Dan and I escaped for a midweek getway to Grand Marias before the holiday weekend. Since I was going to work all weekend it seemed fitting to get some play time in before everyone else. We headed north to do some hiking and kayaking on the north shore. It was beautiful! We stayed at the East Bay Suites, the reincarnation of the old East Bay Hotel. We were right on the water, Lake Superior for those not from this area, with the north woods wrapping all around us. We took our nordic walking poles for some light hiking on the Superior Hiking Trail, doing about 6 miles. Jan Lemke from East Bay Suites recommended the hike and the spectacular wild flowers seconded her choice. The upper meadow filled with flowers and the view of the lake was breathtaking.
We enjoyed fresh Superior White Fish with organic veges and salads at the Crooked Spoon and The Angry Trout and a big breakfast at the Blue Moon Cafe. John took us kayaking Thursday morning and we got up close with the big water. Water temp was only 38 degrees, way different from most of our kayaking ventures. But it was calm and the rhythm of the paddling relaxed my spirit. I can’t say I was ready to return to work but I was in a better place, connected to my husband of 33 years and this wonderful creation we call earth, as I headed back to the cities.