Llama on the Loose July 8, 2009

It is very common to see wildlife on the North Shore.  Just last week I saw a fox almost eat my husbands golf ball at Superior National, then later that week I saw a large bear cross the road.  You would expect me to say I saw a moose or a wolf, but never a llama.  I was bringing my son to daycare last Thursday on County Road 7 and saw something large, furry and white up ahead.  I slowed down to a stop and stared at a llama on the side of the road.  It was so bizarre.  I didn’t know what to do, so I pulled out my camera phone and took a picture, then went on my way and called the police station to alert them of the oddity.  I must apologize to the dispatcher as I could not stop laughing.  I was caught so off guard, especially when she asked me to describe the llama…tall, furry, white with a brown spot.  I hope that the owner now has their llama safe at home and all is well.  As for me, I now look for all types of wildlife on my drive to work, including llamas. -Kris

Llama on the Loose!

Availability July 10-12 July 8, 2009

The Grand Marais Art Festival is this weekend.  Come see wonderful art and the beauty of the North Shore.  Here’s what we have available:
Aspenwood 6536
Deer Creek
LeVeaux Mountain Lodge
Loon Point
Rosebushbacca
Superior Shores 9
Superior Retreat

Call 1-800-950-4361 to make your reservation!

Trip to Isle Royale June 29, 2009

We took a trip to Isle Royale this weekend, my husband, 1.5 year old son, father-in-law and step mother-in-law.  I have always wanted to go.  The boat ride starts in Grand Portage and takes about 3 hours to get to the island, then you spend 3 hours on the island, then 3 hours back.  I have never taken a boat out on Lake Superior, so it was very fascinating for me to see Minnesota from a different perspective.  The boat driver took us by the Witch Tree which is painted and photographed by many North Shore artists.  You can not see it on the land unless you are accompanied by a tribesman.  The boat ride was quite cold, but there is an enclosed cabin in the middle of the boat with some limited seating, coffee, pop and snacks.  The back of the boat was also enclosed, but still a bit windy.  On the way you see many small islands and Isle Royale in the distance. 
When we arrived to the island, the boat driver took us over a ship wreck site.  You could see the bow of the shipwrecked boat.  Then the boat travels into a bay of the island to Windigo, an area with a store, ranger station and many trails.  I went on a guided hike which was very informative about animals and plant life on the island.  There was a chance to break away from the guided hike to see some lady slippers.  We saw quite a few.  I have never gotten to see one so close.  It was really neat.  Unfortunately we did not get to see any wolves or moose which the island is known for.  After the hike, we enjoyed some lunch and then we were off to board the boat again.  It was quite a quick trip.  On the way back it was very foggy and hard to see anything else, but much warmer. 
I definately enjoyed the trip, but wish we could have more time for exploring and a little better weather. As a side note, I would probably not bring my 1.5 year old again – it was just too much time on a wobbly boat and not enough time for running around.  Live and Learn right! -Kris

Last Minute Availability 6/26-6/28 June 25, 2009

Do you want to make last minute plans to come to the North Shore?  Here are the homes we have available:
Asle Ta – Lutsen
Birch Hollow – Grand Marais
Caribou Crossing – Lutsen
Grey Havens – Lutsen
Pointavu – Tofte
Squantum Point – Hovland
Superior Shores 9 – Grand Marais
Temperance Cottage – Tofte

Call 1-800-950-4361 for your reservations!

 

4th of July Availability
Birken Bay
Finn House
Squantum Point

Dragonflies – Who knew they could be so exciting?! June 24, 2009

I never really got excited over dragonflies when I lived in the cities.  They were neat, but nothing to jump up and down for.  Now living in the northwoods I think everyone up here gets very excited for the dragonflies.  My yard right now is filled with them.  I think we get more than the average joe since we also have a pond.  For us the excitement of the dragonflies comes because they eat the ever so nasty black flies.  My first encounter with a black fly was when we were looking for a home up here with our realtor Steve (now boss).  I looked in the mirror and said in an alarming manor – I’M BLEEDING.  I had blood running down my face and had no idea why.  Steve laughed and told me to get used to it.  I had got bitten by a black fly.  This past weekend I had the same reaction as I was working in the garden and looked down to a bloody arm.  I did for a second wonder if I had somehow cut myself and then knew that I was a victim.  So, now you see why life from now on in my garden will be a little better.  I welcome the dragonflies with open arms as does the rest of Cook County.-Kris

We are now on Facebook! June 18, 2009

Cascade Vacation Rentals is now on Facebook and we would love to have you as a friend.  Look us up by Cascade Vacation Rentals – North Shore.  We will be giving updates on specials, events, and small snipits of life on the North Shore!

The Wonders of Golfing Up North June 17, 2009

I am new to golf, but in my short time playing I have gotten on some nice courses around Minnesota.  We are fortunate enough to have a great course right in our backyard – Superior National in Lutsen.  Where else can you look left and see the lake and right to see some beautiful tree covered hills.  The scenery is some of the best in Cook County.  Last night we played the river course which winds you around the Poplar River.  It is such a fun and exciting time.  Besides the excitment of getting our golf balls over the river, on our last hole a deer came rather close to the putting green.  We watched it for a while until it ran back into the woods.  I have heard people seeing moose and bears on the course too - I will be sure to let you know when that happens to me!  Next time you are passing through, take a break from throwing rocks into the lake and play the Superior National course.  - Kris  http://www.superiornational.com/

Come stay on the North Shore this weekend 6/19-6/21 June 16, 2009

Come check out the sights and sounds of the North Shore this weekend!  Call 1-800-950-4361 today to make a reservation.

Tofte
Aspenwood 6536
LeVeaux Mtn Lodge
Nordkapp
Temperance Cottage

Lutsen
Asle Ta
Minne Me
Seacliff

Grand Marais
Opels 3
Opels 4
Superior Shores 4
Superior Shores 9

Gunflint Trail
Christine’s Hideaway

Mt. Oberg Hike June 10, 2009

Dispite the cold and grey weather we have been having, Sunday afternoon turned into a wonderful sunny day.  A friend and I decided to do one of my favorite hikes – Mt. Oberg.  It is a perfect time of year to see wildflowers which made the hike even better.  If you have never done this hike before, you should definately try it out the next time you are on the North Shore.  It is a great mix of seeing the lush mountains and looking out over miles of Lake Superior.  You will occasionally see a deer, chipmunk or cool bug that you have never seen before.  There are some great picnic spots and some benches to rest on. 

To get there: Highway 61 to the Onion River Road in Tofte.  The turn off is in the midst of the constrution, so be careful!  Take the Onion River road to the trail head parking area. 

Do you have a favorite hike on the North Shore?  Leave us a comment and let us know!

Homes Available 6/12-6/14 June 10, 2009

Come stay on the North Shore this weekend!  Call 1-800-950-4361 to reserve your rental!

Two Harbors
Beach Cliff

Schroeder
Birken Bay
Shore Creek

Tofte
Aspenwood 6508
Aspenwood 6550
LeVeaux Mtn Lodge
Parkview
Pointavu
Temperance Cottage

Lutsen
Drom Hytte
Grey Havens
Loon Point
Seacliff

Grand Marais
Opels 2
Opels 4
Superior Shores 4
Superior Retreat
The Vila

Hovland
Squantum Point