Walked over to the University for my monthly blood draw. On the way home, I wandered into the Mechanical Engineering Department out of curiosity about all this ductwork rising up through an atrium. Following a duct, I realized it’s part of the HVAC system. Later, I learned it’s all made of stainless steel, which is pretty fancy.
Category: Place
Downtown Discoveries
The new-to-us Hotel Ivy was an objective of a Downtown walk with a friend. The modern building incorporates a “mini-skyscraper,” originally an office tower for the Christian Science Church, built in 1930. Today, the old tower houses suites, including a two-story penthouse. Afterward, we recharged with coffee and croissants at a new-to-us coffee shop.
Remains of the Day
Glanced out the window toward Gold Medal Park. Cyclists, out for a group ride, were relaxing in the fading afternoon sun atop the mound with the spiral path. I smile when I think of my nephews running up that hill, then rolling down the spiral path on their scooters, again and again. They were so young then. Now, at 16 and 17, they’d rather drive their cars.
Neighborhood Gems
After school, I enjoyed a delicious, runny fried egg sandwich for lunch at Mill City Museum. In the winter, this lobby of the former 1890s flour mill hosts our local farmers market. Next door, hundreds of school kids poured out of the Guthrie Theater after a special performance of A Christmas Carol. I asked a teacher about it. “It was awesome, awesome!” she exclaimed, her arms raised in a celebratory gesture.
When Labor Resists
During my walk through the North Loop/Warehouse District, I discovered a new mural hidden in an alleyway. It depicts a general strike in Minneapolis in 1934. The phrase “One day in July” is a reminder of the violent clash between armed law enforcement and unarmed strikers. According to the Teamsters Union, this strike marked a significant turning point for both the union and the entire labor movement.
Where the Children Play
Near the end of my bike ride, I passed by Gold Medal Park where school kids on a field trip to the Mill City Museum were letting off steam during their lunch break.
Minneapolis Day Out
Took the LRT to Minnehaha Park with a friend visiting from the UK, then walked back along the Mississippi, stopping for lunch. As always, I took a picture of Minnehaha Falls. Each time there’s something different: today the waterfall was throwing off a mist and the flow was enhanced by yesterday’s heavy rain and melting snow.
Until Next Time
Walked past this damp scene on our way to breakfast at Coho Cafe. After three nights at Bluefin Bay in Tofte, it was time to head back to the Cities. We timed our departure well, as overnight rain and cooler temperatures made hiking less appealing.
A Warm Finish to the SHT
Our final Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) adventure took us to Leveaux Mountain and, here, Leveaux Pond. If you look closely, you can spot a beaver lodge on the left. We’ve been lucky with the weather these past six days, with today’s temperatures reaching an unseasonably warm 60’s.
Full Circle
Temperance River, the start and end of our loop hike today. Gitchee-Gami State Trail, SHT spur then main trail; distant views of sun reflecting off Lake Superior through leafless birch forests.