We stayed at one more campground in the MN woods before arriving at Lake Superior—Birch Lake Campground in the Superior National Forest. Now, a National Forest is cool and all, but here’s the thing about a lot of lake campsites. They’re great for boaters and fishermen. Without my kayak, there wasn’t much of interest to either of us. Both Zippel Bay and Birch Lake mentioned hiking, but there wasn’t really a trail in either campground, except for the walk out to the lighthouse at Zippel Bay. (I’m sure there’s hiking SOMEWHERE in Superior National Forest, but not at Birch Lake). So both sites were a bust in my book—and full of mosquitos, to boot!

But then we reached the shores of Lake Superior and Tettegouche State Park, where the scenery and hiking were superb! At the Baptism River Campground, we were able to get a site with electricity (always nice), and we quickly discovered that the local Franklin’s Ground Squirrels were very friendly. I’m learning that there are a lot more than just red and gray squirrels in the US and Canada.

And the scenery!

We had an active three days there, and then it was off to Cascade River State Park, also near the Superior shore. We headed into the town of Grand Marais (very scenic but touristy) so Russ could get cell service to upload his bicycling route and contact some of the places he’s hoping to stay. Once in Ontario, the plan is for him to begin riding from our first stop at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park to Thunder Bay, then on around the northern shore of Superior, while I move campgrounds every few days, giving him time to catch up and at least overnight with me at each campground. By the time Russ finished, it was late enough for an early dinner and, by luck, we were adjacent to a restaurant that welcomed dogs on their outdoor porch. On the left is the look we get any time we look down. Who can resist?

Tomorrow we cross the border into Ontario!