Big Holiday in the Keweenaw

It's off to the Keweenaw of the U.P of Michigan for a great holiday. You will never run out of things to do in the U.P. There are mines to explore, lighthouses and historic lodges. The list goes on and on. The top picture is the famous Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, the second picture is Brockway Mountain Drive and the last picture is Houghton Michigan home of Michigan Tech. I'll be snapping alot of digital pictures in the next 10 days.

The Sleeping Giant, Thunder Bay Ont.

On the other side of Thunder Bay Ont. is the Sibley Peninsula and the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. The profile of the peninsula looks like a sleeping giant. The legend of Nanabijou tells the tale.

http://www.visitthunderbay.com/sleeping_giant/index.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleeping_Giant_Provincial_Park

Kakabeka Falls ONT

Kakabeka Falls just west of Thunder Bay Ont. on highway 11/17 20km.

One of the largest falls in Ontario with the exception of course Niagara falls.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakabeka_Falls

Crossing into Canada toward Thunder Bay Ont.

Just over the border about 30 minutes you come to the river the locals refer to as the KAM.

The reason they call it the KAM is pretty obvious when you see the entire name of the river.This young traveler made the proper face when trying to figure out just how you pronounce this river.

What is that??

That is a old postcard of the entrance of the Gunflint Trail in Grand Marais Minnesota. The road has changed in recent times, now blacktopped and a lessor grade to the East of town. A truck a few years ago came down the hill and hit a building on the harbor owned by the Folk School. So changes on the trail will prevent that from happening again. It's still a very interesting drive about 60 miles to Gunflint Lake.

Bear Tree Park Grand Marais Mn.

The warm humid air this evening is hitting that cool cool lake resulting in fog and a nice setting at Bear Tree park on the harbor. Thankfully to date they haven't added more slips and docks in the harbor as once discussed by the DNR. I have no idea what the status of that is currently. Hopefully it was put aside or defeated. I like the waterfront just as it is and they have updated the park nicely in recent years.

Cooler by the lake?

Here is what the beach looks like in a real picture.......

Tomorrow in Duluth the forecast is to be 83 degrees and 70% humidity. Pretty toasty for Duluth Minnesota even in August. Enjoy it while you can, fall is around the corner. This old postcard was advertising the nice cool breezes of Park Point beach. I don't recall seeing that many people on the beach as shown in the postcard but it would be entertaining if that many folks showed up tomorrow on the hot day.

More Grand Marais tidbits

Since we are on the subject of Grand Marais this week I found this postcard of the hill right before you drive into town. Back when Grandpa and Grandma took their big North Shore trip in 1939 this is how it looked. Yes that is a dirt and gravel road. Imagine pounding up the North shore in a Model A car for 150 miles to Canada? No air conditioning, leather seats and Satellite Radio back then. We now have luxury they never imagined and don't give it a thought. It would have been very exciting on such a adventure as it still is today. We just do it on smooth roads

in complete comfort.

Grand Marais Mn. Coast Guard Station

Today at the store I met a fellow who had served at the Grand Marais Coast Guard Station in the past. It was a random meeting at the Grocery store. How does that happen? I was wearing a Grand Marais hat. That started the conversation going which went for about 15 minutes in the produce isle. The station has been on the harbor a long time as the following postcards show. The last picture was just taken two weeks ago. The fellow recalled very fondly of serving at the station and living at Grand Marais. He also had spent some time at the Bayfield Coast Guard station. All of this because I needed some 2% milk....isn't life grand!

Fisherman's Picnic Grand Marais

This would be the place to be this weekend. Cooler by the lake and just a wonderful scene with things to do and eat. How about a Herring Burger?? Sadly I'm not there but I grabbed this shot from the Grand Marais Cam. I like the fact that somebody is flying a kite at the harbor. A nice breeze and wonderful spot to do so. Many events this weekend at the picnic. Click on the link below:

http://www.grandmarais.com/what_to_do/wtd.php?page=Events

North shore dining in the past.

Back before the present day Betty's Pies,Rustic Inn and Cascasde Lodge Restaurant they looked just a little bit different. Dining on the North shore drive is always a pleasure. You hike,sightsee and eat. The history of these places is part of the enjoyment of driving the famous HWY 61.