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Thursday, June 21, 2012

Duluth, MN, Historic Flooding

Every year for the past 15+ years my family has made an annual trek to the "North Shore" in Minnesota.  Specifically to Duluth, MN.  It is an absolutely beautiful, peaceful place to spend time.  There is so much to do and to see.  Watch the sun rise or set.  Take in a view of the lake.  Bike.  Hike.  Swim.  Shop.  Take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage...the list goes on and on.

Prior to 2003, our trips were "solo" -- just my husband (boyfriend at the time!) and me.  Then, starting in 2003 and spanning through 2007, our trek north including a new addition...our son.  As always, we continued to make some really great memories on our trips beginning with the year our son was born and just continuing on from there!  In 2008, with the adoption of our daughter, our annual trek turned into a full-fledged family affair!!

And, like any "up north" family, we each have our own favorite thing to do once we hit North Shore Territory.  Our favorite place to temporarily call home.  Our favorite place to eat.  Our favorite activity.  You get the picture...

Which is why I feel so sick to my stomach hearing the news of the recent historic flooding in Duluth and the surrounding areas.  Seeing photos of some of our favorite spots completely gone...washed away or, at best, completely redefined by the sheer force of the water coursing both under and over the ground.  Thinking of those who have been directly effected -- lost their vehicles, homes, belongings...it makes my stomach turn.

The 10+ inches of rain that has fallen in the area over the past three days may have changed the landscape of my family's favorite escape and it is no doubt testing the patience and resolve of the folks who call Duluth and the surrounding areas home -- but I have no reason to believe that in the days, weeks, and months to come that there will be a "rebuild" and the folks in that area will pull through all of this.  They will pick up the pieces...and move forward.  People will come from near and far to help with whatever they can.  Give whatever they can.  It is what I love most about this state that we call "home!"

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the "Northland" tonight.  Stay strong.  Stay safe.

Gooseberry Falls - Normal/Low Flow
Photo By:  Unknown


Goosberry Falls - Historic Flow (June 2012)
Photo By:  Alexius Deters



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