Minnesota is battling a large wild fire about 5 miles from where we spent the night. There were detours to International Falls yesterday and a long detour today to get to Gooseberry Falls State Park. We started the day at the site of the first iron ore mine in the state. Owned by USS it supplied ore to Northern Ohio and Western PA. You can still tour the underground mine descending in the equipment that was used then to lower you into the shaft. We declined. The drive to our evening campsite was nearly three hours instead of an hour. We are glad to be safe and out of the major smoke area. We briefly stopped at Two Harbors to see the old ore loading docks that the mine supplied. Then on to Gooseberry Park. We walked to the falls here but the drought is so severe that there was but a tiny fraction of water still flowing. They can really use the rain that will dampen our hiking on Friday. Just a bit north of us is the Split Rock Lighthouse, a famous landmark so we toured it and the keeper’s house. The light would reach 22 miles across the lake and they also had powerful fog horns. Nice tour. Back at Gooseberry we walked on the shore of the lake and watched the waves surging over the rocks. Finally back at the trailer, we had pasta, salad, grilled bread and, in a little bit, some of Betty’s famous pie. 

Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for the fans.

Last night after my long flight and emotional reunion with Uncle Bullwinkle’s old homestead, I expected star level treatment. We have the same old dinky trailer. I don’t think the Driver understands that we stars need our own trailer. Is that too much to ask? No sauna, no ice cream, smoke on my magnificent antlers and the indignity of a cramped pill box on wheels. My agent will hear about this. Yet, I am told I have two more endorsements in the morning and I need the Driver. When my first check rolls in I am hiring a new driver and a new trailer. Where is my assistant - I need to get a note down.