Wandering Retirees

Minneapolis, MN to Duluth, MN

Monday morning we bade good bye to Jeff and Rosemary, and Joe. We had so much fun and they were so generous with their time and energy, providing welcome respite for our battered bums. Jeff shared richly of his hobby. He has a jeep, you see. Built in 1944 it is an olive drab (that’s a color, you know) monument to the army’s drive to replace the horse as its primary mode of moving supplies and people to and from the war front. It is beautiful. All of its three gears and 50 mph top speed and death trap suspension. He even gave me the chance to drive it! It has no powered features whatever, making turns and braking an adventure in living. It is beautiful. Jeff had the pleasure of carrying two Korean War vets along Edina’s July 4th parade in style. Well done!

We wound our way to Duluth at the western end of Lake Superior for a couple of days of exploration. On the way we saw considerable evidence of Minnesota’s sense of humor. I can think of nowhere else where electronic caution signs would tell drivers: “You don’t have Spidey sense. Pay attention.”   

We stopped to see the manse in which our father grew up on Branch Street. Nothing too special about it, though I think I spotted his bedroom window – the one he’d climb out of to shinny down the tree. He was smart enough to tell this story after his younger sons had reached their majority and couldn’t be corrupted. Well, moved out of the house any way.  

Stopping for provisions on the way to our hotel, we saw the city’s beautiful lakeside park. They have done a lot to make Duluth attractive and accommodating for its denizens. Considering winter lasts about 9 months of the year, this is truly commendable. Just kidding. It only lasts from October to June. Well, maybe May. 

Today we walked around the waterfront park area taking in the sights. And we went to Duluth Trading, on Superior Street. Maker of Firehouse Workpants and Buck Naked Underwear (yes, they really call them that) and the fantastical commercials that promote them, this emporium of anti-fashion is a delight. Imagine, clothes marketed to real people. You ought to look them up on Google and view their commercials on YouTube. Educational as well as amusing. Then there’s Grandma’s. Didn’t realize it, but she is building a mighty conglomerate beginning with restaurants. We found her corporate offices. Go Grandma!  

We so enjoyed our stay here. And we’re close to the harbor and the Coast Guard base. If you like things nautical, this is a great place.  

Tomorrow we head north to Thunder Bay, Ontario. We plan to head east along the north shore of Lake Superior, ultimately to return to the States near Kingston, NY. So the adventure continues.