2nd annual Duluth-Lk Superior Weekend--FOR ALL OF US!!!

WHAT:   2nd Annual Duluth/Lake Superior weekend getaway
WHERE:  Larsmont Cottages Resort, Two Harbors
WHEN: Friday and Saturday nights February 27-28, 2009
   Check-in begins at 4:30 p.m. Check-Out is 11:00 a.m.

For information:  please  see pasted info at bottom of this page. Or, www.larsmontcottages.com (copy/paste to browser)

I've reserved one 3-BDRM cottage which sleeps up to eight. PLEASE post your interest, and hopefully there will be more than one filled cottage!  As of this afternoon, there were 24 lake-SIDE cottages available (I forgot to ask how many were large, oopsie)  I think it would be a blast acquiring adjacent cottages, particularly the large ones.  Any ideas/suggestions are very welcome!  On their web site you'll find smaller cottages and motel rooms to accommodate your preference.  Last year, we all got together for a mixer at the one large cottage.  I'm optimistic we'll exceed the number of attendees this year, and one large cottage could be selected as 'host' cottage for potluck meals, or trade off if more than one large cottage.  We took up food, plus some shopped in Two Harbors, just two miles from the resort. Meal arrangements could be planned within the month of February.

Complimentary Resort Activities

Bocce Ball, Horseshoes & Croquet
Trek Mountain Bikes
Kayaking & Canoeing
Organized Resort Activities (Varies by season)
Geocaching
GPS units available for check-out
Weekend Bonfires with free S'mores
Lakeside Fire Pits lit upon request
DVD's & Books

Onsite Amenities

Full Sized Indoor Swimming Pool
Four Season Outdoor Whirlpool
Wood-burning sauna at the water's edge
Ledge Rock Grille
Bar, Specialty Coffees & Ice Cream
Larsmont Cottages Gift Shop
Wireless Internet in all accommodations
Guest Computer in Main Lodge
Cozy gathering place with table games
Exercise Room
Lakeside Massage Cottage

Cost (fairly split between attendees) for one large lake-side (right on the lake shore!) is $897.00 total, and we have the option of going into Duluth Saturday night, meeting the Duluth/Cloquet/Superior/area peeps at Black Woods Grill and Bar for fantastic fellowship and dining, of which I will place timely reservations. I f you're interested in coming, though having financial difficulty, please PM me for genuine confidential discussion!  This unique social opportunity is SO important  to me, I 'd hate to see someone really want to attend and miss out due to difficulties.  Afterall, this is a true 'support' function--l want everyone to come have a fantastic time.  Take a look at the amenities below, including but not limited to  twenty-person hot tub, free Wii throughout the resort, outdoor fire pit, and more. A broad variety of options, including board games, bring music and movie choices. 

PLEASE NOTE:   I do not want anybody to miss out because of $$$ problems, especially those of  you who have backed away from the in-person functions plus posting on the boards.  We all have the right to seek and receive support during this incredibly fascinating/tough journey.  We can get to better now one another, laugh ourselves silly without expenditure of others' rights and reputations.  Should there be any discrepancies/misunderstandings, we're all  adults and should be able to openly communicate and fairly compromise so everyone has a great time!

Having being formally asked (via both PM and Email) NOT to attend the Wilderness overnighter in March, I'm hereby announcing this FUN get-away weekend for EVERYONE, even those who have shied away from the aggressiveness and abrasiveness here. I'm merely starting the planning for this, I do NOT 'own' it, and will not treat it like my personal party, as some have done otherwise.  Please, do not assume anything, feel free to PM me for confidential questions/information.  I know for a fact there are people who have backed away--This is supposed to be a 'supportive' forum, and there's just been too much cliquishness, back-stabbing, under-the-table gossiping and horrendous wrong assumptions.  Example, those few *****ally know me appreciate I do not mention names nor divulge secrets--very empowering to maintain integrity.  This is also for the ones who behind my back have picked apart my personality and nuances, and I hereby want everyone to have a FUN weekend up on Lake Superior, to have a chance to really get to know more people, sort of a re-icebreaker, because I believe everyone has the right to attend any coffees, WLS functions as  unique individuals, to not  be grossly defined by a handful of strangers who don't know me./them.  I never came to the boards to win a popularity contest--only for honest, support. 

Lakeside Three Bedroom Cottage This is the North Shore's Ultimate Luxury Cottage! The Lake Level features: The Lake Level Master bedroom features a king or queen bed with a quality down comforter  and goose down pillows. Full bath with a whirlpool tub and ceramic shower. A ½ bath, a comfortable living room with queen sofa sleeper,  leather chairs, 3-sided stone gas fireplace, entertainment center featuring a 32" TV, Home Theater System with DVD/VCR and Dish Network Satellite service. Designer kitchen, dining room seats 6 with island seating for 3, a walkout lakefront patio with  furniture, and a gas grill. Upper Level features: A non-Lakeview room which features a queen bed with a full bath. A Lakeview room with a king or queen bed, a stone gas fireplace, a full bath with a whirlpool tub, microwave, mini-refrigerator, toaster, and a balcony overlooking Lake Superior. Each bedroom has quality down comforters, goose down pillows, TV, DVD with Dish Network Satellite Service. This Luxury Cottage Sleeps 6-8

Larsmont Cottages is located between Two Harbors and Duluth, Minnesota. Travel north for the quaintness of a small town, travel south for the excitement of a small city. Explore the links below to discover the excitement in Duluth!

Click here for Two Harbors.

Glensheen Historic Estate
Tour the historic Congdon mansion, Duluth's premier estate with over 7 acres directly on the shore of Lake Superior. Glensheen features a 39-room Jacobean style mansion complete with custom designed original furnishings. The beautifully manicured grounds include formal gardens, carriage house with carriage collection, gardener's cottage, clay tennis court and more. Completed in 1908, Glensheen is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center
Canal Park's Marine Museum, drawing more visitors than any other museum on Lake Superior. Film shows, model ships and exhibits featuring the commercial shipping of Lake Superior and the Duluth-Superior Harbor. At Canal Park you are within yards of giant lake carriers and foreign ships as they pass under the world-famous Aerial Lift Bridge. While you are there, sit back and enjoy the beautiful gulls, and walk along the canal's piers to its lighthouses. New exhibits on lighthouses and Lewis & Clark Bicentennial open with assistance from Lake Superior Marine Museum Association. Open year-round. No admission. Programs always free. Groups must register in advance. It's the boa****chers paradise. Come and enjoy it.

S.S. William A. Irvin Ore Boat Museum
Flagship of the "Silver Stack" Fleet! In her working life the William A Irvin carried more than just millions of tons of rich, red iron ore; she transported dignitaries, the elite and the powerful of the day in her magnificently appointed, wood-paneled staterooms. Her guests dined at the finest table and she was the flagship of the USS Great Lakes Fleet, the Silver Stackers! Now a floating museum, the boat is permanently docked along the Duluth waterfront. Tours include the Army Corps of Engineers historic tugboat, " Lake Superior" at no extra charge.

St. Louis County Heritage & Arts Center, The Depot
Known locally as the "Depot", this historic building was constructed in 1892 and for years served as Duluth's busiest railroad station and "Port of entry". The "Ellis Island" of Northeastern Minnesota, the Chateauesque-style Union Depot in downtown Duluth served as a gateway to the New World for thousands of immigrants arriving by train at the turn of the century. Today vintage steam locomotives and their antique, wooden coaches still wait silently for passengers trackside in the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, home of the Midwest's largest, indoor train collection. ( See Lake Superior Railroad Museum.) Also trackside is " Depot Square" a realistic, life-size depiciton of Downtown Duluth as it looked in 1910. One low priced admission ticket covers the railroad museum, the Saint Louis County Historical Society's regional exhibits, exhibits by regional artists in the galleries of the Duluth Art Institute and the fun of learning in the Duluth Children's Museum. The Depot is also home to productions of the Duluth Playhouse. The Depot is also home to other performing arts organizations. A Great Family Adventure!

Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra
For seventy years, the Orchestra has performed a diverse repertoire ranging from the traditional Western European classics to the contemporary commissioned works by current composers. The Orchestra performs seven masterworks programs and three pops programs on a subscription basis. It also supports three youth ensembles as well as educational programs. It is one of the leading arts organizations of northern Minnesota.

Fitger's Brewery Complex Museum
In 1859, Fitger's beer ran so cold the steins had to be heated before the beer could be enjoyed. Today, enjoy the brewery, not just the specialty brews with Fitger's Museum! Specializing in the legendary history of northern Minnesota brewing and featuring memorabilia from what was once one of the most successful breweries in the state.

Tom's Logging Camp
An authentic replica of an early Northern Minnesota logging camp containing original tools and equipment. Tour includes eight museum buildings, gravity house, llamas, chickens, trout, pygmy goats and a nature trail. Gift shop features jewelry, pottery, wild rice, woodcraft, souvenirs and discount prices on Minnetonka Moccasins.

TRAILS Superior Hiking Trail Accept the challenge of hiking some of the most rugged and picturesque trails in the Midwest. The Superior Hiking Trail presents over 200 miles of gorgeous views, towering groves of pine, maple, birch and aspen, tumbling waterfalls and hidden river valleys. Camp at any of the many designated areas or spend a night in a cozy northern resort. This trail is one of the ten best in the United States according to "Backpacker" magazine. RAILROADS Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Enjoy a historic 90-minute journey along the scenic St. Louis River. Here is a chance to view wildlife in its natural environment while enjoying the majestic beauty of the river and surrounding area. Using vintage equipment as well as an open "Safari Car" on its excursions, the LS&M traces its roots back to 1863 and was the first railroad linking Duluth with the Twin Cities. The LS&M is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation of railroad history and the restoration of railroad artifacts. The train departs from the LS&M station at Grand Avenue and Fremont Street, across from the Lake Superior Zoo. Lake Superior Railroad Museum Climb up into the cab of one of the world's largest steam locomotives and take the throttle of the huge Yellowstone Class Mallet. Take in the view from the cupola of a wooden caboose. Imagine what dining on the rails was like as you marvel at one-of-a-kind dining car china and table settings displayed in a restored, turn-of-the-century coach. Learn more about the history of railroading in Minnesota as you view the "William A Crooks", the state's first steam engine and explore the inside of the oldest known steam rotary snowplow still in existence today. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum has something for everyone! Plan to spend several hours here and bring your camera! North Shore Scenic Railroad The conductor checks your ticket and calls out "All Aboard!" A short blast of the whistle and your adventure begins. Your train pulls out of the historic Union Depot in downtown Duluth and rumbles through the city, along the rugged shoreline of Lake Superior and deep into the majestic North Woods. Riding in vintage coaches, you'll cross tall trestles over North Shore rivers that race towards Lake Superior. All tours are fully narrated and fun! Take the 1 1/2 hour Lester River excursion, a 6-hour trip to beautiful Two Harbors, or join the family fun on the evening "Pizza Train". There are "Elegant Dinner Trains", "Murder Mystery Trains", "Steam Excursions", The "Grandma's Marathon Special" and others. GOLF SCENIC North Shore Scenic Drive Newly dedicated as a Scenic Byway this is a scenic drive along the shore of Lake Superior with inspiring lake views. Ample lodging featuring old-fashioned hospitality, tempting restaurants and charming gift shops are all along the drive. The North Shore Scenic Drive starts near Brighton Beach, which is located in Kitchi Gammi Park on Highway 61, and runs 22 miles to Two Harbors. Scenic Byways Enjoy a change of pace with a relaxing drive on one of our many nearby Scenic Byways. Whether you are traveling to a particular destination or just meandering, State and National Scenic Byways are a great way to enjoy the beauty of the road less traveled. Scenic Highway 61 has been named an All-American Road. This breathtaking section of highway, which runs more than 120 miles from Duluth up Lake Superior's North Shore to the Canadian Border, is the northernmost tip of one of America's most fabled thoroughfares.

It sounds like a blast!  Last year I made it to the dinner... that was the very first function of any sort I ever made it to!  I was really happy I went!!

Isn't this the weekend that spawned the "We still love you Missy" giggles??

*hugs*

Yep, that's the one!  "Part two, coming up.....")   I do recall much being said at the time about a repeat in a year....my honest intention by posting this announcement last night was to ensure every person knows they're welcome, and for it to be an emotionally safe, socially vibrant weekend for everyone to feel comfortable participating.  Positivity supercedes the jr. high 'mean girls' drama some people seem to be searching for--I'm not that scapegoat--just planning an all-inclusive fun weekend for everybody interested to feel welcome to get away, meet and re-bond with the northern lighthouse area peeps....hugs right back at'cha hon!  Patti a/k/a 'Norma Rae' good honest intentions always--you know that game at Chuckee Cheese or amusement parks where a person has a large foam 'sledgehammer' and the 'heads' pop up sporadicallyl and ya' gotta bop 'em.....the heads keep poppin' up, but I'm just not biting or atttempting to bop.....taking the high road and honestly just moving forward with postitive plans....yippee! 

Patti,

Let me just say I read your post and logged off, read your post and logged off. This is totally unlike me, but I'm having a rough day so I'm going to respond to this post.

I'm so disappointed in you.....This kind of post is exactly why people aren't on as much anymore. And to be honest, I had it with Posts like this.......

Can't you just make a post without bringing problems up????

I'm not taking sides.....But I know the person you are refering too, all of us do.....And it's down right wrong........And I take offence when someone rips on someone I care about......This person you refer too......I consider one of my Best friends.....Not everybody has to like each other.......This is a board for support.....Not a friendship board.....Friendships are made outside of the OH board.

Take it for what it's worth.....My advice, if you want friends Patti, QUIT adding problems to your posts........That's all I have to say....

Kelly

I ditto what Kelly said Patti!  Drop it, take some ownership and STOP BEING A VICTIM!!!

Kelly, thanks for speaking up - I don't need drama in my life right now, but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE who Patti is refering to and I will NOT see her attacked in anyway shape or form on this board!!!

OMG stop the drama.  I agree with Kelly and Tracy.

This board is for support, and you wonder why people shy away from the boards.

So very sorry the true intention again was misconstrued--am not dramatic, not having pity parties-if the erronuous asumptions were accurrate, I sure wouldn't have posted humorous updates and anecdotes about this incredibly painful PS recovery--not once have I whined.  Not my style, as the few who know me 'get it'. 
As for the getaway announcement, I was merely opening the door for every person to feel welcome. I am a peace-maker, I know why some have shied away, and was merely taking the initiative to make improvements.  Stupid cannot be fixed, however, psychological transferences can.  I had not mentioned, nor do I ever any names--any person could've told me not to go to the March event. And my real friends deserve to know why I won't be going--I do not lie, nor cover 'crud' with 'white lies'.   Again I will copy all this crud to share with my psychologist, who again will assure me I've done nothing wrong, that people appear to be transferring their shortcomings on me, making me their scapegoat  because they 'think I look vulnerable'.  Hogwash.  Again. the point of the little mention was only to stand up tall and proud, saying I'm not going to be bullied away, and just disappear.  Strangers will not define who I truly am.  No drama here, just open honesty. 

Whoa, Patti! I have not logged on much this week and when I do and read this, I'm quite saddened to see all of this.

You are stating in this last reply that your intention was misconstrued, but why would you even say that? I'm sorry to tell you this but it was dead obvious!

Don't tell us your psych is going to agree with you because sister I'm currently on no mind altering meds and feeling just fine and I'm here to tell you that ain't no sane psych going to agree with you on this. You on the other hand are recovering from plastic surgery and I believe are on painkillers yet, correct?

And do you seriously print out these threads and take them to your psych? Geesh, now I'm going to be guarded on my replies because you're taking what we say and bringing it in for analysis esentially. Am I so naive to think that there is an unspoken courtesy about a messageboard? I guess I am. I would hope people do not print off threads to have them analyzed by a psych. You've taught me to put my guard up now.

I think that we can all agree that we have each created deep, meaningful relationships through OH, and we're each thankful for those relationships we've gained. I will speak from my own personal experience that I have been extremely thankful and grateful for finding a few people that I connected with via OH and we've kept our connection outside of this website. We do not bring day to day things to this site because it's not the place for it. If we want to talk about a WL related issue or question or comment or product, then we come here. That's what OH is for.

Perhaps we need to re-think posting get togethers such as Duluth on the public board. Maybe it needs to just be by invite only in the future. I'm not sure. But it should definitely not be posted as an invite to all and then within the text bash another member "silently". Nobody needs that here.

Please continue to heal and let this go. It's time to get this board back to what it was meant to be and what OH designed it to be.

Well said my friend.