The Sunset Skies of Ely, Minnesota

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“Go not abroad for happiness. For see! It is a flower that blossoms by thy door”. – Minot J. Savage

We just returned from a week’s summer vacation “up north” in Minnesota near the Canadian border. We began our trip in Ely, a small town that is known as one of the jumping off points for one of the largest federally protected wilderness areas in the United States, the 1.1 million acre Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area (BWCWA). The BWCWA is one of the most pristine wilderness areas I have ever visited and its extraordinary beauty and tranquility is unequal to any place I’ve been except the far reaches of Patagonia. Its 1,000 untouched lakes and streams, and 1,500 miles of canoe routes are like no other place on earth.

It was our third visit to Ely at the tiny Northernair Lodge that sits upon Mitchell Lake. As always, our stay was a peaceful, beautiful break away from the stress of everyday life. After a day of hiking around the different wilderness trails, we would grill dinner and then watch the sunset. Every night was magical. Here are a few of my favorites.

“Happiness, not in another place but this place…not for another hour, but this hour”. – Walt Whitman

“Only that day dawns to which we are awake”. – Henry David Thoreau

“Learning to live in the present moment is part of the path of joy”. – Sarah Ban Breathnach

I am so grateful to have so much beauty right in my own backyard. Sometimes you don’t have to go far to find peace and tranquility.

If you go:

We love the Northernair Lodge. You can rent 2-5 bedrooms cabins right on Mitchell Lake, which is very undeveloped. I’ve seen loon, eagle and deer while kayaking around this lovely lake. There is also great fishing. Feel free to check out my other posts on Ely here.

 

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50 thoughts on “The Sunset Skies of Ely, Minnesota”

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! 🌟

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you and yes when winter comes I must fly south like a bird!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! It was very relaxing!

      Reply ↓
  5. krishnakumarsinghblog – I am an Electrical Engineer. Who loves to captivate beautiful sights, feelings and conversations with amazing love for holistic health, fitness, food, fashion, travel and beauty. I love to mentor and inspire beautiful people from all walks of life. Enjoy exploring and inspiring self from the amazing authentic blogs.
    krishnakumarsinghblog on said:

    good

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks!

      Reply ↓
  6. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    Sue Slaght on said:

    Looks like an amazing place Nicole. Your photos are stunning. So energizing to be in the quiet of the wilderness.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sue! Yes it is. He stillness and the purity of the air. Very relaxing

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sally! This would be a place for you! I know how much you love nature. 😌

      Reply ↓
  9. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    It looks glorious Nicole. Great sunset shots!
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Alison! It was very beautiful!

      Reply ↓
  10. Denzil – Belgium – I’ve spent over 30 years exploring Belgium, gathering stories, insights, and local knowledge about this fascinating country. My aim is to share what I’ve discovered with you – the history behind the people and places, the culture that shapes daily life, and the hidden details that make Belgium so intriguing.
    Denzil on said:

    Super photos. Did you change the colors much or were they so bright in real life?

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! I took all these with my iPhone and ran them through filters in Instagram. However with the proper knowledge of how to use my camera on manual the colors could have been this great if not better! 😁

      Reply ↓

  11. Lovely and you got great sunset shots too! We love “up north” in MInnesota also! Especially no cell phone or internet!!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! Yes it is so peaceful and the weather was perfect. 😌

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Debra! Very refreshing. 😌

      Reply ↓

  13. Pingback: The Sunset Skies of Ely, Minnesota — Thirdeyemom – ~*~tightlines and sunshine~*~

  14. lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
    lexklein on said:

    You are hereby crowned Sunset Shot Queen of WordPress and Instagram! I swear I have not even seen as many sunsets in my life as you have snapped in the last few years! I think it must be the lakes near your home and on vacation … I’ve been positioned amid buildings for so long now that an unobstructed sunset can only be had on a trip. So that bodes well for me as I set off on a vacation in a few months, I hope!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yay! I will wear that crown with pride! 🙂 I do love sunsets. Perhaps it is because they are easy to get right! I try to watch the sunset as much as I can because it makes me so happy. Where are your next travel plans Lexi? How is Houston?

      Reply ↓
      • lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
        lexklein on said:

        Thanks for asking, Nicole. Houston is great – I love it! I’m off to Pennsylvania, DC, and Chicago for much of August, and then Jeff and I head to Central Europe for a big road trip with lots of hiking stops in September! What about you?

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Sounds like fun Lexi. I’m so glad you love Houston. I have to check it out someday. Central Europe sounds amazing. What countries are you seeing? I don’t have much except weekend trips for awhile and then my Dad and I are going to Chile in late November. We will do some short day hikes around Santiago in the mountains and go to a few other cities. Wish we could go all the way south again to Patagonia! I love it there.

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Janet! This is where we went last year for our summer family vacation too. I love it but the mosquitoes this year were terrible! Tons of rain up north. One hike we were swarmed by them the entire time and it was actually quite miserable. They bit me even through four layers of bug spray! Oh well!

      Reply ↓

  16. Pingback: The Sunset Skies of Ely, Minnesota — Thirdeyemom – Community United For Health And Prevention

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  18. Pingback: The Sunset Skies of Ely, Minnesota – Community United For Health And Prevention

  19. Rubies Corner's Blog – Chattanooga, Tennessee – I am an artist, and a retired classroom, and Reading teacher. My son introduced me to Word Press, and helped me start a blog. I called it Rubies Corner's Blog. At first I had few clues about writing, but as I wrote to my audience, I began to share daily. I thoroughly loved my audience, and writing. I have majored in Rubies Corner's blog because it has grown over the years. I have a blog with more art on it. My interests are Art, drawing, and reading the Bible. . My audience has grown on rubiescorner because I write what comes to mind. I have 8 other blogs, and they are organized by title.
    rubiescorner on said:

    I love these pictures. My dad would take me to lakes to sale in our sailboat.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! I bet sailing was wonderful!

      Reply ↓
      • Rubies Corner's Blog – Chattanooga, Tennessee – I am an artist, and a retired classroom, and Reading teacher. My son introduced me to Word Press, and helped me start a blog. I called it Rubies Corner's Blog. At first I had few clues about writing, but as I wrote to my audience, I began to share daily. I thoroughly loved my audience, and writing. I have majored in Rubies Corner's blog because it has grown over the years. I have a blog with more art on it. My interests are Art, drawing, and reading the Bible. . My audience has grown on rubiescorner because I write what comes to mind. I have 8 other blogs, and they are organized by title.
        rubiescorner on said:

        He built his sailboat. It seated two people. I loved it.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Wow that is very impressive!

      • Rubies Corner's Blog – Chattanooga, Tennessee – I am an artist, and a retired classroom, and Reading teacher. My son introduced me to Word Press, and helped me start a blog. I called it Rubies Corner's Blog. At first I had few clues about writing, but as I wrote to my audience, I began to share daily. I thoroughly loved my audience, and writing. I have majored in Rubies Corner's blog because it has grown over the years. I have a blog with more art on it. My interests are Art, drawing, and reading the Bible. . My audience has grown on rubiescorner because I write what comes to mind. I have 8 other blogs, and they are organized by title.
        rubiescorner on said:

        I learned to paddle and handle a canoe on my own. I paddled the Potomac solo one day. It was awesome, but then I thought of the depth I was in. I soon returned to camp.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Wow that is wonderful! Impressive story. Thanks so much for sharing!

  20. Witold W. Medykowski – The author is a historian (Ph.D.) and political scientists (Ph.D). Living and working in Israel for over 20 years, observing fascinating developments in the Middle East and Europe.
    Witold Medykowski on said:

    Beautiful pictures. I am dreaming about such holidays.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks and so glad you enjoyed!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! Really glad you enjoyed the post!

      Reply ↓
  22. Dianne – Melbourne – Hello! I'm a highly sensitive person who has discovered the joys of iPhone photography and words 🌹
    Di on said:

    Hello Nicole,
    Your pictures are beautiful and it must have been more brilliant time with your family there 💐

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Di! It was great!

      Reply ↓
  23. Jen Duffy – I enjoy travelling the world to experience new cultures, learn new languages, and explore the history of other nations. In my spare time she also enjoys pursuing her interests in theatre, history, and fiction writing.
    Jen Duffy on said:

    These pictures are so beautiful!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed the post!

      Reply ↓

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