Snowy morning at Bearskin Oct 14th, 2004

My final morning at Bearskin and it was coated with snow. It was a great sight to see as it would be all melted by noon.

Snowy drive back to the cabin Oct 13, 2004

Yesterday on the 12th it was in the 70's, sunny and I was golfing. Today was rainy and to top it off it was 33 degrees and snowing on the drive back to Bearskin from Ely. Only in Minnesota! I was happy to have a new kayak.

Ely, MN Oct. 13th, 2004

I made it to my destination of Ely on my birthday and my goal was to stop at Piragis and buy my first kevlar canoe and kayak. I took the kayak and would later pick up my canoe in Winona when I got home. I also stopped at my favorite photographer's gallery in Ely. Jim Brandenburg lives in Ely and just so happened to stop in as I was there. I was fortunate enough for the chance to meet him as I was looking for some of his work to display on my walls at home. I found plenty and got a picture with him and some autographed issues of National Geographic with his articles in it. He worked for NG in the past.

It was a great birthday to spend in Ely and at Bearskin lodge.

Tower, Mn

Stopped in Tower on my way to Ely and looked around.

Embarrass Weather Center Oct. 13,2004

Went to look around in the Embarrass weather center as they had reports from the infamous winter of 1995-96.

Embarrass, MN Oct.13, 2004

Embarrass, MN is considered one of the coldest towns in the state along with Tower which is just a few miles away. International Falls along the border with Canada is also known as the "icebox" of Minnesota. Here I stopped at the Embarrass visitor center which looked a little creepy and then of course I seemed to have the right music on for this visit.

Drive to Ely Oct 13, 2004

I spent my birthday driving from Bearskin to Ely to finally buy my canoe and kayak. I have looked forward to this day for awhile. The weather was rainy but still liked seeing the fall colors. This was senic highway from Silver Bay to Ely.

Trails End Campground Oct 12,2004 part2

Perfect Fall evening, campfire, Lake Superior Mesabi Red, Gunflint Trail. Life is good.

Trails End Campground October 12, 2004

Spent the evening at the end of the Gunflint Trail on this day. This is part of the Seagull River which runs north from Seagull Lake to Gull Lake and into Saganaga Lake. Water is obviously low this time of year.

Misty morning on East Bearskin Lake 2004

The lake was covered with mist on this morning. Having a cup of coffee on the dock looking at this is my favorite way to start the day up at Bearskin on a sunny fall October day.