By Ruth A. Ringelstetter
At the end of June of 2010, Joann and I took a marathon four-and-a-half-day photography trip to Minnesota. On the third night, we had reservations at a mom and pop motel in Two Harbors. When we’re on the road for so many hours each day, we get rather punchy and everything gets funnier. As we pulled into the parking lot of the motel, there was a statue of a large voyageur, but something looked wrong. I said to Joann, “He’s not wearing any underwear!” This resulted in a hysterical fit of giggles, and it was all we could do to get checked in to the motel.
The next morning we decided to get a photo, and only later did we find out that he’s known as Pierre the Pantsless Voyageur.
Pierre had stood for over 50 years at that site, overlooking Two Harbors. For a while his future was unknown when the lot he was standing on was sold, but the owners of the Earthwood Inn, Bar, and Grill bought him and had him moved to their location about a mile south of town where they are restoring him. In the beginning, his head moved, his eyes glowed red, and thanks to an employee in the old motel he stood near, he talked to visitors. The people at the Earthwood Inn hope that eventually he will be talking again.
If you visit Two Harbors, be sure to visit the Earthwood Inn, Bar, and Grill and say hello to Pierre. Who knows, he might have something to say in return!
Happy shunpiking!
Ruth
Will do next time I get up there. :)
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