We just returned from ten days at Lodge of Whispering Pines north of Ely, MN, along the Echo Trail. We arrived to peak fall color and fabulous fall weather. Time was spent relaxing after a hectic summer, fishing in numerous lakes, and enjoying the peace and quiet of the north country which we love so much.
Lodge of Whispering Pines is approximately 18 miles north of Ely on the Echo Trail. A beautiful drive in the fall – even though it takes a little extra time – as we turned every corner – it was an “ah ha” moment. Maples, oaks, birch and aspen are mixed in with the pine and spruce – and the understory trees were just beginning to show their colors – the week was off to a wonderful start!
Dan and Sue Churchill have operated the Lodge of Whispering Pines for two decades now and it is such a wonderful place to spend time at. We’ve been there in the summer when there’s more families on vacation – but the quiet of the fall, leaves for nothing more to be desired. The spacious, homey cabins wrap their arms around you and you do not want to return to the world of hustle and bustle. The internet access allowed us to keep up with customer correspondence and to answer questions from our great staff who handled things with great ability while we were away.
The cold snap the week before we left, made for some challenging fishing conditions -but we did catch fish – mostly walleye! We did spend a day with Rob Nelson, an Ely fishing guide, who took us into Basswood Lake on a day trip. Beautiful weather was just an added bonus and made for some great photo opportunties.
Even though he was occupied with fishing – Leif never stops observing the trees and other plants around us. Winterberry on the Hegman Lake portage, the native Northern Pin Oak which were now in their peak of fall color, all of the many, many maples and the gem this year since we were about a week or two ahead in fall color – the amazing colors of the Big Tooth Aspen.
Now we can enjoy the fall color of southern Minnesota – and more of the glories of Fall!
