Grand Marais, MN Gathering

[Nancy]

Karalyn,

There is a rec center that we have reserved from 4:00 in the evening. If the weather is bad you will probably find people in there throughout the day as it will be open during the day too, we just wanted to lock in the time for the evenings so other groups wouldn't reserve it.

Mostly one should find people out and about. If the weather is nice I'll bet people who want to visit will be at the covered picnic shelter on the lake. Lots of us will want to sightsee, hike, golf (free small course), maybe some will swim in the pool, visit the shops in the village, walk out on Artist Point by the coast guard station, etc.

Hope that answered your question. The park is pretty compact. It is hard to miss anyone.

Nancy

[Joy A]

Karalyn,

Are you coming? Neither the campground or I have you on our list.

[Nancy]

On your way to Grand Marais?

We ate brunch at Black Bear Casino about 20 miles south of Duluth today. I-35, exit 235. They will permit overnight parking (no hook up, just parking lot). They also have a shuttle service that goes to FOND DU LUTH Casino which is downtown Duluth, within walking distance (for some) of Canal Park.

Just wanted to let people coming up I-35 to know about that. Later I will post camping spots in and near Duluth in case some of us want to overnight in the area.

Nancy

[Karalyn]

Joy, I was gonna book a long time ago, and then I had some bad news here at home that has kept me occupied since before Christmas. Long story, but just kinda took the fun out of life for awhile, and I have been working 24/7 it seems..
I am not as brave as you, as I don't travel far alone, and I hate to camp alone, but still tempted to drive up from the Minneapolis area.
The reason I asked about where people would be meeting in the campground is because I will have to bring my little Maltese dogs with (they are quiet) and did not want to be stuck way far away from everyone else and not get to join in on the activities. Dogs can be in the camper some of the time, but I want to be near the action if possible.
I printed out a map and then was thinking I would choose a site. I will look on the map to see if I can locate the rec center. Then try to get my reservation in like I should have done in the 1st place.
Will let you know.

[Joy A]

Karalyn,

When you print out the campground layout use my prior post and cross off the sites we've already taken. You'll notice that all but 2 of us are on one side of a little creek that runs through the campground. If I recall the 2 on the other side of the creek, I believe, are in full hookups, not just water and electric. Having said that you'll notice that the Ericksons and Moffetts are in a block of 100's because they have full hookups.

There won't be a problem with your dogs and no reason not to be with the group. I've got my little Lily with me, always.

[David Craig]

Thought I'd give a little window into the type of activities we encountered this weekend in Grand Marais. We just returned this afternoon, where Sharon and I spent a couple of days hiking in the snow and attending an Inuit Premiere at a local Gallery. We watched a soapstone carving demo by an Inuit man, Ohito Ashoona, who had a harrowing story to tell hunting caribou on the tundra a few weeks ago (I think it's called the tundra). We also witnessed the incredible throat-singing by two wonderful Inuit women(Siqiniup Qilauta), who explained every song and detail, had us try it in competition with the other half of the audience, and patiently answered every question we had of them. Finally, we heard a facinating lecture/slide presentation on the West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative by Leslie Boyd Ryan, where Eskimo art prints are made for distribution around the world, nearing 50 years of service.

As we were leaving town, we stopped to tour the North House Folk School, which is a stone's throw from the campground. Saw people building with wood, carving stone, and making yurts. They offer everything from constructing stone buildings and canoes and kayaks, to pottery, wood carving, cooking, wreath making, soap making, ethnic jewelry, and the list goes on. Maybe google it and find a class to attend while we're in Grand Marais (no, we have no vested interest...we just can't stop smiling).

David

[Joy A]

David,

One of our attendees and his wife are camped at GM for about 3 weeks because he's attending classes at the North House Folk School. I've known of several others who have or will be attending classes there. I'd never heard of the place until I started mentioning the gathering at GM. The responses I got were something like "Wow, GM what a great place" I've never been there and I think I'm glad I chose it for the gathering. We're going to have a wonderful time.

[David Craig]

I guess I should have included the websites for the gallery and folk school. They are: sivertson.com, and northhouse.org. Sivertson's have an incredible collection of Inuit prints and carvings to lust after. Around the time of our gathering (between 6/8 & 6/19), Northhouse offers courses on Blacksmithing, Celtic knot pendant making, Swedish potato sausage making, flatbreads, saami friendship bracelet, pleasure driving fjord horses (what beautiful animals!), handmade paper, fly tying, twig furniture, and spokeshave tool making. I'm sure more will be offered as time draws nearer. Courses fill up quickly, so get reservations in soon.

Our weekend was just a sampling. The natural beauty of the area is spellbinding, and the activities can include hiking, sail-boating, canoeing, birding, fudge sampling, shopping, and just plain kicking back and gawking and absorbing . Best to Google Grand Marais, and check out the area. I know, I know...it sounds like overkill.

David

[Nancy]

This is what Joy and Doris will see from their trailer site:

[Nancy]

These are two views of the interior of the Rec Center. Note that there are a piano and three coffee urns.

[Karalyn]

Ok, I just made my reservation. Just me and the dogs, site 97w
see you all there.
I am going camping

[Bob Bruns]

I hope the snow will be gone by then shure been a long winter. Bob

[Joy A]

Bob,

Me too!!! I'll trade you.

It's been like summer here already. We haven't had measurable rain since February. Was in the 70's near 80 yesterday. Too warm for April.

Say Bob, I don't have you on my list. Are you coming to GM??? If so, when you make your reservation be sure to let me know where you are from, what type trailer you have & year, as well as your in and out dates.

No excuses now, you Minnesotan's shouldn't be scared off by a little snow, rain or cold. It would be I who should be and I'm not. I'm coming. Now, ice is another thing.

[Bob Bruns]

No Joy we are not scared of a little snow. But the last two months blow the norm temps and three feet of snow was getting old. It's looking good now todays temp was in the mid 50's and there talking about tomrow could hit 65. That should take care of alot of snow and probly some ice off the lakes Bob

[David Craig]

If anyone sees Dorris, tell her she has a great spot picked out in Grand Marais...view of the bay with splashing waves hitting the breakwater, Canada geese two-by-two hanging out on the shore, and noisy sea gulls catching the wind. I know this because Sharon and I camped over the weekend in her site, weathering a two-day blizzard. Howling wind and snow rocked the 5er two days/nights straight! Loved it...slept like babies. First time for Sharon in the new camper. who worked on artsy projects she brought from home, while I attended a course at the folk school to build an early American work bench. We stir-fried evenings, played dominoes (Chicken Feet), and in general bonded with our RV. Oh, and last night we ate a Goober Burger (peanut butter atop a hamburger...crazy!) at a restaurant called, My Sister's Place.
See you in June.
David

[Joy A]

David,

I'll be talking to her and let her know. I'm the one that wanted a view of the water. If there is water in the area of any campground I'm wanting to see it if not be near it.

I'm getting anxious. Blast off is 5 weeks from this Friday.

[David Craig]

David,

I'll be talking to her and let her know. I'm the one that wanted a view of the water. If there is water in the area of any campground I'm wanting to see it if not be near it.

I'm getting anxious. Blast off is 5 weeks from this Friday.

Joy. Your view is also of the water, which laps on the shore just a short walk across the road. There is a large open group picnic shelter between us and the bay, but it really doesn't obscure the view all that much. This campground is so close to downtown that it only makes sense to walk there. If folks like to swim, there is a nice indoor pool across the street from the campground office.

By the way, I neglected to mention the wonderful scenic drive up the North shore from Two Harbors through two tunnels. People will surely enjoy it, especially if they take the time to check out some of the roaring rivers, kettles, clifts, and waterfalls along the way, and of course a stop at Split Rock Lighthouse.

Can't wait.
David

[Joy A]

David, We've got an indoor room reserved but if the weather is nice we'll use that open outdoor area for "who knows what" I think Nancy said there was a firepit down there are well. We need a group fire somewhere.

Lily is going to enjoy the short walk to the water. That's one of my reasons for being near water.

I liked the idea of being able to walk to town. I'll also have my bike along to use. We'll be there for 5 nights.

I'm coming from Ely so I look forward to the drive down the coast to Two Harbors area. I'll most likely camp somewhere north of Duluth my first night, or two, after GM. I've got about a week of willy nilly before reservations in Preston. I can't dally too long though, as I have some things I want to see along the way.

Thanks for the info

Joy and Lily, too

[Gigi]

This sounds like a GREAT time! We have a lot of things going on around here-very ill brother, some health issues of my own...but, it would be fantastic to attend.

Any Dutch Oven events planned? If I can make it, I'd be bringing a couple and share a recipe or two if anyone wishes.

And, any ARTIST'S out there who are bringing easel? It looks gorgeous there!


BTW, there's a great campground near Sioux Falls, SD, called Palisades. It's a state campground and is very pretty. The campsites overlook the river gorge flanked by tall, plum colored quartz walls. I highly recommend it.

And, the Badlands of South Dakota are just breathtaking-particularly early in the morning with the sun rising. Make sure you take a trip through them on your way to Minnesota!

Gooseberry Falls are worth seeing, too as is Duluth and Lake Superior.

I would appreciate people posting on various campgrounds they use enroute to the GTG. It's always great to get reports firsthand. Bloggers?

Hope to see you there!
Gigi-formerly of Minnesota, now of Dakota!
www.studiogigi.net

[Nancy]

Hi Gigi,

Hope you will be able to make it. The campground will be much fuller than I thought before we had so many registered. People who register with me or Joy will get a packet when they come in, so if you ever firm up your plans try to let us know so we are prepared for you.

No Dutch over workshops planned. Actually no workshops planned as Grand Marais is just too neat of a place to sit at campground. Artist point is just across the way from the campground by the coast guard station. Lots of photo opportunities there (don't need paints).

If there are any sewers out there who would like a project workshop (maybe a Christmas gift idea) I would be happy to do that, as I can see Grand Marais any time I want. Would need to have feedback as I do not want to carry a sewing machine and fabric if there is no interest. It would be a shame to be indoors doing a sewing workshop if the weather was beautiful. If the weather doesn't agree then it would be a nice activity. I can be available.

Thanks for mentioning the place near Sioux Falls. I'll have to look that up as we drive the I-29 a few times a year. Always hit Stones in Watertown at lunch time for their hot beef combo. Terry Redlin art place is just across the interstate from Stones if you haven't seen that, quite large and impressive.

If you can come up/over do you need campground stop ideas? If so, what is your route?

Nancy