Duluth and a Pipe Lesson in St. Paul MN
Canal Park, Duluth, MN
Lift Bridge today
When they learned we were heading South from Lake Superior North Shore through Duluth to St. Paul, several of our friends encouraged us to visit the area around the Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth including the Maritime Museum. The bridge, spanning the Duluth Ship Canal, was completed in 1930 replacing a 1905 aerial gondola system which transported cars and people across the canal.
Gondola 1906
We were pleasantly surprised at what a happening place it was, renovated buildings and restaurants in the area. Like many other tourists and locals, we stayed in Canal Park to watch one of the bulk carriers complete its entrance into the canal (see movie below). Duluth is the biggest exporting port on Lake Superior supplying Eastern US cities with coal, corn and other bulk goods, bringing in more than $40M annually.
Click on any thumbnail below to see larger image gallery.
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- Parking was easy
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- Entrance from Lake Superior
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- Seagull Frame
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- Lift Bridge towers above the street
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- American Mariner entering to load cargo
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Canal Park, Aerial Lift Bridge, Duluth MN
Como in St. Paul, MN
We made our way to St. Paul to visit Dick and Diane Hensold. Dick is a professional musician, world class Northumbrian piper, and Diane is a retired librarian. Colin met Dick at a Northumbrian Piping event and decided he wanted to take lessons from him. Dick needed some work on his website, so a barter bargain was made. Over the last few years, Dick has been to our home and out sailing on our boat while on tour on the east coast. Perhaps our neighbors remember seeing Dick doing his daily walk through our community? He’s pretty unique looking with his white, long beard, so you would remember him if you saw him! While at the Hensold’s home, Colin had a pipe lesson and then they played some music, checking out Dick’s new and unbroken-in chanter. Diane and Dick’s hospitality included a tour of St. Paul, a wonderful local restaurant, and an unforgettable walk through the Como Park Conservatory. Dick and Diane have been growing Bonsai and there was a special exhibit at the Como along with a gorgeous Japanese garden and tea house.
Click on any thumbnail below to see larger image gallery.
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- Diane and Dick Hensold
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- Como Arboretum
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- Bonsai exhibit
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- Japanese Garden
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- Tea House
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- Variegated lily pads
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- Downtown St. Paul
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- St. Paul Cathedral
Conservatory Flowers. Click on any thumbnail below to see larger image gallery.
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- Unique leaf
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- Center of red bromeliad
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- Interesting leaf pattern
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- Abundance of roses at the Hensolds’ garden
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Como Park and Conservatory, St. Paul, MN
This brings back memories of a few scenes I saw when competing in sail boat races on the Great Lakes. Much of the area looked like a goast town with bankrupted shipyards and industrial sites. Looks like things are improving in your neck of the woods. Thanks for sharing your trip. Love you guys. Mer and George
Quelles magnifiques photos! J’adore “seagulls frame”.une photo d’art!
Amazing gardens and Colin ROCKS!!!