It’s October and the North Shore is crammed with tourists. This year’s fall colors are off the charts, and the leaf looking season is lingering, bringing warm temperatures and sunny skies.
One morning as I listen to Channel 10’s weather forecaster declare that “It’s the peak of the color season,” I suddenly decide to take a color drive, something I haven’t done in a very long time. I soon find myself driving east of Grand Marais, with my little sidekick, Mr. Magoo the pug, sitting next to me.
We haven’t even reached Five Mile Rock when I glance at him. He’s sound asleep on the passenger seat, snoozing on a soft blanket. Apparently dogs aren’t impressed with fall colors. It doesn’t matter. I’m enjoying the view. Lake Superior is at her most beautiful; soft white clouds edged with pale gold light, waves rimmed in white, rolling in from the east.
“This is great,” I say. Mr. Magoo snores.
He does, however, wake up when I step on the brakes to turn up County Road 14. A slowing car means that a deer might be crossing the road. Now this is a sight he enjoys, and he likes nothing better than to bark at a large animal from the safety of a vehicle. As I turn off Highway 61 and up into the birch forest, he peers out the window hopefully.
“How beautiful,” I say aloud as the sight of an especially exquisite scarlet/gold tree catches my eye. Mr. Magoo perks up and expectantly looks at the road. Nothing to see but trees. Apparently yellow and red leaves don’t excite a dog, and he plops back on his cushy blanket and within seconds is sleeping soundly.
I continue up the road, occasionally meeting another car enjoying the beauty. When I turn onto the Lindskog road, Mr. Magoo once again wakes up from his nap and peers out the window, hoping to see something interesting.
He’s in luck. A red squirrel scampers across the road, and Magoo springs into instant action, barking furiously letting the squirrel know just who owns the road.
We continue the drive and he returns to his nap. I, on the other hand, enjoy the archway of golden birch trees as my car glides under the rich yellow canopy and tell myself that this drive is a “must,” something I have to do every year.
A slight snore resonates from the passenger seat as we continue driving through the forest of glistening white birch trunks, golden yellow leaves and a blue October sky.
Several scarlet maple trees come into view, as does a deer, gracefully running across the road. I tap the brakes and Mr. Magoo springs into action, barking long after the wild creature has disappeared into the woods.
The highlight of Magoo’s ride occurs when as we pass a dairy farm where cattle are grazing. The sight of these large, cud-chewing animals sends him into a five-minute happy frenzy.
Our leaf-looking adventure winds down and we pass several houses and front yards. Eventually I turn onto the Gunflint Trail and soon into my own driveway.
It’s been a very satisfying excursion for human and dog alike.
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