In the Pines

I know this is supposed to be a blog about St. Paul, but

Heston's Lodge on Gunflint Lake is our home away from home.

We go there every August. It's a huge relief to arrive, but it's

bittersweet because it signals the end of summer.

This year there were plenty of cloudy days ...

but that didn't stop the porch musicians.

One day I went for a hike by myself while everybody else was still sleeping.

I saw lots of beautiful wildflowers that I was able to identify with my wildflower book.

Fireweed and goldenrod.

Pearly Everlasting.

I did manage to get myself lost, but then I saw signs of civilization.

And I made it back in time for sunset.