Day 283. May 15, 2014. Back to REAL Camping

LOCATION:  Ely, MN in north central MN, not far from Ontario

WEATHER:  Cold!  Highs around 40

We stayed overnight in the casino parking lot.  The casino is open 24/7, so we went in early this AM to brush teeth and to have breakfast.  Amazing how people are at the slot machines at 6:30 AM,  I think another reason for casinos' popularity is their cheap and plentiful food.  Our breakfast (we shared) was cheap.  Since we hadn't unhooked the trailer, it was easy to get an early start.  We drove through the city of Duluth with the beautiful view of Lake Superior as you come over the ridge.  Then on to the North Shore.  

We took the scenic drive.  Absolutely beautiful!  Our first stop was Two Harbors.  There were two ships filling up with taconite.

We also saw the lighthouse, which is now a B and B.

Today was cloudy and cold.  We drove through snow/sleet.  There is still a little ice in Lake Superior

We stopped at Gooseberry State Park and took a nice hike.  The falls were exploding with snowmelt.

Even though it was cold and snowing a bit, we saw true Minnesotans in shorts and flip-flops.  After all, it is mid May!

There were still snow piles in the parking lot!

We stopped for a picnic lunch.  We bought some smoked lake trout.  Had it with crackers and an IPA that our friend Luke gave us while in Rochester.  We picnicked at a park next to a roaring river.  Wow!  Couldn't be better!  

In Silver Bay, we headed north on another scenic byway to Ely.  Deer all along the highway.  We plan to stay here for a few days.  We are at a beautiful National Forest Service campground, for only $13 per night.  We have electricity and are next to a clean bathroom with flush toilets and a warm shower.  Who wouldn't be in heaven?  We feel like we are back in REAL camping, with the smell of campfires and a site overlooking a huge lake.  

We drove into town.  It is full of outfitter shops for people going into the Boundary  Waters.  We went to their brewpub for a beer and to listen to some locals.

Back at the campground, we made a nice fire.  This is the first one we have made in a long time, due to the burn bans in the South.  Here is a happy camper....

DINNER:  I made a stew with some sautéed smoked sausage, onions, can of jalapeño pinto beans, and leftover diced tomatoes.  I topped it with wilted kale, for some vitamins.  Tasty, and warming!j