for our little retreat, and the time my mom and I had together. As the years go by, I am more and more aware of the blessing my parents are. They are both amazing, wonderful people, and I have so much more to learn from them. Their love, kindness, generosity and joy are genuine and strong. I am thankful to have a strong relationship with both of them. This concentrated time with my mom was a gift, through and through, and I can’t wait for our next mother daughter retreat.
Ok friends, time for some photos…
I’ve always wanted to go there, but have never been able to persuade my southern husband that it’s worth taking a vacation in northern MN. Love the spider web.
Stunning pictures, Bethany! The one with tree roots is gorgeous! I love how you stopped to take time to notice God’s beauty…Lutsen is beautiful! we’re going in July.
the pic. with your toes on the cliff is such a wonderful perspective. A little freaky, too! hee-hee.
It is a gift and it makes me happy that you realize it now so that you can appreciate it fully. Friday will be a year since my beloved Father passed away. My Mom died of breast cancer when I was 11 (and she was only 51 – an age that seems really young to me now that I’m in my mid-forties) and my brother died when he was 29. There isn’t a day that passes that I wish they were here. But I am so grateful for the time we had together – no matter how short. I treasure each memory. I remember how it felt to steal these precious moments away and created my own memories with each of them which keeps them all very much alive and around me.
My favorite image is the one of you and your Mom sitting on the rocks. Thanks for sharing your memory of that weekend with us.
These images are beautiful. it makes me want to have my own adventure