We squeezed in a sizable hike today from N. 24th
Ave to the Hartley Nature Center (about 13 miles). The weather forecast provided ample
motivation, and as I’m writing this Duluth is under a flash flood watch until
mid-morning tomorrow. Given the
expectation of soggy trails tomorrow and Friday, today was likely our last day
of vacation for hiking.
The route ran the gamut on elevation change, with >1100
feet at Enger Park, 600 feet along the Lakewalk, and >1300 at Hartley Nature
Center. Though challenging, conditions
were optimal with overcast skies, a cool north wind, and tacky (but not wet)
trails from a morning rain.
(Staying close to Skyline Parkway)
(Entering Enger Park)
It didn’t take long to reach the first major landmark 1.7
miles into the hike. Enger Tower did not
disappoint, with an excellent 360°
view of the area. We also took time to
view (but not ring) the Ohara Peace Bell, commemorating the friendship with
Duluth’s sister city, Ohara-Isumi, Japan.
(No problem with this tower standing strong in the wind)
(Soil type at the base of Enger Tower)
(Great view of the harbor from the top floor of the tower)
Gravity pushed us to the crossing of I-35, which was
quickly followed by Canal Park, the Lakewalk, and the Rose Garden. We were two hours into our hike (and feeling
good) when we started our journey up 14th Ave. en route to our final destination for the day.
(Bridge out = Additional mileage)
(The lift bridge)
(View from the Lakewalk)
(Alas, the roses – and the site of our second soil for the
day)
(No wonder they were growing so well!)
The remainder of the hike was a good workout for our legs
(due to the climbing) and even offered a few surprises from the recent storm
damage that kept us on our toes. All in
all, it was an excellent way to wrap up our hiking experiences during our Minnesota
vacation.
(Climbing along on Chester Creek Trail)
(Time to improvise)
(Yet more improvisation…)
(…and with good reason)
(Rewarded with a great view)
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