PapaSmurf's Adventures

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Sep 14, 2023 - Day 16 on the SHT (Sucker River and Timber Sale Areas)

Today was a lot more green tunnel, single and dual tracks, and snowmobile/ATV trails. Many of them overgrown. Some interesting beaver ponds, and nice stop at a snowmobile shelter on the North Shore State Trail where they have the best outhouses. And lots of marked Timber Sale Areas. They post the timber sale dates of when it was last harvested and if/what was planted after or if it was just naturally replanted. An interesting mix of forest ages and it really shows how nature takes back after clear cut harvesting. Tonight I camped at Lone Tree. This will be my last free campsite till the terminus as I hike the last 60+ miles through Duluth to the Wisconsin border.

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Sep 13, 2023 - Day 15 on the SHT (Taconite Underpass)

Hiked out to Judy's Cafe for a nice breakfast before hitching out of Two Harbors back to the trail. The section ahead was a mix of green tunnel where you could hear the freight trains whistling. Came to a railroad underpass where there were huge piles of Taconite Pellets (low grade iron ore pellets) that had spilled off the trains as they went over. A conversation with a guy who worked for the railroad said the old railcars are rusted with holes in them so they leak...

Unremarkable trail section. I stopped at the Big Bend campsite

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Sep 12, 2023 - Day 14 on the SHT (Silver Creek and Two Harbors)

Packing up a wet tent and wet trails today. Several wet river crossing around Silver Creek. One had some huge boulders to help cross but most were underwater due to the heavy rain. It looked like a slippery nightmare so I opted for the deeper wet footed crossing.

First stream crossing.

Second stream crossing:

At Reeves Road Trailhead I hitched a ride into Two Harbors for my second and last resupply.

Stuck out my thumb to hitch the 8 miles and the first car to stop was a cop. He happily gave me a ride to the grocery store in town. My first time riding in the "front" seat of the police car. LoL

I had originally planned to resupply and hitch back to trail. I had plenty of time. But having a wet tent, shoes, and gear I had already mentally decided to see if I could get a hotel to shower and recharge. It is my birthday hike after all. Having already thought about it; it was hard to just get back on the trail.

I found room at the Viking Motel where I showered and cleaned clothes. Then, hiker that I am, ended up walking to the Castle Danger Brewery for a beer. Then through Paul Van Hoven Park and the Ore Docks, Agate Bay Beach, and a walk along the Two Harbors waterfront to the lighthouse and a river walk. Finally ended up at the Black Woods Grill for dinner. Bonus 6 miles of walking!

Monday, September 11, 2023

Sep 11, 2023 - Day 13 on the SHT (Split Rock Lighthouse State Park to Crow Valley and Gooseberry River SP)

Had a consulting conference call this morning which I conducted from the Day Use Shelter overlooking Lake Superior and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

From here the trail climbed and descended a section of both sides of the Split Rock River with a number of excellent campsites.

The bridge is out over the Split Rock River but an easy ford. I heard a lot of people hiked a long detour down to the visitor station of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. It was an easy ford but I hear it changes rapidly when it rains. Climbing up the bank was difficult though.

Namesake Split-Rock formation.

Strand Creek Waterfall.

Following the trail through Broadleaf Ridge, Gooseberry Falls State Park and past Mike's Rock vista had me walking in the rain. There were miles of new sections of trail that where covered in a thick clay like layer of soil. For erosion control? Bad idea. This stuff was like greased pig fat. Slippery as heck. Camping at Crow Valley on my first day of hiking in some rain in the afternoon.