August 9, 2020

The Rest of Echo Trail

Silver Rapids Lodge Day 8

The sprinkles turned into light rain, turned into steady rain, turned into a downpour complete with thunder and lightning as we made our way deeper into Superior National Forest.  We wanted to see the rest of Echo Trail.  We didn’t stop too much because of the weather. 

Each time the rain would begin to taper off, we started looking for a picnic spot and then it would rain again in earnest.  We made it to the end of Echo Trail.  There is a campground and picnic area there and we were hopeful that we might find shelter for lunch.  Echo Lake was closed because of COVID.  We decided to make it work!  Tim used bungee cords to fasten a tarp to the roof rack and the closed gate…we had our lettuce wraps and veggies in our own little cocoon…mostly dry!

We took the long way through the forest back to Ely. Our trip today took more than 6 ½ hours!   We have enjoyed being here.  We seldom camp in one place for so long but it really does allow us to get a good feel for an area.  Ely is a safe, friendly, and great little town.  We decided not to go to the International Wolf Center or the National Bear Center or the old State Theater…we are really trying to avoid crowds and take the fewest risks possible…but we did a lot of Jeeping, and hiking, and little league and, walking through town.  There is so much to see that we will never see it all!

We got a few supplies in town and then ordered curbside takeout from the Steak House again.