Here we are in front of the fountain of the Glensheen Mansion that we toured. It was very interesting to learn about the self-made Congdon family. Both matriarch and patriarch were children of poor pastors and began their lives in hard labor. They had a few lucky breaks, no doubt, culminating in a 27,000 sq ft mansion on what was once over 25 acres on Lake Superior. They paid their servants twice the going rate, and gave them a day off each week. The servants were even allowed to borrow carriages and automobiles to go to town on their free day. This was in remembrance of their own humble beginning. I guess that's why I didn't feel so disgusted by the grandeur and extravagance like I usually do.

Believe it or not, this is just the carriage house for Glensheen. Yes, this is where the cows and horses live and poop. We should all be so lucky to live like the Congdon's livestock!

THIS is Glensheen Mansion. . . or as much as I could fit in the frame, anyway. It was finished in 1908 after five years of labor. Mr. Congdon died just 8 years later. The last living occupant and daughter of the Congdons was mysteriously murdered along with her nurse in her bedroom, but no one was ever arrested. They do not discuss this on the tour out of respect for the family's wishes, but you can read about it elsewhere.

A foot bridge on the grounds of Glensheen

When you've spent your money on everything you can imagine, then you spend extra on having your lettuce planted in the shape of a sun. Glensheen.

The bridge is up! This is the view of the Aerial Bridge from the Lakewalk. Matthew and I were inducted into local frustration when we got stuck over 20 minutes waiting for the bridge on our way into town. Our B&B is on a slim strip of land called Minnesota Point. The only way on and off is over the Aerial Bridge.

Here we are on the deck of the B&B