We are heading out to explore Lake Superior Provincial Park.  First stop, a short but adrenaline pumping walk at waters edge below high cliffs to see ancient pictographs.  There are warning signs everywhere but we are not deterred and continue to clamber over fallen rock along towering cliffs toward the shore.  Signs mark the spot where we are to find the ancient artwork.  Chains and ropes are affixed along the lower trail to help traverse the slanted, smoothly eroded rock; and to use to pull yourself back up if you happen to fall into the lake just below.  We pick our way along successfully and find two pretty cool pictographs.  I’d recommend this walk but must say the actual cliff art is a bit anticlimactic compared to the journey out there.  If you go, don’t forget to turn around and look at the lake view.  It is fantastic even with a bit of mist as there was today.

Three of the four miles of Orphan Lake trail involve cautious foot placement to navigate among tree roots and protruding rocks.  Add to that nearly constant steep descent or ascent.  It is really pretty messy underfoot but there are some great treasures along the way.  From atop huge granite outcroppings we get a bird’s eye view of inky dark Orphan Lake with its granite and lush green shoreline and of vast Lake Superior shrouded in mist and dotted with rocky islands.  About midway the trail drops down to a colorful cobblestone strewn section of Lake Superior shore.  Today it is calm but the many rounded stones provide proof that the waves pound here often.  We move back into the quiet of the vegetation-muted forest trail.  Before long the air is filled with the sound of rushing water as

Baldhead River makes its final spectacular descent to the lake.  We wind our way back to the silent shores of Orphan Lake and pause a few to take in the scene of still reflections and swirling mist.  Nice.

Back to the car and we head home to put our feet up. It was a good outing.