546 Cascade Bluffs, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Still in this country there are places deep off the main roads where there exists, in the leafy glades and piney shadows, a bit of how it was, how it’s always been, and continues on peacefully. Now, 27 acres of it is for sale. A river runs by it, the Cascade to be precise - that ribbon of distilled boreal beauty descending - now quickly, then slowly, twisting, laughing, lunging in route to the mother, Gitche Gumee. The springtime forest here is awash in aural delight: river reverberations, warbler songs: makes the work go easy. Trout tuck into eddies, ferry about seeking flies. Imitate one just so and breakfast is on, along with eggs from the hen house you just got together, and cakes with neighbor Sven’s Maple Syrup! In winter a white road forms, ski it all the way down like a hitcher catching a ride. Summer is treetop whispers, rock-hopping the river, and so many sounds the head spins, rejoices because the animal tribes hold sway here, have health, are in reserve to move back in once the humans wise up. This is wide-open land awaiting kindred souls. Previous owners provided a solid start: brand new garage on one portion of the property complete with a room above. A schmancy outhouse rounds out the basic needs. Over by the river, is a simple, solar powered, wee cabin. Diverse mix of trees here, lots of upland. A sylvan, gnome-ish spirit permeates rewinding the mind to youthful days of awe and exploration. The Cascade Bluffs road insists on a leisurely pace, it’s a portal: monkey-mind, modern vexations filter away into the woods. Arrive refreshed, ready for projects. Or, the fun bubbles up spontaneously: hiking, birding, exploring... Of course, just sitting is good. Reading Sigurd Olson dovetails with the local vibe. Whittling white cedar can me meditative and fragrant. Neighbors out this way are friendly, carry toe straps, and shoot the breeze at a tight spot in the road. And, they enjoy privacy - easy enough with big acreage lots all around. A bit of inspired foresight and largess bequeathed a parcel of land at the end of the road to be commonly held by the Cascade Bluff land owners – a gem of a waterfall tumbles there endlessly, back dropping lunches, chats, casts, swims. This is way-out there country, yet Grand Marais is close enough for easy resupply, a brew, take in some music. Access to Pike Lake is just over yonder. Snowmobile, hiking and cross country ski trails are handy. Return to the heart’s, the soul’s home.