Aug 24 Duluth

We started our day down at the waterfront. We watched as one of Duluth's city symbols, the Aerial Lift Bridge, was raised and lowed to accomodate a large tanker to pass. We walked around the Maritime Visitors Center area. We watched sea gulls, and tourists riding bicycle based 'surrey's with fringe on top', we watched a draw bridge open to allow a boat underneath. We boarded the Vista Fleet Cruise boat for a 1 1/2 hour tour of the Duluth harbor and surrounding area. We got a good basic understanding of the mining and shipping trades in Duluth. During the cruise we were able to watch as limestone was loaded onto an enormous ( almost 1000 ft ) ship to be taken across the Lakes. Fascinating.
Lunch followed at Grandma's Sports Garden. During the meal we were witness to the setting up of a stage and lights for a musical event by the group, "Saliva". How appetizing! Not!

Coming from a railroad background it was natural that we wanted to take a little trip on the North Shore Scenic Railroad out of Duluth. More than anything I think it brought back memories of taking trips from Hannibal to Eola, Ill. about 50 years ago.

In the evening we went to the Omnimax Theatre to see 'Mysteries of the Great Lakes'. I don't think they have made an IMAX film yet that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. Great entertainment and great teaching tool. Went back to the motel for leftover Sammy's pizza.