2024 07 13

Sun through trees. Rockford, Illinois. March, 2024. © Clayton Hauck

One of my favorite things about youtube is the small channels I randomly come across, like this one, which posted a simple video with some geographical triva and history. An older couple out and about creating content just because they find it interesting to explore and share some knowledge with the rest of us… or perhaps they are angling to be the next Mr Beast. I don’t know.

I was out in this part of the world a few years back. It was my first time exploring Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin. While there, I was struck by the history of the place. Clearly, this region was historically swarming with activity due to the large ports and industrial infrastructure. As I drove around, I imagined how the place had changed so dramatically since globalization took hold and how it might change back as globalizations wanes. Then, I ventured to the nearest brewery and was struck by how modern and, dare I say, hip the scene in Duluth was. Quaint, yes, but people are moving there and doing things. It’s a big world out there and there are increasingly more ways to explore it.

-Clayton