A home away from home

Duluth, Minnesota has a special place in my heart as the home of my dear friend, Fred. I've been to Duluth twice before, and after nearly a month of traveling - each day a new and unfamiliar place - Duluth felt like a homecoming.

The ride into Duluth was a bit hairy, as the Willard Munger State Trail was washed out in the huge flood that hit earlier this summer. We rode on the trail for over forty miles, but the last twenty were inaccessible, so we took: highway 61 that led us to the local ski hill, and then hiked down (bikes on shoulders) on a washed-out hiking trail to a washed-out road, Spring Creek Road. Then there was some interesting navigation of the city's bike route toward downtown. We eventually made it, and it will stick out in our trip as a day of "choose your own adventure."

But as we rode in, somewhat unsure of ourselves, I began to recognize places I'd been and ridden before. The Lake walk, bridges, restaurants...

Stella and I got into town fairly early and immediately headed to a local brewpub. While leisurely consuming an elk burger, GF beer, and root beer float, we watched our fellow riders pedal by in a downpour that set in.
We were soon after whisked away from Bike & Build world by Fred's lovely parents, Brenda and Dave. Not only did they give us real beds, but hot showers, and a salmon dinner. Ahhh, what more could a weary traveler ask for?!

The following day, we volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Superior, WI (just a few miles from Duluth). Our task was to level out a huge pile of dirt inside the frame of the house so that the concrete foundation could be poured the following week. With our help, the organization saved over $5,000!

This is about what the pile looked like at the beginning

Nearly finished...

Our work is done!

 

Duluth was one of my favorite stops, and I sincerely hope it is not the last time I visit this beautiful city.

Leaving Duluth at sunrise.