Winding through the heart of the Mesabi Iron Range in Northeast Minnesota, the Mesabi Trail provides close encounters with nature for joggers, cyclists, and walkers like me. When completed, the trail will have 145 miles of paved paths from Grand Rapids to Ely, with several spurs through the picturesque woodlands and around the old, historic iron-ore pits.

A three-mile loop encircles the St. James pit just north of our little mining town, Aurora.

A casual stroll around the pit is the perfect way to spend a beautiful summer afternoon, and I thought I’d share a few pics I’ve taken on my walks.

A spiderweb along the path is heavy with dew in the fresh morning air.

A walk into the woods of Northern Minnesota can be breath-taking, but sometimes we’re reminded that nature can be brutal as well. With no hunting on the ubiquitous mining property, deer populations soar, and…