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Lodgings I have known: Arrowhead Lodge, Kabetogama, Minnesota

words and images Posted on March 9, 2023 by dlschirfMarch 9, 2023
July 16, 2013

One of my favorite stays may have been the shortest. It wasn’t a choice, but came about serendipitously.

The drive from Superior, Wisconsin (Amnicon State Park), to Kabetogama, Minnesota, started late, after the summer sunset. J and I spent eternity passing through what, at night, looked like sparsely populated areas. It was a relief (literally) to find a roadside bar. When we arrived at the planned destination, it was probably after 1 a.m. — late enough to find the windows dark, the door locked, and the phone unanswered. It turns out family-run lodges aren’t like a Hilton or Marriott, with 24-hour desk attendants. Oops.

I was too tired to sit up or think, but I didn’t fancy trying to sleep in a car not designed for camping. Somehow I came up with the thought of calling around, which was not easy to do because cell coverage was weak and intermittent. It was difficult both to find places through Yelp! or websites, then to make phone calls. I can’t remember now, but I think i made some calls that went unanswered before I got to Arrowhead Lodge (still in the “A” section). A tired-sounding woman answered.

I quickly explained the situation and probably warned her the call might drop. She said she had space for us — hallelujah! When I said we’d be right over (before she changed her mind), she answered, “No hurry. I have to get dressed.” Yikes.

Arrowhead Lodge is 2.5 miles, or 7 minutes, from Sandy Point Lodge via dark rural roads. I didn’t know if I could stay awake that long. We made it after 2 a.m.

I stayed in a no-frills room with several beds to choose from, a fan, and maybe a radio — my memory is dim. The floor had a shared bathroom, in which several people (maybe even over time) had left assorted toiletries. I didn’t mind — all part of the adventure and shared outdoor experience. I didn’t see anyone, though, and several of the rooms were empty (open doors).

In the morning (a mere few hours later), we ate a great breakfast (al fresco, I think). Our perch overlooked Lake Kabetogama, which I’ve since learned is “Kab” to the locals, plus a flock of white pelicans. If we hadn’t been due to join a Kettle Falls cruise, I could have stayed there the rest of the day, but we left reluctantly. At the cruise departure point, J. realized his camera bag was missing. We raced back to Arrowhead to find our host keeping an eye on it while it took up a barstool. With our wee hours arrival and forgetfulness, she must have thought we were quite the characters.

Sadly, I took only a few poor photos at Arrowhead Lodge.

Sleeping quarters at Arrowhead Lodge
Arrowhead Lodge and Resort
Sleeping quarters at Arrowhead Lodge
Arrowhead Lodge
Lake Kabetogama at Arrowhead Lodge
The view during breakfast at Arrowhead Lodge
White pelicans on Lake Kabetogama at Arrowhead Lodge
White pelicans

Later the owners, including the poor soul I’d woken up, sold the resort. The new owners have restored Arrowhead. which had deteriorated over the decades since its 1931 opening in the extremes of Minnesota’s climate. The first part of the video below shows the restoration effort and is well worth a look.

First part is about the renovation of Arrowhead Lodge
Posted in Adventure, Blog, Video | Tagged lodgings, Minnesota, National Park Service, photo, travel, video | Leave a reply

Howie the Big Bull, Valparaiso, Indiana

In addition to Orville Redenbacher, I found Howie the Big Bull in Valparaiso, Indiana. He’s in front of Kelsey’s Steakhouse. According to Roadside America.

The statue started as mascot for Howard and Sons Quality Meats, made a newsworthy move to a new location in 1991, and again in 2014 . . . If you choose to eat, for des[s]ert you can also eat Howie in the form of a chocolate cake shaped like a cow.

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Howie the Big Bull, Valparaiso, Indiana, August 15, 2020
February 20, 2023 by dlschirf Posted in Adventure, Blog, Oddities Tagged Indiana, photo Reply

Singin’ in the rain mural, Ann Arbor, Michigan

I discovered this Roadside America attraction in June 2021. I was going to look for it, but it happened to be on the way from the Ann Arbor bus drop-off area to Kerrytown. Amusingly, while most of my trips to Ann Arbor have featured great weather, this one was exceptionally rainy. I even got caught in a Gene Kelly-style downpour, minus the hat, suit, and dancing.

Roadside America attraction
Singin’ in the Rain
February 4, 2023 by dlschirf Posted in Adventure, Blog, Oddities Tagged Ann Arbor, Michigan, photo, travel Reply

Orville Redenbacher, Valparaiso, Indiana

When out and about, if I remember I’ll check the Roadside America app (or Atlas Obscura) to see if there are any local oddities like Muffler Men. I found out there’s an unusual statue of Orville Redenbacher, the popcorn king and agricultural scientist, in Valparaiso, Indiana. This was taken August 15, 2020, when he was one of the people you could sit this close to unmasked.

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Orville Redenbacher in Valparaiso, Indiana
February 4, 2023 by dlschirf Posted in Adventure, Blog, Oddities Tagged Indiana, photo, travel Reply

Dan Ryan Woods aqueducts, this time with water

May 8, 2022

When I first visited the Dan Ryan Woods aqueducts in autumn, they were dry, so I wanted to go back in spring when there was more likely to be water. According to the Forest Preserves of Cook County, “The limestone aqueducts at Dan Ryan Woods were constructed by the CCC to prevent water from washing away soil on the steep ridges. Visitors can still walk alongside the aqueducts as they wind their way through the woods south of 87th St.” The aqueducts are one of my favorite things in Chicago.

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January 31, 2023 by dlschirf Posted in Adventure, Blog, Photography Tagged Chicago, Forest Preserves of Cook County, history, photo 2 Replies

Winter Wonderland at Messenger Woods Nature Preserve

words and images Posted on December 10, 2022 by dlschirfMarch 20, 2023
December 4, 2022

While it didn’t snow, this Forest Preserve District of Will County event had a lot to recommend it:

  • Campfires with fixings for smores, plus hot chocolate and doughnuts
  • Bubble machine and music
  • A dancing Bumble
  • Games, including giant Jenga
  • Crafts
  • Tchotchkes
  • Crafts
  • Photo “booth” with the Bumble
  • Enthusiastic Forest Preserve employees and volunteers

And probably more I’m not thinking of. Afterwards, J. and I went to La Crepe Bistro in Homer Glen, then stopped near Swallow Cliff Woods, where the structure befuddled me. I suppose it’s a blind of some kind.

Winter Wonderland at Messenger Woods
Winter Wonderland at Messenger Woods
8 photos
Humble Bumble
Basket toss game
Winter Wonderland "snowman"
Snowman heads
La Crepe Bistro
La Crepe Bistro
?
?
Posted in Adventure, Blog | Tagged Forest Preserve District of Will County, forest preserves, Forest Preserves of Cook County, photo, Will County | Leave a reply

The world’s smallest parcel of land one inch square owned by . . .

The “owned by” includes Dwight Eisenhower (bottom of left-hand column). In a quick search, I didn’t find any background on this plaque in Chesterton, Indiana, which itself is more than one inch square — and worse for the wear.

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Ground plaque in Chesterton, Indiana
October 29, 2022 by dlschirf Posted in Adventure, Blog, Oddities Tagged Indiana, photo Reply

Human+Nature: Daniel Popper sculptures at Morton Arboretum

Update: As of October 30, 2022, I’d seen all of the Human+Nature sculptures by Daniel Popper at Morton Arboretum.

Human+Nature
Human+Nature
15 photos
UMI
UMI
Sentient
Heartwood
Ephemera
Ephemera
Gingko
Basilica
Hallow
Hallow
Hallow
Hallow
Heartwood
Mycelia
Mycelia
October 28, 2022 by dlschirf Posted in Adventure, Blog, Photography Tagged art, photo Reply

Powderhorn Prairie and Marsh Nature Preserve, Calumet Fisheries, train, and Chicago Skyway

words and images Posted on July 9, 2022 by dlschirfJuly 9, 2022
July 3, 2022

Powderhorn Prairie and Marsh Nature Preserve

Sunday I had the brilliant idea of going to Powderhorn Prairie and Marsh Nature Preserve. This is the only place in the city of Chicago with remnant prickly pear cactus. I wouldn’t disturb it; I just wanted to see the flower if possible.

Later, the idea didn’t seem so brilliant when I realized I couldn’t find a trail. Some nature preserves don’t have trails (the better to preserve), but people had mentioned walking around. They must be better spotters than I. At least we saw a great egret across Powderhorn Lake. And an amazing amount of trash around it (egret and trash not pictured).

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Impenetrable but lovely

Beaubien Woods Forest Preserve

There was no Plan B but we stopped at the Beaubien Woods boat launch. At some points you could feel like you’re in the country near a hill, but you’re in a former industrial area adjacent to I-94 and a large landfill. Allow me the solace of my imagination.

Beaubien Woods
I-94 lies beyond
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Calumet River at Beaubien Woods
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Landfill across from Beaubien Woods

Calumet Fisheries, Chicago Skyway, train, and boats

Since we were in the area, I suggested J visit Calumet Fisheries, a Chicago institution he’d never been to. I can’t eat fish, but he likes it. He was excited to see smelt on the side of the building. He got some. Meanwhile, I took photos and videos from the same bridge that Jake and Elwood jumped in The Blues Brothers (which I don’t remember that well anymore). The Chicago Skyway is in the background, and the closer bridge is the one my Amtrak trains use. It was great to see the bridges from this angle, and even better when a freight train came along. A pair of boats on the Calumet River completed the picture.

Calumet Fisheries
A Chicago institution with the bridge the Blues Brothers jumped
Calumet Fisheries
Calumet Fisheries
Calumet River at 95th Street in Chicago
Chicago Skyway and train bridge over Calumet River
Calumet River at 95th Street in Chicago
Cheeky tourist
Freight train crossing the same bridge I passed over last week on the Amtrak Wolverine
Now boats passing under the bridge — no planes, but later a helicopter made a brief appearance

Finally, we picked up sandwiches at Potbelly’s and dined at the University of Chicago campus, which was aglow in the setting sun.

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Back in Hyde Park
Posted in Adventure, Blog | Tagged Chicago, Forest Preserves of Cook County, nature, photo, train, video | Leave a reply

Parker Mill County Park

June 27, 2022

Nearly five minutes of tranquility (with traffic) along Fleming Creek in Parker Mill County Park, with guest appearances by an eastern comma and some barely discernible ebony jewelwings.

June 28, 2022 by dlschirf Posted in Adventure, Blog, Wildlife Tagged county park, Michigan, nature, photo, travel, video, wildlife Reply

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