On my final day of hiking, I sent a leisurely morning in the motel, waiting for the morning fog to burn off. Late in the morning I hiked in rare sunshine back up to trail on the outskirts of Silver Bay. The Superior Hiking Shuttle would not arrive until 3:00 pm so I had time to hike back up the trail that was so foggy and wet the day before.

Looking southwest from the ridge near Silver Bay.

After reaching the ridge, the views were quite spectacular. I could look down into the Beaver River Valley and even spot the Beaver Bay trailhead five miles distant. The railroad and pipeline reminded me that this is mining country with ore trains bring raw taconite to the Silver Bay processing plant.

The clear views also made me pause for some spiritual reflection. The day before I had hiked over this terrain totally oblivious to the views around me. Yesterday I had to walk by faith, trusting in the trail to lead me safely to Silver Bay. Now I was given the opportunity to see some of the beauty and wonder surrounding me. Many times in our walk with God we are walking in the fog , trusting in God’s love to guide us. Then comes the occasional glimpse of how God is marvelously weaving our life path into a beautiful tapestry.

I hiked back down to the trail head with plenty of time to meet the shuttle. I was the only passenger that afternoon as the driver drove me back to my car at Castle Danger. He told me that not only was the late spring a great time to hike the trail, but early fall (mid-September to early October) was a fantastic time as the leaves change color. Now I have a new incentive to return and explore another section of the trail.

Lord Jesus, thank you for all life journeys.