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St Louis River from Superior Hiking Trail/ G Sutton/ 2021
There are miles of trails and paths around Duluth. I hiked part of the Superior Hiking Trail and at one point had an excellent view of the St Louis River. On the drive to the parking area I passed a Spirit Mountain Recreation resort, which appeared closed at the time.
Hiking Trails near Duluth
Below the mountain are places are public access points to the St Louis River.
North of Duluth, you can walk for miles along the shore of Lake Superior--and I did.
North of the Canal area/ G Sutton 14 May 2021
Some scenes along Lake Superior
For those who enjoy watching the waves on large lakes, here is a video.
So, if you enjoy hiking or simple walks, there are miles and miles available here.
I drove to Voyageurs National Park up highway 53 from Duluth. There are two visitor's centers enroute to my stay at International Falls, which is west of the Rainy Lake center. I found the park map board helpful.
My first stop was at Ash River
...where I hiked to Beaver Lake among other points of interest. The top photo is of Beaver Lake. Below is a closeup.
There are a lot of birds, squirrels and chipmunks. I didn't get good shots of birds. But I did get this creature crossing my path.
Here's a video showing the lake by the visitors center along with boaters and people fishing. I was also videobombed by mosquitos.
The next stop was Kabetogama Lake. I hardly saw anyone but there were plenty of trucks and boat trailers.
On the second day, I hiked at the Rainy Lake area.
Unfortunately, I was too early in the season for a boat tour of the park. However, with sunshine and 80 degree temperatures it sure felt like summer. And the mosquitos were out in force.
Along a trail at Rainy Lake
Notes
Voyageurs National Park is unique because of the vast areas of water. I wish I was there when boat rides were available. There's also a variety of winter activities. Learn more at the Park Website.
I'm glad I had plenty of insect repellent and sunscreen.
Trekking poles and waterproof shoes or boots are important on trails.
Most pictures were with my Pixel 4 phone but I use a Lumix DMC ZS 100 for zoom shots.
The trail maps and signs were helpful.
I like the National Parks' Book for more information.
Friends
recommended we visit Dead Horse Point State Park whilst in the Moab area. So, we did.
After
exiting Canyonlands National Park on the east side, we turned south on SR 313
to Dead Horse Point State Park. There’s a fee so, see their website for
details.
In the
distance you can see blue potash ponds.
We followed
the East Rim Trail, stopping at viewpoints along the way.
The grand
view is at Dead Horse Point Overlook. This is where you can see the Colorado
River and the canyon, which is about 2,000 feet below the rim. At this point,
the Colorado makes a giant S-shaped curve.
Here's a video of the hike along the rim with views of the Colorado River.
I visited Mississippi Palisades Park as part of my journey along the northern part of the river. It is a beautiful setting along the shore road with camping facilities, hiking trails, and more.
I headed up the Highpoint Trail first. the trails are well marked. it was slick in parts due to rain. and they wisely advise using insect repellent.
Before leaving the area, I walked across the road, over the railway tracks, and down by the river. There's a boat launch area.
Mississippi River, G Sutton 2020
There are camping areas, restrooms, trails
Look up the website for more information- I was there during the Covid-19 pandemic so I do not know what is available or what rules may limit activities.
If you have time, I recommend a cruise along the Seine River in Paris, France. Several companies offer short river boat tours. There's also riverboat shuttle service with stops near famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.
The Seine is a major river in France, stretching approximately 777
kilometers (483 miles) from its source near Dijon to its mouth at the English
Channel between Le Havre and Honfleur. It flows through several important
cities, including Paris, Troyes, and Rouen.
The Seine is renowned for its picturesque
views, especially as it winds through Paris, where it is crossed by 37 bridges,
including the famous Pont Alexandre III and Pont Neuf. The river is navigable
by ocean-going vessels up to Rouen and is a popular route for sightseeing tours
in Paris.
On our recent holiday in the UK, my wife suggested we re-visit Chester--I'm glad she did. There's a sort of timelessness as you walk amongst the restored "black and white" shops, tour an old cathedral, enjoy an ice cream by the river Dee, or stroll along ancient sandstone walls.
We arrived by rail from Euston station, London and stayed in a hotel near the ornate 1768 East Gate-- less than a mile from the railway station. The 1899 clock atop the gate comemorates Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee.
East Gate, Chester/ G Sutton
On our first day, we walked about Grosvenor Park, stopping for photos and enjoying the scenery. The small railway looks like a fun ride for children.
Grosvenor Park, Chester / G Sutton 2018
Railway at Grosvenor Park, Chester / G Sutton 2018
Caught this bird near Grosvenor Park
We crossed the River Dee on two bridges and ambled about the picturesque city storing one image after another lest we forget.
Here's a video of the calm waters of the river Dee from a different bridge.
Here's an example of the "black and white" architechture--a hallmark of Chester architecture. The buildings are part of a 19th century Tudor Revival.
We listened to street entertainers and enjoyed fish n' chips at one of the local pubs. Some entertainers were quite good.
Here's a video clip from the a street musician.
Some pretty good Fish 'n Chips followed by a cuppa.
After fish 'n chips
On the second day we toured Chester Cathedral, examined the Roman finds (link), and circumnavigated the city along the two miles of walls. See my post on the Cathedral for more details of that experience.
Section of the south wall by the river Dee
We enjoyed an outdoors lunch by the old pink and buff colored town hall with a green-grey slate roof and three-sided clock.
Chester Town Hall 1864-1869
And on the third day we visited the Grosvenor museum (link), cruised the River Dee, and enjoyed our surrounds.
BTW--there's lots of spots to eat along the river bank including ubiquitous ice cream stands.
Cruise boats on the River Dee, Chester
You might like this fun and informative guide to British words and phrases.