September 2024 Fall Leaves Chasing

🗓️September 28, 2024 - Time for Camping

🌲 Heading Up North

I messaged Aerin that I was heading Up North here in Minnesota. I found a beautiful camping spot in Two Harbors, overlooking Lake Superior. It’s the prettiest time of year to go camping or just wander around—something about that place gives you a deep sense of solitude and peace. I love it out there.

🍁 First Stop: Gooseberry Falls

I went to Gooseberry Falls first. I didn’t realize Aerin had been trying to reach me until I arrived in Two Harbors to check in. She finally called and told me she was nearby at the overlook tunnel. The view was breathtaking—cotton candy clouds blanketed Lake Superior. We snapped a bunch of photos, soaking it all in.

🍽️ Nighttime Adventures

When it got dark, we set out to find dinner. We almost drove to Castle Rock, but decided to turn back—it felt too far, and we wanted to stay nearby. Even on the way Up North, I kept needing bathroom breaks, which was odd considering I hadn’t drunk much. I shrugged it off.

🥣 Bar Food & Late-Night Musings

We ended up eating at a bar—the only place still serving food. I ordered chicken tenders and fries but couldn’t finish; I felt too full. We chose to sleep in the back of my SUV instead of pitching our tent, and surprisingly, it was pretty cozy.

💤 Sleepless & Sympathetic

Despite the comfort, sleep didn’t come easy. I kept waking up to use the bathroom. Aerin teased me, saying, “Maybe you have a UTI! Try drinking cranberry juice.” Between tossing, turning, and bathroom trips, I barely got an hour of sleep.

🗓️ September 29, 2025 – Sunrise, Coffee, Cable Cars & Fall Colors

🌅 Early morning light therapy: Aerin and I woke up early to watch the sunrise—it was absolutely gorgeous. The rays felt warm and energizing, like nature’s caffeine shot. Naturally, we couldn’t resist snapping a ton of photos.

☕ Grand Marais breakfast stop: We drove into town for coffee and breakfast sandwiches. While waiting inside (and yes, standing in line for the restroom again 😄, I found an old Chinese zodiac book. We read through the signs and laughed—some of the descriptions were so spot on!

🌬️ Lakeside peace: Afterward, we walked to the lighthouse and soaked in the breeze and lake views. It felt like everything slowed down for just a moment.

see my belly protruding from my shirt

🏞️ Palisades Lookout Trek: Later on, we stopped at a completely different location for a separate hike to the Palisades. This trail felt untouched and serene. After a steady climb, we reached the lookout where Lake Superior stretched endlessly in every direction. The clouds drifted low and slow, painting the sky with every shade of calm. It was one of those rare views that hushes everything inside you.

Palisades

🥾 Split Rock adventure: We also made a stop at Split Rock State Park and hiked all the way to the shore of Lake Superior. The view was incredible—standing on the rocky beach, looking up at the iconic lighthouse perched above the waves. It felt like stepping into a postcard.

Splitrock State Park

🚠 Fall magic at Lutsen: Next, we took the cable car up Lutsen Mountain. The fall colors were full-on fireworks—deep reds, golden yellows, fiery oranges everywhere you looked. It was mesmerizing.

🌉 Duluth evening wander: Later, we made our way to Duluth, walked around the lighthouse and the bridge, then wrapped up with dinner at Grandma’s. The day ended with a warm hug, refresh, talking about coming back again! and off we went home .