New Years Eve in Watersmeet

Watersmeet, Mi Scenery......7 Miles Today; That's it........no more 2008. Forrest did his last '08" mileage. Mother Nature was not to kind to Forrest today. Five inches of fresh snow with the windy temperature hovering around 18 degrees. Forrest didn't care, I took her best shot. It took me about 10 minutes longer than on a dry day. I stayed mostly in the car track when I could. As of today I'm 27 miles from Iron River, Michigan. New Years Eve in Watersmeet is not so bad. It's a small town of approximately 1500. I guess Forrest could get a bite to eat and see what's happening at the VFW or American Legion. There has got to be a polka band playing somewhere...One last little story about Watersmeet. Gogebic county claims to have the smallest complete Catholic Church in the United States used exclusively for religious services. The Catholic chapel is known as St. raphael Chapel. The chapel was built in 1937. It is 12 feet long, 8 feet 3 inches wide, and the height at the eaves is 7 feet 6 inches. The church is located on Langford Lake in Watersmeet Township in Gogebic County. Forrest should make it to Iron River, Michigan on or about Sunday of this week. "A very Happy New Year from Forrest " God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Who Are The Nimrods?

8 Miles Today; Forrest had his walk completed by 1pm. With all that came up I put off my blog until I was relaxed and in the right frame of mind. After the heavy wind yesterday Forrest had a lot of branches to rake and pick up. Then Brother Jack stop over to say hello and of course he had a small fix it job, and wanted to know if Forrest could help out. Then it was on to install a new dishwasher for my neighbor's son. With supper out of the way, now it's time to do what I like. "MY BLOG" Today the roads were dry, the temperature 34 degrees and no wind. Now back to Highway US 2......Forrest is 4 miles west of Watersmeet, Michigan. How about that, Forrest is going to enjoy New Years Eve in famous town of Watersmeet. Why, one wonders??....It seems ESPN did a piece of the Nimrods of Watersmeet High School. In 2006 The tiny town of Watermeet and its devoted fans gave this great little place national attention through a series of commercials shown a lot on ESPN that were a huge hit for the entire country. OK, OK, OK....the definition of NIMROD (A Mighty Hunter). Now in Forrest's mind, that a great NICKNAME. Since I'll be in the area one more day. Forrest will have more on Watersmeet tomorrow...the last day of 2008. Until then God Bless, Walk Forrest Walk

Thank-you Mother Nature

9 Miles Today; What a day!!! Forrest just got back from a great day of walking. Nine miles of dry, sunny, and perfect temperature 37 degrees. Even my right hip which has been bothering a little lately felt good. I think when I fell a few days ago had something to do with me walking a little differently. If every day was like today, Forrest could walk to China. As of today I'm 11 miles east of Watersmeet on U.S. Highway 2. Forrest passed through a small place called Thayer about 5 miles back. Forrest knows one thing.....a person better have a full tank of gas traveling these roads because it is pretty desolate out here where Forrest is located. Next up is Watersmeet, Michigan. What a place, Watersmeet offers 302 lakes and 241 miles of trout streams. Watersmeet is a true water wonderland with a number of waters actually meeting here: the Ontonagon River flows north into Lake Superior, the Wisconsin River flows south into the Mississippi River, and the Paint River flows east into Lake Michigan. Forrest would agree that Watersmeet is just the perfect name for this little piece of heaven. Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

The Last Stage Coach Robbery

7 Miles Today; Forrest had a dry and windy walk this morning. In 48 hours 15 inches of snow melted. The temperature was 27 degrees. The great thing about today was "No ice to deal with". Today December 28 marks my 800th consecutive day of lacing up the old New Balance Shoes and getting out and exercising. October 20, 2006 and still going. Forrest is like the "Energizer Bunny" he just keeps going and going.

On August 26, 1889, the Gogebic Stagecoach Robbery occurred on the old highway between Gogebic Station and Lake Gogebic. The name of the hold up man and murderer was Reimund Holzey, the celebrated bandit and generally known as "bad man" who gave his residence as Marenisco, Michigan. The entire circuit court proceedings are in the records of Gogebic County at Bessemer, Michigan. The documents of the case are known as Gogebic County Circuit Court File No. 488. This stage coach robbery is considered as the last one in the Great Northwest, and perhaps in the United States. Reimund Holzey was given a life sentence in Marquette Prison. He was paroled in 1914 and worked in Marquette County. On September 24th, 1952, Holzey committed suicide at his home in Florida, at age 86. Forrest is have a field day finding these interesting stories. I hope there is more to come. Unti tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Bad Weather, Just Keep Walking

7Miles Today; Forrest had a rough time this week with the horrible roads but managed to get 50 miles entered in his log. With 5 walking days left in 2008, Forrest hopes Mother Nature gives him dry roads so he can finish out the year on a high note. Today I passed through Marenisco, Michigan a small but interesting place. If a person likes winter activities, Michigan's UP should be your destination. My next few stops are places with names like Thayer, Watersmeet, Basswood Hazel, Iron River. The history of Michigan's Upper Peninsula is all about logging and iron ore. Forrest is finding out some fascinating facts I didn't know even though I live in this state. Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Snowmobiles/Skiing Everywhere

Michigan's UP........7 Miles Today; Forrest stuck to the roads that had salt applied to them. All the side roads are a sheet of ice. The temperature was 27 degrees. It's suppose to rain later tonight and tomorrow. Mother Nature is bound and determine to force Forrest indoors on the good-old treadmill. As the embattled Gov. of Illinois said to the press corp...."I will fight these allegations to my very last breath" Forrest is not quite that bad, but he would rather be outside getting his miles in. As of this morning Forrest is 20 miles east of Ironwood, Michigan. My route will take me mostly through small towns. That's is just fine with Forrest. That is my report for today. If you have snow,.....enjoy it. Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Christmas In Ironwood, Michigan

Ironwood, Means Skiing....8 Miles Today; Forrest got eight miles of walking in today but I had to alter my route. With hardly any traffic I stayed on the roads that were salted. The side roads are a sheet of ice. Forrest fell for the first time this winter. I hurried and got up in hopes nobody saw me. I brushed myself off like nothing happen. The only thing that happen....Forrest was little embarrassed for being so clumsy. Ironwood a city of 6,300 had it's hey-day in the late 1800's and early 1900's when iron ore was found. The opening of mines and the lumber industry, with the arrival of the railroad to the area. Things just exploded. Ironwood's population swelled to over 10,000 people. This led to a rapid influx of immigrants, both from the USA and lots of immigrants from Europe. (mainly Sweden, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Finland). As Forrest works his way East on Highway 2 I know if the boys in blue (Michigan State Police) want to talk to that strange fellow walking in the dead of winter at least Forrest will have a Michigan drivers license. So with said, Merry Christmas to everyone and to all a good day...God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

All Road Lead Home

Ironwood, Michigan.... 7 Miles Today
Forrest got his walk in today with no problem. The weather really warmed up 30-33 degrees. The roads were not to bad, but Forrest took his time and just enjoyed the Christmas Eve experience. By that I mean all the SNOW, and home decorations plus kids making snowmen. Forrest rarely sees children outside these days, they are probably on their computers. Last Christmas Eve according to my blog Forrest was on the outskirts of El Paso, Texas. Now one year later, I'm standing on Michigan soil...from the southern end of America to the northern end of America......What a glorious twelve months. It's an adventure Forrest forever will cherish. Ironwood, Michigan population 6,300 is a city on U.S. Highway 2 across the Montreal River from the town of Hurley, Wisconsin on the Wis/Mi border. Ironwood is the westernmost city in Michigan. While originally an iron mining town, the area is now know for its downhill skiing resorts and a vacation Winter Wonder Land. More on Ironwood tomorrow, Have a great Christmas Holiday...God Bless Walk Forrest Walk.

"Hello" Hurley, Wisconsin

7 Miles Today; Forrest did his walk early this morning, left at 6:30am. It's was clear and cold. 3 degrees when I left and 7 degrees when I finished at 9am. The roads where freshly plowed from last night. Forrest is glad he got done when he did, because it's snowing, and blowing now. Now the news.......Forrest is about 2 miles from Hurley, Wisconsin. Hurley, population 1,850 is located at the state line between Wis/Mich. Just across the Montreal River is Ironwood, Michigan. Hurley is known for its ATV Hurley Rally and the Red Light Snowmobile Rally. Both events attract thousands of visitors to the area each year. Hurley was founded in 1884. Hurley is named for M.A. Hurley who won a lawsuit for the Northern Chief Iron Co. in 1884. The compensation for winning the suit was that the town be named after him. Hurley was founded to serve the lumber and mining industry. It's no wonder Hurley got the reputation of being a wild west kind of town. Here's a little tib-bit everyone so known. Ralph Capone, the older brother of the Chicago mobster Al Capone, died in Hurley in 1974. Tomorrow it's Ironwood history day. See you tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

"Piece Of Cake"....Compared To Yesterday

Ironwood, Mi. is home of the "World's Tallest Indian" 52 ft statue of revere tribal leader Hiawatha......

7 Miles Today; Forrest is getting the hang to this walking in bad weather.....Wait until the snow plow goes by.....Then start out on your walk. The temperature was 9 degrees (wind chill -6) but without having to deal with snow drifts my walk went smooth. Forrest was nice and warm today. I had the proper protection on my legs this time. My thigh muscles didn't tighten up on me. Now back to Wisconsin......Forrest is 9 miles from Hurley, Wisconsin. Then right across the Montreal River is Ironwood, Michigan. Forrest would be in Michigan tomorrow, but with the weather be extremely cruddy. Wednesday looks like the day Forrest's return to the State of Michigan. All that means is there's additional 400 miles of walking left for Forrest to conquer before he gets to Dewitt. Now it's time to read up on history of Hurley and Ironwood. Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Traditional Yooper Food

Cornish Pasty...........7 Miles Today...Forrest had to split his walk up this morning. The weather was about as bad as I've have ever seen it. Very high winds and blizzard conditions, with a temperature of 8 degrees. I hate to think what the wind-chill was. With dealing with the high drifts and very cold legs (thigh muscles). Forrest headed for home early and did his last 2 miles on his trusty old Treadmill. Forrest almost put on his 2nd pair of insulated under ware, but thought 1pr and sweat pants would be sufficient. When your muscles get cold and start to tighten up it's no fun. Forrest felt like an explorer trying to make it to the North Pole this morning. There was nobody out and about except, Yours Truly.....For those people who don't know what a pasty is I'll try to explain. No it's not what you think...A pasty sometimes called pastie in the United States is a filled pastry case, commonly associated with Cornwall, United Kingdom. The pasty's popularity in this part of the United States is beyond description. It's different from a pie as it is made by placing the filling on a flat pastry shape, usually a circle, and folding it to wrap the filling, crimping the edge form a seal. The result is a traditional Cornish pasty filled with diced beef, sliced potato and onion and baked. Pasties are made with many different fillings to satisfied ones on taste. The next towns on my agenda are Hurley, Wisconsin and Ironwood Michigan separated only by the Montreal River. Forrest just knows that everyone is just craving for a Traditional Pasty from the UP of Michigan...Until Tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

"Snow is Fun" says Jessie-Marie

"What Snow Storm?" 7 Miles Today; Forrest got his mileage in today without much of a problem. compared to yesterday, today was a piece of cake. The temperature was 22 degrees and very sunny. Forrest is getting used to the snow covered roads. Today finishes another week for my log book. This week's total was 52 miles. Only 11 more walking days left in good old 2008..Today Forrest is 5 miles east of Odanah, Wisconsin on U.S. Highway 2. Forrest's location is the reservation of The Bad River Band of Chippewa Indians, located on the south shore of Lake superior. The band has approximately 6,000 members with approximately 1500 living in one of four towns; Odanah, Old Odanah, Birch, and Frank's Field. Odanah which I just left is the administrative and cultural center for the Tribe. FYI, over 90% of the Reservation's 125,000 acres is wilderness. Now its on to Michigan a short 23 miles to the border. Until then, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

There's Good Days & There's BAD Days

A Very Tired Forrest......7 Miles Today; Forrest made a foolish decision this morning. A major storm was suppose to arrive around 7am for this area. So Forrest was planning on leaving for my walk at 5am. That would put me home at approximately 7am. Guess what, my plan collapsed. Forrest thought he would out smart Mother Nature but she (like my bride) always gets the best of me. I left at 4:30am. The weather was quiet when I left (no snow) . But I had to deal with a blizzard midway through my walk. Forrest was pushing 5-6 inches of snow the last half of my walk. Like my son Tony said to me...."Hey Pop is your treadmill broke"?? What can I say?? The one thing I can say is "I got my walk in no matter what the weather". Tomorrow Forrest will be at the small town of Odanah, Wisconsin. Odanah population 255, is the home of The Bad River Band Of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians. There just happens to be a Casino located on 125,000 acre reservation. Boy, what a suprise!!!!! More tomorrow, so have a nice snowy day....God Bless, Walk Forrest Walk

The Jewel On Lake Superior

Ashland, Wisconsin....7 Miles Today: Forrest, had a good trip this morning. The weather was warm 28 degrees, no wind and the roads were snow covered but plowed. That means my day will all be on the up-side. Now back to Wisconsin.....Forrest today entered the city of Ashland, Wisconsin population 8,700....located at the "Top of Wisconsin" Ashland sits along the northwestern shoreline of beautiful Lake superior. US Highway 13 and US Highway 2 intersect the City of Ashland. Ashland is also know as "Lake Superior's Hometown." Ashland was a major shipping port for iron ore in the early days. As Forrest leaves Ashland heading east, I only have 37 miles to the Michigan boarder. Then is something like 400 miles to Dewitt Mi, or Forrest could keep heading east to Toronto, Canada...then the state of New York (The Big Apple) who knows what the future holds for the walking man.... Forrest will cross that bridge when I get there...(no pun intended). Before Forrest signs off I'd like to say hi to Tri-Girl from New Jersey.."Good to hear from you"......and my brother Tom "Did you really do 1000 push-ups at one time your senior year in High School??? Until tomorrow "Ha-det" (that's Norwegian for good-bye) God Bless, Walk Forrest Walk

5000 miles

Forrest's Best Friend; 8 Miles Today.....Forrest had another rough day of walking, 4-5 inches of fresh snow overnight. The temperature wasn't all that bad (19 degrees) and no wind. What's a guy to do? As my bride always tells me "Suck it up and deal with it"......soooooooo, that's what I'll do. Look at it this way, the footing is terrible but the view of Mother Nature doing her thing is what being outside is all about. The phrase Winter Wonderland fits this December to a tee. Forrest loves the snow if it's not in the road. Tomorrow, Forrest will visit the city of Ashland, Wisconsin population 8,700. Now that is a big town for this part of the Great White Northland. So until then, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Ino, Wisconsin -12 Degrees "WOW"

7 Miles Today; All Forrest can say today is "I thought I was cold yesterday and today....Well, my 13 degrees yesterday and 11 degrees today is a Florida Vacation compared to my latest town (or should I say Blinker Light) I went through some 3 miles back. Holy Cow, if it gets to ZERO it will be a heat wave in Ino Wisconsin. Ino is just a dot on the map.. You might think Ino is a unique name for a town....Forrest has learned that Alabama and Virginia also have settlements called Ino. You only get those kind of valuable tid-bits from Forrest..My next town is Ashland, Wisconsin. pop 8700. Forrest should get there tomorrow. It's 8 miles of open road (Hwy 2) until I arrive in Ashland. I see Michigan is just 50 miles due East. Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Not Much Happening

8 Miles Today; Forrest had to deal with very windy conditions and falling temperatures this morning. For the last month bad weather has been the norm. My next town is a long way off, so it's time to start walking. Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Blueberry Capital Of The World

IRON RIVER, WISCONSIN pop. 1100...........8 Miles Today; Heat wave today; 38 degrees/windy. Walk Forrest Walk

Thank-You Mother Nature

8 Miles Today; Wow!! Forrest had dry roads this morning. It was cold and breezy 19 degrees but with a dry track Forrest felt like he was flying. In spite of this week's miserable weather I logged 56 miles. That's a good week in the summertime for Forrest. According to my log book the Big "5000" will be reached next week. No wonder Forrest gets aches and pains every so often. If I didn't love to walk I wouldn't do it. What Forrest is most proud of, is that he hasn't missed a single day of walking since he started his unique journey. OK, now back to Wisconsin.......I'm on Hwy 2 in the middle of nowhere, I'm 8 miles West of Brule, and 8 miles East of Iron River, Wisconsin. So it's just me and the elements for another day. So until tomorrow God Bless everyone......Walk Forrest Walk

A Fishing Paradise

Brule Wisconsin, Town Hall...... 8 Miles Today; Forrest has made it to this great little town in northern Wisconsin, called Brule...pop 627 residents. The secret is out now...Forrest has come across a place that hardly anybody has heard of, except the rich and famous. Brule was founded in 1886. Brule is situated on one of the nation's premiere trout streams, the Bois Brule River, home to salmon and numerous trout species (brown, brook, & rainbow). With all this great fishing no wonder the like of Ulysses Grant, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, Harry S Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower have summered here over the years. This place reminds Forrest of the Brad Pitt Movie "The River Runs Through It". My next town on my journey is Iron River some 16 mile east. Michigan is approx 80 miles away. Forrest's walk today was a lot better than yesterday but my hips are tender due to the ice on the roads. Using different muscles does affect your body when you're running, walking, biking. Just ask my bride.....she is in lot of pain due to hip problems. she has been to the bone crusher 3 times this week. Believe me she would much rather be riding her bike, or walking than going to the doctor. Well that's it for Friday, December 12.....see ya tomorrow God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Things Have Got To Improve

8 Miles Today;

This is the conditions Forrest has been dealing with the last 10 days. If anybody mentions to me about "Global Warming".......Forrest will personally put Ex-lax in their morning cereal. Today it wasn't so bad, the temperature 18 degrees/wind chill 3 degrees. Anyway today Forrest visited the towns of Poplar Mn pop 630. Then just 3 miles further east the town of Maple, Minnesota. Today December 11 Forrest's is in beautiful downtown Maple, Minnesota (pop 600) heading east on Hwy 2. That's my update, so until tomorrow God Bless. Walk Forrest Walk

Fork In The Road

Wisconsin US-Route 2.....10 Miles Today; The sun was shinning but the going was rough. Forrest felt good, so he just kept walking. The temperature was 22 degrees, but I was dressed for it. It's the uneven surfaces (ice & snow) that really bother Forrest. About a mile behind me was a fork in the road...... the junction of Hwy 53 and Hwy 2. Forrest took Hwy 2 east. This lonely road in upper Wisconsin will lead me some 90 miles to Michigan. Tomorrow Forrest will pass through the small towns of Poplar & Maple Wisconsin....So until then, don't get snowed in......God Bless, Walk Forrest Walk

90 Days Of Collateral Memories

7 Miles Today; All Forrest is going to say about today's weather is that it was terrible. Freezing rain and slush. Forrest looked like a drowned rat when he finished his walk. Right now Forrest is 4 miles into the State of Wisconsin and still on Hwy 53 for a few more miles where there is a Hwy 53/Hwy2 junction. I will then travel west on Wisconsin Highway 2 to Ironwood Michigan. Forrest's epilogue to his Minnesota adventure starts out with his "90 Days Same As Cash" title to his blog. I spent 92 days and walked some 375 miles in Minnesota, experiencing the history and people of this state. Now that's gaining a lot of collateral of wonderful memories. So with a little liberty with the phrase in my previous title, "90 Days Same As Cash" Forrest's blog title has been edited to read "90 Days of Collateral Memories" (translation....memories that are secured). Reading about the towns that I was approaching was great. Also the reading about the American Indians and their history in the state was nice. I didn't realize that there was so much Federal and State Land in Mn. The #1 memory Forrest will always have of Minnesota is the small town of Paynesville and its people, especially the Olson family. Now it's "ON WISCONSIN" God Bless, Walk Forrest Walk

Time To Honor

Mike From Duluth..... 7 Miles Today; Today was cloudy and not so cold, 21 degrees with a light wind. That's enough of walking talk. Today is the last full day for Forrest in the State of Minnesota. Yesterday Forrest said he had a special person to write about today.....well as it turns out, Forrest has two deserving stories. I came across Major's Courtney's story while doing Michael Colalillo's research. Forrest has learned the Minnesota is home to one of the few living Medal of Honor recipients from World War II. His name is Michael Colalillo "Mike" from Duluth. About 465 U.S. soldiers, marines, sailors and pilots received this nation's highest honor for valor in combat during World War II. Only 99 are still with us. WWII 25.....Korea 14....Vietnam 60. Now that brings me to Mike Colalillo of west Duluth. Mike is now 83 years young. By the looks of his picture, he looks in great health. Some the the things I found out about "Mike" is that his parents emigrated to America from Italy. Mike was one of 9 children, born December 1, 1925 in Hibbing Minnesota and was raised in a tuff neighbor of Duluth. Enter the Army at 18. Mike was attached to U.S. Army 100th Infantry Division....398th Regiment 1st Battalion. For his actions in Europe on April 7, 1945. Michael Colalillo of Duluth Minnesota, was awarded the highest award for valor this nation can bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. Mike I see were you had a birthday last week. Well, Mike here is a happy to wish to you. "May you have many healthy and happy birthday's"....God Bless, Walk Forrest Walk

USS Arizona

Memorial At Pearl Harbor.............8 Miles Today; Although it was cold this morning it was a great walk. The temperature was 17 degrees with very little wind. The road had a light cover of snow which made walking on the icy sections a lot safer. Forrest made it to the Duluth International Airport today. That leaves about 10 miles to the state line. Like I said a few days ago, Forrest has mixed feelings about leaving Minnesota. Bottom line is that ........"Minnesota is a wonderful place." Forrest hopes the citizens of this country pause to reflect on what happen on Sunday exactly 67 years ago today at 7:55am (12:55pm Mich. time) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. As our President, Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "A Date That Will Live In Infamy" Forrest is looking forward to tomorrow's blog. I'll be telling a true story about a very special person who lives in Duluth. Until Tomorrow God Bless, Walk Forrest Walk

Remember "Pearl Harbor" Tomorrow

Downtown "Duluth" 7 Miles Today; Today was a day to stay indoors, but not Forrest, to keep his consecutive days of walking going, Forrest set out with the temperature being 14 degrees, -3 wind chill, 15-20mph winds. The good thing was I had no SLUSH to deal with......it was too damn COLD for slush. What snow there was gave Forrest decent traction for walking. My time for the 7 mile route was about 4 minutes slower than normal. OK, another week in the books for Forrest. Due to the weather he was down a little. I logged 52 miles this past week. According to my log book, I'll top 5000 miles before the end of the year. Now fast forward to Minnesota. My figures put Forrest on Hwy. 53 in a place called TWIG, MN about 18 miles from the Minnesota/Wisconsin State Line on the bridge crossing Superior Bay. Monday and Tuesday Forrest will make his way through Duluth. Forrest has noticed Duluth has steep hills, people have called Duluth the San Francisco of Minnesota. I imagine the road races held in Duluth are quite challenging for the runners and walkers. That's it for this cold and windy day. Take a moment tomorrow to refect on what happened on December 7th 1941.Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Duluth 25 Miles

Duluth's Rocker "Bob Dylan" 7 Miles Today; Forrest had a real nice walk this morning, no wind, and a little snow cover, temperature 18 degrees. I don't worry about time, Forrest just doesn't want to slip & fall. Reading about Duluth last night Forrest found out that Duluth is the hometown of Singer/Songwriter; Bob Dylan Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 1988: Grammy Awards winner, multiple times; Oscar for best song in 2001 (Blowin' In The Wind). The inventor of the world's best selling cake pan comes from Duluth. The Bundt Cake pan was invented by H. David & Doty Dalquist of Duluth, Mn. Now you tell Forrest, how would you know these tid-bits if I didn't inform you?? Of course the guy that Duluth was named after, has a great name, Daniel Greysolon, Sieur du Lhut he was the first known European explorer of this area. The city of Duluth was all about steel during much of the twentieth century until the early 1980's due to foreign competition. With the decline of its industrial core, tourism is a dominate factor for the area now. Duluth is known for long, cold winters and cool summers. So the nickname "The Air-Condition City" fits the fine city well. That's it for today class, until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Duluth On My Mind

8 Miles Today; It was another tough day, 22 degrees, snow about 1 inch. That was fine with Forrest because it gave me much needed traction. I must say though, it was a "Currier & Ives winter scene while walking." When I walk in less than ideal weather I think of Tri-Girl from New Jersey, her advice from her father to her which she past on to Forrest. You're Entitled To The Pain Of Your Decision........ Now lets get back to Minnesota........Forrest is bearing down on Duluth, I should be there on Tuesday of next week. As Forrest was reading up on the history of Duluth last night, I found out that the history of Duluth goes back some 250 years!!!!!!! So for the next four days Forrest will touch on the stories that caught my attention. Duluth is a international port city, it is linked to the Atlantic Ocean, some 2300 miles away via the Great Lakes & Saint Lawrence-Seaway to the port of New York. Duluth is Minnesota's 4th largest city, with a population of approximately 87,000.....Duluth's peak population was 107,000 in the early 60's. In the early 1900's Duluth was a bigger port in tonnage handled that New York City, making it the leading port in the United States. The Ojibwa Indians have a rich history here also. Duluth's name in the Ojibwa tongue is Onigamiinsing ("at the little portage") due to the small and easy portage across Minnesota Point between Lake superior and western superior bay forming Duluth's harbor. OK, class that's enough for today, Forrest hopes you took notes, because there might be a pop quiz tomorrow. God Bless, Walk Forrest Walk

Dealing With The Weather

7 Miles Today; By getting out early today, Forrest only had to deal with the ice on the roads instead of slush that will be the norm from about noon on. My time was about 6 minutes longer than normal. It's a "Win-Win" situation if I can complete my route without falling on my derriere. After today's walk Forrest sees that he is about 35 miles from Duluth. Being from Michigan, when I read or hear the name of Duluth, Mn I think of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. This ship sailed out of Duluth on that fateful day, 10 Nov 1975. The Fitzgerald carried taconite (26,660 tons) from the mines near here. Forrest just visited Cook and Virginia. This part of Minnesota is call Mesabi Iron Range. That's pretty neat, Forrest just experience history first hand. It doesn't matter where you go in this beautiful land we call America, there is always something to see and write about. As I approach Duluth I will hopefully find much more interesting stories about Duluth. That means Forrest will be doing some research tonight. So until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Winter Is Here

7 Miles Today; Talk about sloppy weather to walk in, today is right up there with the worst days. Slush and wet feet are a walkers worst enemy. It looks like from here to Duluth it is me and Mother Nature. Right now I'm on Hwy 53 south of Virginia, Mn. There is a nice lake, called Lake Augusta on the west side of the road near my location. My goodness, it's Dec, 2nd and you would think it was Jan. 2nd. Get out the Ice Fishing equipment. That's all there is for today. Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Virginia Mn...Home Of The Blue Devils

8 Miles Today; It was rough today, because of the 3 inches of snow last night. Slush is just a killer for Forrest to walk in. Now for some good news. Forrest has made it to Virginia, Mn. Queen city of the North. This city has a rich history of mining. Now days it's tourism and health care. With a population of approximately 9,200 it's the same size town that I have posted on the right side of my blog. St John's Mi. pop. approximately 9,000. St. John's is 10 miles north of my home town of Dewitt, Mi. Forrest sees that Virginia has their "Loon Festival"each June. St. John's has its "Mint Festival each August. Here's an idea, "Sister Cities". Virginia has one thing that St. John's doesn't have.....TWO LAKES...here the land is flat and all you see is Bean & Corn Fields. As I head south on Hwy 53 my next destination is Duluth some 60-70 miles away. Forrest is not that excited to get there, why??? Well that means that my magnificent journey through Minnesota will come to a sad ending when I cross the state line and enter Wisconsin. As I end today's blog Forrest would like mention that the three service men from Virginia, their stories made me think, that all the freedoms that we enjoy in today's world comes at a price. My thoughts and prayers today are for "Henry J Hoffman US Army" "Lyle F Conaway US Marine Corp" "Lowell H Strand US Navy" God Bless, Walk Forrest Walk