Rob and Emily Raleigh

I could not have timed a trip up north any better. Where I thought fall colors would have peaked already, they were in full force. On my way to Duluth I followed old county roads that traveled around freshly mown pastures with round hay bales, through small forgotten towns, and along side deep forests of magnificent colors. Bends in the road opened up to rolling hills of golden birch dotted with evergreens that took my breath away. It was well worth the extra hour added to my trip.

Mom and I then spent a day in Bayfield, Wisconsin and our drive there was equally impressive. The oak trees were a burnt orange color, the maples were anything from crimson to peach to bright tangerine, and acres upon acres of golden birch seemed lit from within. There were several times on our drive where we felt merely viewing the colors just wasn't enough- it was like we wanted to gather them up in our arms and never let go. After lunch in town, we took the short Iron Bridge hike and it was like walking under a golden lampshade made of maple and birch leaves. The weather remained sunny and warm so we also walked around town and visited a few shops. Things definitely move at their own pace there, and we enjoyed the leisurely day.

Before my drive home this morning, Mom, Dad and I walked along the new section of the Duluth Lakewalk that starts just down the street from my parents' house. Dad marveled at the colors and said his dad used to quote, "Mother Nature always blushes before she disrobes." Dad wasn't sure if Grandpa had read it somewhere or if it was something he had made up, but it is a lovely quote all the same. We walked until the trail met the shore, because what is a trip to Duluth without a view of the Lake?

I posted some pictures of the weekend in our gallery under The Outdoors.