Boundary Waters, Day 3

 

Tuesday, August 6.

Rain was in the forecast for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. We felt it best to take our drive around Greenwood Lake today while the weather was nice.

I packed a lunch while Jane went to the Loon’s Nest Café for chocolate croissants. They had just come out of the oven when she got there and were still a little warm when she returned to the cabin. I love chocolate croissants!

We did not see much wildlife on our drive. We have not seen moose in several years, but Nancy, the outfitter, said that guests the week before had seen a cow moose and calf cross Hungry Jake Rd. the week before. All we saw was this ruffed grouse, tail spread and head feathers erect. Jane stopped the car so I could take pictures.

Grouse wearing a tiara

The grouse just stood there, and we just sat there, staring at each other. Suddenly a chick burst forth from the underbrush and scurried across the road. It did not wait around long enough for my camera to focus on it.

Baby grouse

We went back to staring at Mama Grouse. Another chick exploded from the side of the road and flew awkwardly to the other side. Then another, and another. Four all together. Finally, the mama moved off.

We saw a beaver lodge, but no beaver.

Beaver lodge

Happily, our favorite campsite on Esther Lake was unoccupied. We sat at the picnic table and had a leisurely lunch, enjoying the view of the lake and the exceptionally pleasant weather.

"Our" campsite at Esther Lake

I explored the back of the campsite after lunch. It is amazing how many plants will grow on solid rock. Where the rock is flat, trees eke out a living on the dead material that slowly accumulates.

Rock wall with mosses and ferns, plus trees on top growing with hardly any soil.

We finished up the loop in Grand Marais. We went to Dairy Queen for ice cream. So much cheaper than Sydney’s. Back at the cabin we grilled brats and ate the last of the sweet corn.

The whole loon family came by. We first saw them in the bay to our left,

Loon, party of three

And later right in front of us.

Closer view

Jane and I sat out on the deck until bedtime, talking and soaking up the perfect summer evening, the sun on the water, the air pleasantly cool, and no mosquitos!