Top and Not Top 10

 After vacation sometimes it is fun recalling the highlights and the parts of the trip that were memorable but maybe for the wrong reasons.  Here's our list:

1. Best Food:
Arthur- Grandma's Saloon and Grill: I ordered the Cajun Chicken Fettuccine.  It had an incredible variety of spices and was very starchy and filling.  It was also the first meal my wife let me eat inside in almost a week since she turns everything into a picnic.  They also had great hospitality (just like my Grandmas.)

Alex- The Angry Trout: We had built up our expectations over three days of backpacking and The Angry Trout did not disappoint.  The grilled fish and sauce was incredible.  I also loved the fact that they had outdoor seating on the dock with a great view of the harbor.

2. Best Museum:
Arthur: Lake Superior Maritime Museum: This museum was so informative and answered a lot of questions we had about shipping on Lake Superior.  I also have a deeper appreciation for all the work the the Army Corp of Engineers does.  There was also an awesome display of engines.

Alex- Split Rock Lighthouse:  Lighthouses are such interesting places to visit and this one included a wonderful museum and guides.  We were both fascinated by learning about Fresnel lenses and the mechanics involved in causing the light to turn.  Split Rock is also in a beautiful location perched atop a cliff.

3. Best Hike:
Arthur-  Tettgouche State Park:  This was the first state park we visited and it left a wonderful impression on us of the Minnesota State Park System.  We dubbed this hike "low hanging fruit" since it was relatively easy and offered amazing views.  We were also impressed by how well the trails were maintained.

Alex- Isle Royale:  My favorite parts of the backpacking trip were the first 20 minutes, along the Feldtman Loop.  We had just arrived on this misty magical island full of moose and other wonders.  We didn't know what to expect and the vegetation and forest was so lush and green.  I also enjoyed the last mile into Huginnin Cove on the rocks overlooking Lake Superior.  The lake was a deep blue-green that afternoon and everything seemed to be covered with a blanket of moss.  Of course this was at the end of our long day so that decreased our appreciation since we just wanted to get to camp. 

4. Best of "On the Road":
Arthur- Fruit Loop:  This was a drive through the orchards that surround Bayfield, WI.  It was interesting since this is a type of agriculture we don't usually see being from Kansas.  I also felt like I was driving down the country roads from the opening scene of Hoosiers.

Alex- Road Kill:  Somewhere in Wisconsin there was a really big raccoon laying on the shoulder of the highway that was road kill.  Someone had come along and tied a "Get Well Soon" balloon to its paw.  Kudos to whoever was inspired to do this and spread joy throughout their corner of the world.

5. Best Fair Exhibit:
Arthur- Sheepdog Trials:  I love watching border collies work and these trials show off the incredible skill and talent these dogs have.  It also reminded my of my favorite border collie, Jasper.

Alex- Lumberjack show: I really enjoyed the exhibition of lumberjack skills.  It was a completely different sporting world that we aren't exposed to here.   Plus I have a thing for plaid shirts.

 6. Best Sunset:
Arthur and Alex- Siskiwit Bay: There was a stunning sunset and we just had a wonderful evening taking the time to watch the light fading across the bay and sinking below the horizon. 

7. Worst Weather:
Arthur and Alex- Wave conditions on the ferry: It only rained one day on our trip and it happened to be the day we had stuff inside planned.  Camping in the light rain that evening was also relaxing on the tent roof.  So we had great weather but the wind the day of the ferry journey made the worst water conditions that we want to ever experience in a boat.  Six foot waves was brutal enough on a sunny day, we can't imagine a cold stormy gale on Lake Superior. 

8. Worst Hike:
Arthur: On the day that we hiked 14 or 15 miles my feet really really hurt from blisters, my arch nemesis.  I also fell off a plank bridge and stepped in the marshy water below soaking my shoe.  Contemplating Paul and Demas took a disproportionate amount of  my brain power too.

Alex:  The last 2 miles of the first day on Isle Royale were brutal.  I was definitely rethinking whether it was a good idea to haul all of my worldly possessions around on my back and call it a vacation.  My "tiny" body was balking about lugging nearly 40 pounds of stuff around in the woods. 

9. Worst Argument/Grumpy moment:
Arthur and Alex: Arthur was a bit of a grumpy gus after grabbing dinner in Duluth at the Northern Water Smokehaus and eating our sandwiches on a bench along the canal.  Arthur says, "In my mind I had visions of meat piled high and reality did not meet expectations."  Overall for traveling 10 days,  backpacking as a couple, and kayaking in a tandem kayak we got along brilliantly.  I guess that is why we like being married. 

10. Worst "On the Road":
Arthur-  The first day was a long 12 hour drive but the worse part was getting up so early in the morning and being still a little tired driving.

Alex- Twin City Traffic: After leaving the state fair we had to go through downtown around 4:30 or 5pm and traffic was slow for about an hour.  Once again so blessed that our commutes don't include rush hour.  I would go crazy.

Interestingly enough our favorite part of this vacation didn't even make it in one of the top 10 categories.  We both agree that we loved kayaking through the sea caves and would love to go back and take a longer kayaking trip.  Of course the best part of the trip wasn't the sights or the activities but sharing the experiences together.  Omnia Vincit Amor.