It was bound to happen. Seven of us headed out on a sunny Saturday for a hike north of Lutsen and encountered a difficult trail that we were unprepared for. We had no safety plan: had told no one where we were going, had one cell phone with a weak signal, and no flashlight - at a bare minimum.
We had a simple plan based on a simple map indicating a beginners trail up the east side of the Cascade River, cross it near a highway, then hike back the west side to our cars. Timbers on the trail were crusted with snow and ice, turned treacherous with steep slippery slopes, and was often blocked by fallen trees. After hiking less than 4 miles in 4 hours, we stopped for lunch along the river and discussed our options.
It would take us another four hours to hike back to our cars and it would be long past sunset. There was no way we could hike in the dark. A couple coming our way stopped to chat, and we mentioned our dilemna to them. Did they know how much farther to the highway and the bridge? We hoped to get a cellphone signal there and call Lutsen to be picked up.
We continued on to the cascades which turned out to be the most beautiful part of the river.Why or why hadn't we started there?
The couple we'd met caught up with us and generously offered a ride back to our drivers - after retrieving their beer from under their jeep. We quickly ended our arduous trek, and headed to the warm jacuzzi waters at Lutsen.
But what's a hike without food and drink? We were nourished that evening by a supper that included rigatoni prepared by Sarah who was unable to join us due to a cold. Alas, we slept hard after a day of hiking.
Sunday rain saved us from exerting those same muscles, but didn't prevent us from driving to Hawk Ridge in Duluth followed by lunch at Fitgers.
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