06-02-09 12th day hiking

Post date: Jun 02, 2009 1:34:14 AM

Hi everyone

I have some new friends today. Friends that I camped with

the last two nights. Eric and Matt caught up to me at the North Bally Creek

Campsite on Sunday night. Then we hiked together for a little

while on Monday, but they are way too fast for me. Eric just graduated

from the University of Minnesota and Matt is attending St Cloud State.

They are High School Buddies. Then I caught up with them at a

camping shelter on the top ot Lookout Mountain. Today, I wanted to

end my big hike by taking a gondola ride at Lutsen Mountain.

But unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be. The Gondola only operates

during the weekends this time of year.

Monday was a really exhausting day for me because I hiked

through Casade State Park.. It's a beautiful place, but it has a

really big hill to go up. I was tanked.

Now, I'm at the Moondance Coffeehouse in Lutsen. It is the

Official end of my backpacking trip. I have my voice recorded

notes which I'll be going through and posting trip reports.

I have taken over 800 photos since last Wednesday when

I left the Gunflint Lodge. Plus, when I was at the Gunflint Lodge

I sent a camera card back to my sister that had several

hundred photos on it.

I'll be taking a shuttle to Duluth this afternoon and will

be taking the Skyline Shuttle to the Twin Cities

where I'll catch the Megabus. I should be home in the

next couple days. Most likely, tommorrow.

That's all for now, Todd

Hi Todd,

Wow! I didn't realize what a huge undertaking this was! I'm impressed! (20 miles a day and all!) What a trip to remember! What a test of your skills!

It has really been fun watching your progess! Thanks for including me. Plus I feel kind of "with it" to be in on this cool technology!

Everyone out in the wilderness should have one of those tracking devices!

Anyway, hope the last few days are as successful as the first ones have been!

I may be out of town the first week you're back...

That's why I send you a big CONGATULATIONS now in advance.

Best,

Judyoo

Todd is in Lutsen today. He is taking a taxie to Duluth and if he gets there by 5:00 PM then he will take the bus to Minn. where he stay tonight and then take the megga bus to Madison on Wednesday. Way to go Todd. We can't wait to hear about your adventure.

Todd is staying at the Bestwestern in Duluth, MN. He will catch the bus Wed.