Superior Hiking Trail Stroll

Nancy and I took a stroll on the Superior Hiking Trail in Duluth. We parked on Skyline Drive a bit west of 27th Avenue West. We walked on the road to where the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) crossed Skyline Drive, then we headed up the hill. After a fairly steep climb - our stroll was more of a scramble or, maybe, a trudge - we arrived at the summit of Piedmont Knob.

The view from this spot is outstanding! Here's a short video . . .



I should have brought the tripod, or at least, the walking stick/monopod to steady the camera. Next time, for sure!

Dawn Patrol

Yesterday I headed into town on an errand. On the gravel road just before it meets the highway an otter crossed in front of me. It was headed in the general direction of the river. Pretty neat! We're not often given opportunity to see an otter, especially crossing the road.

This morning, not long after dawn, a family of otter were patrolling the shore of the Mississippi in front of the house. They were moving fast. I barely had time to run for the camera. The three of them were checking for breakfast along the edge of the wild rice bed.

Taking a look

Two otter. One above, one below (see the swirl and bubble trail).

Three otter. Two above, one below. Again, see the swirl and the bubble trail.

Otters on patrol.

Otters on patrol.

Could these two be any cuter?

The family continues on patrol heading out of camera range. The third otter is under the big swirl in the middle.

Observing a family of otter on dawn patrol is one of the best ways I can think of to start your day.

The Coyote

This early afternoon, I went into my bedroom for a reason that I now forget. I happened to glance out the window and saw a couple families of geese helping me keep the grass mowed. There were 12 of them. At the same moment, they noticed me and started to stroll leisurely toward the river.

I grabbed the little Kodak camera and got this picture through the window and the screen.

They stopped about half way to the water stood stock still. I stayed still, too, hoping that they'd get over their nervousness and let me get some more pictures.

After a few moments of being on high alert with the parents all looking in my direction, suddenly every one of them turned to look toward the nearby woods. After a few seconds, they took flight and disappeared over the river. "Huh", I said to myself, "I wonder what set them off."







Then I saw him...


A young coyote.

  

Why?

Why do I like living in northern Minnesota?

Well, this afternoon, as I left the grocery store, I waited to put the groceries in the Odyssey while I watched a bald eagle ride the thermals rising off the parking lot. Then, when I got home a bald eagle was circling over the river looking for an early dinner.

That's why I like living in northern Minnesota!

The Mower

The Mower is dead! Long live the Mower!

Last August, our seventeen-year-old MTD Ranch King riding mower decided enough was enough. It refused to start.

No problem, the battery had been acting a bit weak. So, a new battery was bought. Lots of battery juice now! Still no start. Sort of sounded like the starter motor was not engaging or not trying to spin the engine. Well, OK. I guessed a new starter motor was in order. New starter motor bought and installed and . . . no start. No joy.

Obviously our 17-year-old needed a time-out. So, out to the shed with it. It could just stay there until it decided to start. It could stay there all winter, if needed. I did the rest of the season's mowing using the walk-behind mower. (It's only about 30 years old.) And, I did all the leaf-picking-up by hand. Not to say that all the leaves got picked up, but those that did were done by rake and garden cart - not with the rider with the bagger.

Ah Spring.... Moved the mower out of the shed. Checked the oil. Added fresh gas to the empty tank. Put the battery on the charger. Huh? Won't charge? Dead short the charger says? But, but, but, I just bought that battery last August! Phooey. As long as I had to take the battery back to town I figured I'd swap out the fuel filter - couldn't hurt.

In town I found that the battery tested bad (90-day warranty - no adjustment) and that the fuel filter I need is no longer stocked.

Alright, Alright, I can take a hint (or two or three) when they're handed to me.

Walked across the parking lot and ordered up a Sears Craftsman 24hp 42 inch cut rider. Supposed to be delivered next Friday.

Long live the Mower!

Arches Slideshow

This time I'm going to try to get a slideshow embedded. We'll see....

Here goes....




Hope that worked!

Testing Arches

Todd and Fred at Pine Tree Arch on May 7, 2011.

This trail led to Pine Tree Arch and to Tunnel Arch in the Devil's Garden area of the park.

I'd like to find a way to get multiple photos in a post without taking up a lot of screen real estate. Perhaps, a slideshow...?

Well, that didn't work so well.