A North Shore Fall

The middle of October is what I consider prime photo shooting time in northern Minnesota. Of course I also hear this is a different kind of prime shooting time - grouse hunting season. For some reason, Pat seemed to think the bird hunting part takes precedence over photography. While he was out chasing after birds, I took a little trip up the North Shore.


Although the mass of tourists from the Cities tends to deter me from visiting the park during this time of the year, you can definitely see why Gooseberry Falls is an autumn favorite.


One of the lower falls.

Particularly colorful plants seemed to surround this cute pedestrian bridge in the park.

Perfect pairing of a cute bridge and colorful foliage.

More color at the end of the bridge.

The main panoramic view in the park offering a look at two sets of waterfalls and a beautiful highway bridge is especially bright in autumn.

A view of the upper falls from the catwalk beneath the highway bridge.

This pool at the top of the middle falls always makes me think of those 'infinity' swimming pools. Except cooler.

A trip to the North Shore is just not complete without going to my favorite spot, Split Rock. The lower trail offers the best views of the bay, lighthouse, and island.

You really cannot help but snap photo after photo of the lighthouse from the point you can first glimpse it along the trail. Of course it helps when you are a lighthouse and photo nut, like me.

Lucky for me, the foot traffic on the lower trail was pretty light, so I had the lighthouse view pretty much to myself. Just how I like it.

The wispy clouds are my favorite.

A panoramic view of the bay with those great wispy clouds.

One last glimpse from the lower trail before heading towards the pump house.

Bright colors along the trail.

The park has no lack of birch trees, which conveniently contrast well with autumn colors.

More birch trees.

This view of the lighthouse from below the pump house produced my favorite photo of the day.

I don't know what these bushes are, but they sure were colorful.

One last view of the lighthouse from this basalt bedrock outcrop along the trail prior to driving back before it got too dark.

Lester River

The Lester River park is one of the favorite spots for Duluthians to enjoy the fall colors. I headed out with the camera in tow for a few photos in mid-October.

The Lester River flowing over some nice basalt rock.

A road called 'Seven Bridges Road' cuts through the park. Since the road is somewhat of a historic parkway, each of the recently replaced bridges was given a facade that looks like stone.

The park houses a cute gazebo that I always picture as being a good spot for a wedding photo.

I took a shot looking down the falls at what is called 'the deeps' just prior to heading out. A lot of locals like to cliff jump here. Although I am a fan of cliff jumping, this would not be my top pick due to the distance required to miss the rock canyon walls.

Applefest

At the beginning of October each year, everyone flocks to Applefest in Bayfield, Wisconsin. We had not been to Applefest in the past, but thought we would check it out with our friends Pete and Mehgan.


We first went into town to check out the booths. I snapped a shot of this flower along the way.


It was a good day to see the sailboats since they were all in the harbor due to the rain.


The fire department was on hand to display their shiny red truck, perfect for a photo.

Our friends brought their daughter along. She looked cute donning her pink raincoat!

This carmel apple pie is supposedly THE food item to get at Applefest. Pat and I could barely finish a piece together. Very tasty!

Neat truck from one of the nearby orchards.

Yum!

One storefront had a series of three apple signs that were cute.

I have never seen fudge covered apples before, but they must be good since they involve chocolate!

By this point, I had enough of the crowd and was ready to go to the orchard.

On the way back to the car we passed one of the several historic bed and breakfasts that Bayfield is known for. The architecture of several of the buildings in town makes me think of Mackinac Island.....without the island part, of course.

When we finally reached the apple orchard, photo opportunities of apples abounded. This was one time I was actually happy there was a little rain since it made the apples look extra juicy and tasty!

There are several orchard farms in the area. This particular one had a neat old barn.

The orchard offered pony rides, which our friends' daughter couldn't pass up.

A view from the hay loft of the barn.

One last view of an apple before heading home to dry out.