Tuesday we finished breaking camp about 7:30am and then headed to a trailhead to start hiking. We changed our plans the night before and decided we would only go five miles, camp, and then retrace our steps tomorrow. This allowed Alan to get the full effect of carrying all the equipment and setting up/taking down camp, yet not carrying four days worth of food. Yesterday’s trek seemed to wear us all down a bit. We probably could have done more miles today, but it is nice to give our bodies a break. Also, we didn’t see any water sources yesterday and we were apprehensive to set out for three nights without assurances of water sources. As it turned out, we finally reached a water source at East Palisade Creek, about one mile from Tuesday night’s camp location.
After setting up camp, we had a late lunch and decided to head out for another two mile round trip hike to see the views of the Bean and Bear Lakes Loop. We didn’t hike the entire loop, but we were still able to admire the view. Tuesday’s total mileage was about 7.25 miles and I only fell once (no injuries).
On Wednesday we started hiking back to Tettegouche St Park about 7:30am. Although it was 65 degrees, it didn’t take long to work up a sweat. We passed by the same locations as yesterday, however going down some of the steep climbs of yesterday proved to be very challenging going the opposite direction. I slipped/fell down the “Drainpipe” today, even after Alan warned me there were loose rocks. We hiked about 5.5 miles.
When we got back to the car, we decided to go out to a restaurant for lunch. There was only one restaurant in town, Northwoods Family Restaurant, so that was our choice. It had delicious burgers with each of us getting a different one of their specialties. We also each had an adult beverage.
After lunch, we went to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. We are once again at a cart in campsite, however we had showers! We set up camp, and took a long awaited shower! Our site has an expansive view of Lake Superior and the Split Rock Lighthouse. Wow! We have thirsted for this kind of a view of Lake Superior since we started hiking.
Bean and Bear Lakes View.
Stairs just prior to the “Drainpipe.”
The “Drainpipe.” The picture does not the true difficulty of the height of each “step.” Hard to capture the perspective.
Alan taking in the view from Mount Trudee.
East Palisade Creek.
Alan’s first time filling water-filtering bottles from a creek.
Alan’s first “water crossing,” albeit a small creek.
Tuesday night camp.
The latrine at the campsite. It was a good 100 yards away from our tents. Luckily it wasn’t raining when we camped there.
We had snacks at Mount Trudee each day.
Julia and I hiking down a few stairs.
Part of lunch at Northwoods Family Restaurant.
Wednesday night campsite at the State Park.
The view from our campsite.
The harvest moon over Lake Superior.