In just a few short weeks I’ll be in Grand Teton National Park with my family preparing to climb Grand Teton. To prepare we’ve been doing a number of things such as strength training, cardio, and hiking. Recently we were up on the North Shore of Minnesota and stopped at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park to do some hiking. To help in our preparation we carry backpacks weighted down so our bodies can adjust to the additional weight before going on our 7 mile journey up a mountain where we’ll camp for 3 nights. Another piece to these training hikes it the opportunity to test different gear and food. Most of the equipment is stuff we’ve used before but a few items, such as our approach shoes, are new for this adventure. It’s these times we can really put them to the test and see how they perform. Food presents some different challenges when up in the mountains. It just tastes different at higher elevations and we need to make sure we really like what we’re eating. Otherwise it gets considerably more difficult to eat anything when you don’t really feel hungry and are not motivated by what tastes good.
During my last time camping in Split Rock, I explored some trails with my wife and found Corundum Point out over the bay from where I was on Lake Superior. At that point I knew some day I wanted to hike on top of the massive rocky point. You can view a of the photo from a distance by clicking on this link: Corundum Point. This seemed like a good opportunity to both get in some hiking and explore this granite cliff.
We arrived at the trailhead parking lot mid afternoon on a partly cloudy, cool late spring day on the North Shore. Climbing out of the car we began to prepare for the hike. Changing shoes, getting our backpacks ready to go, and using the bathrooms. As soon as we were ready it began to rain. We knew this was a possibility and made sure our rain gear was also with us. Showers were popping up but stayed pretty spotty so we decided to get back in the car and wait it out. Ten minutes later we were on the trail for a short 3 mile hike enjoying the northwoods views, sounds, and smells while remaining close to the shores of Lake Superior.
During our trip the terrain was varied going up and down while staying pretty flat at other times. It’s used heavily enough that it’s fairly easy to follow but still requires navigation around rocks, tree roots, and uneven ground. At one point the rain began to lightly fall again so I brought out an umbrella. Had it been a heavier rain we could have used the rain coats and pants currently tucked inside each pack.
Before I knew it we were at Corundum point beginning the ascent to the top for a grand view of this large lake. Once on top we took some time to relax and enjoy our surroundings while grabbing a snack. Doing a little exploring on this interesting rock formation, a Peregrine Falcon made its presence known letting us know it knew we were there. I enjoyed watching as it flew back and forth over Lake Superior eventually settling back into the top of a tree. Soon it was time to throw the packs back on and return to the car.
Shortly after hitting the trail back, I spotted an orchid just beginning to bloom. It was a large clustered Coral Root orchid beautifully starting to display its small flowers. I had hoped to spot a native orchid during our hike but expected to see Ladyslippers as they tend to be a lot easier to see and should be in bloom. The hike was already enjoyable but adding a hardy orchid makes it even more fun.
At one point on the trail there are steps assisting people to climb from the shoreline up the steep granite cliff, which seem to continue on forever. You get near the top and these steps take a turn continuing up through the trees which are effective at hiding the top. It’s probably good that the top is so well hidden otherwise it could be a challenge to keep motivated to climb them. Soon we were back at the trailhead and our time here was quickly disappearing. While I wasn’t ready to leave, I had a great afternoon with my daughters and a few memories to take with.
