Memories of Grand Marais

As I eagerly anticipate my journey to Grand Marais on June 5^th I reflect back on the last time I visited the beautiful northern town last August-- my favorite part of the world. It’s funny how I become emotional over such a simple place—it’s like being in a different world where I can leave all the hectic days of the week and months behind.  I can relax and dream while my writer’s senses are filled with inspiration.

It’s not just one thing about Grand Marais that I love, or the entire Arrow Head area for that matter, it’s everything wrapped up as a beautiful gift from God. Minnesota is so blessed.

I look at this photo take last summer when Brad, our kids and I stayed in a cabin on Gunflint Lake-40 miles into the Gunflint Trail. The gorgeous image of the setting sun on Gun Flint Lake takes me back to the summer of 2009, as it is intense and rich with emotion and memories. It’s as if I can still hear the loons calling out their evening songs, or the gentle rustle of the leaves on the branches above my head, or the family rib fest Patti, Bobby, Matt and Pooh prepared for us--I have never in my life seen so many ribs or had ribs that tasted so good.

I recall our trek into the woods with our discovery of Lonely Lake-- accessed only on foot, (above) or our climb up a small cliff, where at the summit, we could see for miles (below). I can check “climb a cliff with my children” off my bucket list.

These photos transport me through memories and thoughts of how much I appreciate my life—especially the special moments like time with the kids and having so much love in my life. It’s the simple things that amaze me, just like the details of the photo--how amazing are the silhouettes of the trees framing the sun as if an artist purposely painted it that way.

What inspiring moments can I expect on my next visit to the beautiful northern town of Grand Marais? 

With these thoughts on my mind, I eagerly await for June 5^th.  

Have a safe and beautiful Memorial Day weekend. Thank God for our brave soldiers, for because of the men and women who have fought for our freedom, I can enjoy places like Grand Marais.