Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Texas? While debating on a warm weather destination for a New Year’s weekend vacation Dad suggested a ski trip. I'm not going to pass up spending quality time with Dad! We haven't traveled together since 2005 and haven't done a ski trip since Whistler-Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada 6 years ago.
Flying somewhere got ruled out based on inflated holiday airfare, lodging and lift ticket prices leaving the option to drive. Lutsen, Minnesota would meet the need for a huge ski area within driving distance in an area we haven't been before.
Lutsen is along the shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota's remote North Shore region. Four mountains contain 92 runs on 1,000 acres with the infamous lake effect pounding them with snow.
Lutsen is at the red star and we stayed in Grand Marais 18 miles north:
Before and After:
Thursday, January 1st, 2009
With Dad living in the western Chicago suburbs the most logical meeting place was Madison. The meeting time was set at 11AM. Since I routinely go to Madtown to eat, shop and see movies I decided to make the most of the drive and get there early starting with this Mandarin Orient Crepe for breakfast.
Dad and I share a fervor for not being late. So when I pulled up at the meeting spot at 10:15 it was no surprise he was already there.
It was an 8 hour trek north with the only stop being for lunch at Heckel’s in Chippewa Falls.
Passing through Duluth I recounted the sites I visited in a past trip.
Wearily arriving in Grand Marais (pronounced Maray) we found our room comfortable and tastefully furnished then headed for dinner at the eclectically decorated My Sister's Place.
Friday, January 2nd, 2009
Emerging outside for the morning run I was greeted with low temps and a brutal wind. I would be running into it as hard as I could and barely moving.
A homey breakfast room provided an opportunity to pose with Dad.
View from the room of Lake Superior:
Downtown Grand Marais. All of it.
Ducking out of the blustery weather I joined the locals at Blue Water Café for breakfast (#3 for me).
A Steamer with almond flavor shot furnished some internal warmth while hanging out with more locals.
Today’s plan was to drive with Dad 18 miles south to Lutsen Mountains and I would double back continuing on to Canada leaving Dad to ski. After parking the car it took a 60 second walk of fighting the wind and cold for Dad to decide to skip skiing. Since he brought no passport/birth certificate that left me to head north alone.
Back in Grand Marais before making the 70 mile journey to Thunder Bay, Canada I ducked into Cook County Whole Foods Co-op for some hearty roasted root vegetables and a magnificently robust Ranger Bar.
Snow covered roads provoked 40MPH speeds.
With the harrowing conditions and hands at 10 and 2 I only briefly took glimpses to the right to admire the view.
Some islands near the Canadian border.
After an easy border crossing the terrain opened up with blankets of snow rolling to tree canvassed mountains in the distance.
Thunder Bay has all the hallmarks of a moderate sized town (110,000). Historic Districts, ethnic enclaves, a stretch with every chain imaginable and of course I had to check out a grocery store.
Gratefully the drive back to Grand Marais was easier due to a days worth of sun revealing bare asphalt. In the late afternoon light I admired the sight of the harbor and downtown.
Dinner was at the frolicking Sven & Ole’s.
Saturday, January 3rd, 2009
Heading out for the 5AM run stepped outside with some hesitation to find…moderate winds. We could ski today!
After the grueling process of gearing up we finally made it to the peak. Here is Dad.
I’m smiling. Trust me.
Action shot!
After a quick break at one of the mountain top chalets to replace heat pack toe warmers. Bless whoever invented those!
Despite single digit temps I stayed warm and dry thanks to layering in high tech fabrics.
Taken while skiing.
On Moose Mountain looking at Eagle Mountain.
The falling snow was dry and light making a delightful fluffy canvas to carve through and very forgiving.
Notice the gondola in the upper right.
It was satisfying to fluidly glide back and forth the silence only being interrupted by by your edges in the rhythmic dance with equipment and nature.
On Eagle Mountain looking at Mystery Mountain.
The consensus on Lutsen Mountains is very positive praising the volume of runs, variety of terrain, virtual absence of lift lines and new facilities.
Some more double black diamonds for the last runs.
On the drive up a certain someone got all excited to learn Eau Claire has a Sonic. On the way back an ice storm made it an even more anticipated dinner destination for my favorite- Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Salad.
Persistent Dad decided to skip our plans of staying in Eau Claire and get home battling the weather and horrible roads. We got to Madison at 11PM and I got home at midnight. Whew. So much for the usual 8:30 bedtime. Still up at 5AM!
2008 In Review
8 Trips
5 Countries (U.S., Brasil, England, Wales, Italy)
14 States
529 Restaurants
191 Bakeries/Ice Cream Shops/Coffee Shops
81 Movies Total
46 Movies At A Theatre
2 smart, cute, charming, delightful nieces