The Fisci: Up North 2014

Our family summer vacation started on Tuesday and we did very well to document our 6th annual camping trip to the north shore. (Prepare yourself for a lot of pictures!)

Our traditional packed in family shot.

It rained on us on the way up, but that didn't dampen our spirits!

We made a few stops on our way to camp. First stop past Duluth, Silver Bay Marina.

Finally arrived at camp around 5:00. Ahhh.

We got our fire started for supper right away, first campfire dinner. Mmmm.

Claire's first s'more of the trip.

Anna was all smiles for s'mores.

Mommy was the master marshmallow roaster.

The first night was a late night supper and snacks and then it was bedtime. The girls were up bright and early on Wednesday morning and first thing, wanted a canoe ride.

Geared up with their life jackets. Claire had to upgrade from the Infant sized one to Nemo and we had to get a new one for Anna on our way up because she had upgraded too!

Silly Bear.

Anna was a great paddler.

Claire was a bit wiggly, but still enjoyed her ride.

After the canoe ride, fishing was on the agenda. Anna and Mommy warmed up our fishing skills by our campsite, but then we moved down to the dock....

Claire carried the worms.

Anna caught her first fish ever and couldn't have been more excited. The pure joy and excitement on her face was amazing.

It was a jumpy fish!

She was so happy!

Claire caught one too on Mommy's pole.

She wasn't quite as excited about it.

Even though she looks proud here, every time there was a chance at another fish coming it, she bolted and wanted to be as far from that pole as possible.

Mommy caught a big one!

Claire enjoyed throwing lots of rocks back into the lakes.

Fishin' on the dock.

Our fishing party moved from Ninemile Lake to Echo Lake where we also enjoyed lunch.

Claire loved reeling.

Fishin' with Daddy.

Claire liked the chips.

After fishing, we decided to head out for a hike. Both girls fell asleep on the way to Tettiguchi State Park. We enjoyed a little quiet time and then woke them up for a nice hike.

The hike included this great bridge. Anna and Daddy on the bridge.

Claire and Mommy on the bridge.

Beautiful falls.

The girls loved getting into the river!

Photo courtesy of Anna.

Photo courtesy of Claire.

Dad & Mom

Hiking back.

Mommy and Claire on the bridge on the way back.

Anna ran up the stairs!

Posing by the log.

The girls were so excited to pick out a 'prize' to remember the trip by and they both got something at Tettiguchi State Park. Anna picked a fox that she named Kit first then changed it's name to Aurora. Claire picked a bald eagle that we thought she named Puppy, but then later it became Papa. We asked which Papa it was named after and she said Papa Dave. Not sure if there is a connection between bald eagles and Papa Dave....

After our hike we headed back to camp and enjoyed a campfire steak dinner. It was a great day!

Dishes were a family affair.

Another day, a big smile!

Off on the daily walk to get water.

Cute sisters.

Campritos on the fire for breakfast!

Thursday we started our day with a hike to a hidden beach on Superior we hadn't been to before. It was a difficult hike, but the girls did great and it was well worth it for the views and the great rock hunting!

Gorgeous view.

The girls posing on the rocks.

Daddy was really into the hunt for sea glass!

Girls!

Photo by Anna.

Family Shot.

This beach was completely empty when we were there, but obviously others had been there as there were a few rock stacks scattered around the beach. These stacks inspired Anna to make her own.

Her beautiful stack.

The final product. She hauled all these big rocks from all over the beach. It was quite the undertaking.

After the beach, we hiked back up the steep hill and headed to Grand Marais. Anna was pumped to get her annual donut!

We also got to ride on the moose at the fudge shop.

On our way back to camp we drove through a few other state parks while the girls napped and then we headed to supper at the Tressle Inn, also a tradition.

Claire found a pet wooden duck that she enjoyed 'petting' while waiting for her supper.

This is what Anna thinks of root beer (or any carbonated beverage).

And this is what Claire thinks of it!

Claire got her first ride on the tire swing this year. Anna was going too fast to get a clear picture!

Back to camp for some relaxation and canoeing.

Love this view.

Friday morning it was time for more fishing! Claire was ready to go!

Anna caught a few more! (6 was her total for the weekend)

After fishing we headed to Temperance River and enjoyed a picnic lunch with the seagulls.

Claire practiced her yoga on the beach.

Anna enjoyed the views too!

Claire was really into digging and building and playing with rocks and sticks. It was paradise for her.

When we hiked through lots of weeds, I was always a bit nervous that we would find some poison oak or other itchy weed, so we put our hands in the air so we wouldn't touch them. Claire thought it was hilarious.

Sometimes Claire got too tired on hikes and she got carried. When Daddy carried her, she stole his hat.

Mommy and Anna took a canoe ride, just the two girls.

Daddy stayed on shore and took pictures of their cute faces.

Our last hike of the trip was through Sugarloaf Cove.

Daddy and Anna led the way.

There were some bird traps (for tagging birds only, not for hunting) and the sign said it's illegal to mess with the traps, of course as soon as Anna saw ropes, she grabbed one and gave it a pull. Hopefully they don't come lookin' for her.