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It’s been quite some time since we’ve given an update. A new season is already upon us. It’s almost mid-May and my mind is well on its way to summer camping plans! Our first big trip of the summer is in the works for early June. Destination: Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
Over the past couple of months we’ve been getting settled into our new home we bought at the end of February. Home ownership is just as we imagined it would be; busy but rewarding all at the same time. We’ve been (at least trying to do some) gardening, doing yard work, cleaning the gutters, and becoming familiar with our new neighborhood. Daisy has become familiar with the neighborhood squirrels, smells, noises, and furry neighbor friends.
We were able to get away for the first time in what seemed like too long. We spent the weekend in Duluth, MN to celebrate the college graduation of Sarah’s brother Ben. The weekend was filled with family, good times, making memories, and most of all, celebrating the beautiful journey of college completion.
While in Duluth, we were able to check out some of our favorite spots in the area. Thirsty Pagan has been mentioned in our previous blogs. A brewery/pizza joint in Superior, WI just across the bridge from Duluth. If you still have not checked it out, we highly recommend this one. Our favorite pizza on the menu is the TPB Special.
Just 20 minutes south of Duluth is Ely’s Peak. A popular hiking and rock climbing spot, this hike was perfect for an easy mid-morning hike on our drive back to the cities. It’s easy to get to from Duluth and has a beautiful view of Duluth/Wisconsin. About 1.5 miles, the hike can be done in a little over an hour, round trip. The path has some flat parts but is mostly rocky and steep terrain. During this time of the year, be prepared for muddy boots! The path has a tunnel just about ½ a mile from the trailhead. We were curious if there was a light at the end of the tunnel… and so we went for it. Headlamps would have been helpful for this part, but since we were just day hiking we weren’t equipped with those. We needed to navigate through the rocky and dark tunnel so it’s a good thing we live in 2017 where flashlights on cell phones are the standard. The tunnel connects hikers to another path which we think would bring you to Duluth and beyond.
It’s important you know exactly where to go when looking for Ely’s Peak, as the trailhead is not marked. It was obvious enough for us, as the parking lot was full of cars when we went. We found the Ely’s Peak hike in our Superior Hiking Trail book, a great resource for maps and detailed directions to trailheads for the Superior Hiking Trail around Duluth and the entire North Shore.
While we were hiking we passed some rock climbers and Andy said to me “When are we going to start rock climbing?” This sure did spark some curiosity in me. We would love the opportunity to try it out one day. There are so many ways to navigate through life… paddle, hike, run, bike, board, skate… what is your preferred transportation through life? The path pulls us in, and of course, our preferred way is hiking thru life.
As far as updates go for us, we’ve been busy with what’s called “life.” Home buying, wedding planning, working, and family events in between, that’s what has been keeping us going. Staying busy is healthy, especially when it’s all positive events happening around you. The important thing is to stay mindful in these busy times. Make time for yourself, but value and love the ones that are most important to you because what’s life without our loved ones? Stay connected with the ones you love. Be present.
Peace, love, and hike through life!
Andy, Sarah, and Daisy