On my two year anniversary of moving to Duluth a dream of mine came true: I brought a kayak to Duluth. I always have been fascinated with Duluth's waterways, but I was always restricted to many parts of the city due to my landlocked handicap. Fortunately I now have water transportation. My first adventure was to explore a part of the St. Louis River Estuary including Clough Island, Spirit Lake, and Spirit Island.
I brought my kayak to the river via Tuska style.
This was my route: starting at the top and moving counter-clockwise. Red means on water. Yellow means on land.
I launched my kayak out of an old slip and started my adventure.
One of the places I always wanted to explore was Clough Island. It is the largest island in the estuary.
I landed on the island and continued on foot.
Fun Fact: Clough Island is actually Wisconsin.
I followed a system of low used trails and came to a meadow.
I didn't explore too long as I was barefoot and the meadow was thistle central. Also I realized how large the island was and decided to come back another day. Later I found a nicer spot on the island to land which has a picnic table on a sandy beach. There's also I hear of ruins of an old farm on the other side of the island as well.
I made sure to make a friend before launching.
My next spot was in a widening of the river called "Spirit Lake." And at its center is "Manidoo-minis" or "Spirit Island" for the English speakers. My core fascination to this island has been its significance to the Anishinaabe. The Anishinaabe(or Ojibwe) were originally from the East Coast. An oracle of sorts told the Anishinaabe to move or be destroyed(as the Europeans were coming in around this time.) They migrated to different places slowing moving westward. Every time they landed somewhere a magis shell would rise out of the sand and tell them where to go next. Manidoo-minis was the sixth and second-last site of the migration until ending the migration at Madeline Island in Wisco. The "Spirit" name of the island, lake, and nearby hillside comes from the legend that you should read HERE.
With this in mind I approached the island with caution.
The geography of the island is strange. All sides of the crescent-shaped island are steep clay bluff, but on the tips are small lowlands great for getting access.
I liked Spirit Island much more than Clough Island. Its much more grassy, easy to explore, and has great views on all sides.
I eventually said "Gigawaabamin!" and called it a day.
I heading back by going on the other side of Clough Island which is separated by the mainland by a series of small islands and channels.
I was able to return to the views of the city before sundown.
