A Bay somewhere on Lake Superior

The next stop starts here on a bay in Lake Superior. It was a enjoyable time starting right here with many activities in this area. Does anybody have any idea where this is??

More to follow!

The Porkies B-17 Crash.

On April 18th 1944 a B-17 Bomber crashed in the Porcupine Mountains.
The bomber on a training mission left Sioux City Iowa in route to Marquette Michigan.
West of Marquette an engine caught fire and they were ordered to head to Duluth Minnesota for repairs. They did not make it to Duluth, the crew bailed out over the Porcupine Mountains, and the plane crashed just south of Lake of the Clouds. The men all survived and walked out to Silver City Michigan. The Propeller of the plane is on display at what is now a gift shop in Silver City. The shop was a bar back when the crew walked into Silver City in 1944. The bar owner at the time got the propeller as a great souvenir. I do not understand why they did not try to land in Marquette, as Duluth is quite a long distance from their location where the engine caught fire. It is quite a story and a great bit of history. The men who survived the war returned for a reunion in 1991. Sadly, the pilot was shot down over France and died. The rest of the crew was hidden by the French underground and a few spent the war in a German prison camp. When you think about what these young people did for their country, it is quite astounding. Young men during WWII had responsibilities that young people cannot even fathom today. War today is something most young men only see on a PlayStation game. With the exception of a few in Iraq. The numbers of young people who gave their lives in WWII is shocking if you study it.

Say Ya to the U.P Eh?

This week while traveling all over Upper Michigan this lady was spotted with a tattoo.While most is covered with a strap, you may be able to figure out that it's the U.P of Michigan tattooed on the upper back. You have to be a hardcore Yooper or lover of the U.P to do that I'd say.

Summit Peak Michigan Porcupine Mountains

A short drive off of South Boundary Road and a quick half mile hike up to Summit Peak to one of the highest points in Michigan. The highest point is in the Huron Mts. The view is wonderful of Lake Superior and would be better during the fall. In the bottom picture is Copper Peak which has the highest ski jump in the Midwest. It's barely visible if you look hard. The distance is about 20 miles to Copper Peak from Summit Peak.

Lake of the Clouds Michigan

At the end of M-107 the road comes to a parking lot and 300 feet up a nicely blacktopped walking trail is the scenic Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains. The State of Michigan is building more viewing platforms. In Canada in the parks they call these viewing Pods. Whatever you wish to call them the view is fine. If your really good at guessing peak fall color this would be the place to be at that time. I tried last visit and missed the peak by one week. Someday I will hit the peak color on a clear fall sunny day and hike the trail the climbs the ridge to the East. Can't do it all otherwise you wouldn't have a reason to return.

Union Bay Michigan

Just before the climb to Lake of the Clouds is Union Bay.

Porcupine Mountains State Park Michigan

Approaching the Porcupine Mountains State Park on Michigan HWY 107 on a wonderful day. At the end of this road is the Lake of the Clouds a famous overlook. More to follow!

Silver City Michigan

In the U.P of Michigan along the shore of Lake Superior is Silver City MI.It's a very small town,only a motel,small store and a few restaurants. But what is nearby a wonderful beach and the Porcupine Mountains. Judging from all the stuffed bears for sale in the store there must be alot of bears in the area. The stiff breeze created some nice waves at the beach.

Mount Josephine and the Susie Islands

At the Border of Canada and Minnesota is a scenic pullout over looking Mount Josephine and the Susie Islands. A fantastic spot to stop and take the view and if clear you can see Isle Royale in the distance. For location and more information at the links below:

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/restareas/locations/rasitepages/mtjosephine/mtjosephine.html

http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/minnesota/preserves/art6957.html

Edwin Lundie

Edwin Lundie architect of the North Shore of Minnesota.

Edwin Lundie loved to use heavy, visible timbers in his designs of country houses and cabins. He loved to use warm, earthy color tones, custom-made hardware and rough-hewn, rustic fireplaces and chimneys. A fifty year career in St. Paul, architect Edwin H. Lundie (1886-1972) designed more than three hundred projects, predominantly residences and cabins. If you visit the Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior it is very distinct and visible to see the Lundie design.

http://www.lutsenresort.com/history.htm

I prefer the old North shore with the classic cabins, lodges and resorts. It gives a sense of history and makes you feel as if you are in the great north woods of the past.

Girls Gone Kayaking

Not quite as wild as the videos for sale on the TV late at night but more rewarding and fun. The launch point was the Sioux River and then a paddle down the coast of Chequamegon Bay in fall like July weather.The water was flat calm and clear all the way to the bottom. Lake Superior has to be the most pristine Great Lake of them all. A Otter was spotted on shore with a small fish for lunch. The coast is very interesting with small sea caves and rocky cliffs at points along the shore.

Lake Superior Days

The third Sunday in July each year is set aside to celebrate and honor the world’s largest body of fresh water. Communities across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ontario are hosting events starting Thursday through Sunday:

Thursday through Sunday
Experts on Lake Superior from several agencies and organizations will be on hand with activities and information at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitors Center in Duluth’s Canal Park, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Local libraries will hold special displays about Lake Superior, including Cloquet, Duluth, Grand Marais, Silver Bay and Two Harbors.
Great Lakes Aquarium holds extra Lake Superior activities and events. Free for GLA members. Others bringing a food item to donate will receive discounted admission.
Thursday
Lake Superior magazine 30th Anniversary Open House, 310 East Superior St. in Duluth, 3–7 p.m.
Special showing of the documentary movie “Flow," 7 p.m., Inn on Lake Superior, 350 Canal Park Dr. in Duluth. The movie highlights a looming global water crisis.
Friday
Opening reception for the Water Works artist’s expressions exhibit, 5 p.m., Lake Superior Maritime Center in Canal Park in Duluth. Artwork by 17 artists, all of it inspired by Lake Superior, will be on display through Aug. 4.
Lake Superior Gallery hop, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at various Duluth art galleries and the Duluth Art Institute.
Book signing by Mark Munger, author of "The Willard Munger Story," 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Northern Lights Book Store, 307 Canal Park Dr. in Duluth.
Where the Spirit Resides in Our Sacred Waters, a talk by Red Cliff tribal member Penny Charette, 7:30 p.m., Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth. No admission fee.
Saturday
Rock Pickers Road Show, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth. Regional stones and minerals will be evaluated by expert staff. Admission required.
Sunday
One Great Lake, Lake Superior Day program, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sugarloaf Cove Nature Area, Mile Marker 73.3 along the North Shore’s Highway 61. Hikes, presentations by naturalists, invasive species issues and activities all day.
Several local churches will be holding Lake Superior-themed sermons and events.
Water is Life Walk and Rally, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A 2.2-mile walk along the Lakewalk starts at the Maritime Center in Canal Park and ends with a rally at Endion Beach near the Lakewalk. Focused on the barrels of military waste dumped into Lake Superior in the 1950s and 1960s.
Lake Superior Day Celebration, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Barker’s Island Festival Park in Superior, includes Native American drum circle, raffles, kite flying and children’s events, environmental displays and presentations.
Gooseberry Fall State Park will hold several activities including a Lake Superior Geology Hike from 9:30-10:30 a.m.; an “Enviroscape" diorama on Watersheds from 10:00- 11:30 a.m.; "Moods of Lake Superior" Photography Slide Show at 11:30 am and at 1:00 pm; Kids kite making and kite flying, 12:30 to 3 p.m.; Nature Cart on Lake Superior Water from 1:30- 2:45 pm; Incredible Journey Water Cycle Activity from 3:30- 4:00 p.m.; and Lake Superior Magazine will have a table set up all day displaying photo contest entries.
Tettagouche & Temperance River State Parks will also participate in Lake Superior Day with displays and activities on Lake Superior Geology, Fish, Birds, and Water. For more information contact Gooseberry Falls State Park at (218) 834-3855, ext. 227.

For more information on all events, go to
www.superiorforum.org

Pincushion Mountain

North of Grand Marais Minnesota is Pincushion Mountain trail system. Excellent for hiking and X-Country skiing. The Superior Hiking trail passes thru this area on it's way north to the border of Canada. After a nice dinner in Grand Marais you have to drive up to the parking area and watch the sun go down on the North shore. The area is just a few short miles up the Gunflint trail from Grand Marais. Just above town, it's marked nicely with a sign.

http://www.pincushiontrails.org/

Pictured Rocks National Shoreline, Munising Michigan.

For a week early in September last year we spent a wonderful time in the Pictured Rocks National Shoreline. We were lucky as the weather was fantastic. We explored the beaches and hiking trails. Took the Pictured Rocks Boat Cruise and enjoyed the scenery which is outstanding.
Below is Miners Beach,Miners Falls and Munising Bay with Grand Island in the background.

http://www.picturedrocks.com/Home.php

http://www.nps.gov/piro/

http://www.munising.com/

Minnesota North shore's famous Palisades

North of Duluth Minnesota at mile marker 54 is a small sign that says Palisade Head. It's easy to miss so it's easier to look for the Palisade Church and then you know your right in the area. Or just north of Silver Bay Minnesota three miles or so. You will find a small road that seems to climb into a woods. Follow the road up the hill carefully as it's very narrow. As you reach the top you will find a parking lot and the view of the Palisades of the North shore. These cliffs extend quite a distance north. In the distance in the picture is Shovel Point that can be accessed from Tettegouche State Park.
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/tettegouche/index.html

Be careful as there are no railings and the fall is about 350 feet. I have to stop on each trip north as it's just a wonderful view.

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

Copper Peak Michigan

Looking for a thrill on a weekend trip to Upper Michigan? Something that will make the kids and family talk for a few days afterwards? Go to Copper Peak Michigan to the highest ski jump in the Midwest. You take a chair lift to the top of the hill followed by a elevator ride to the top. The view is outstanding and you can feel the ski jump sway slightly in the wind. It's certainly not for the folks that are afraid of heights. The top of the tower is 600 feet up! Located just north of Ironwood Michigan. http://www.copperpeak.org/Adventure.htm

Eagle over Chequamegon Bay

I am the Eagle,I live in high country,The rocky cathedrals that reach to the sky.

I am the Hawk,And there's blood on my feathers,But time is still turning,They soon will be dry.And all those who see me,And all who believe in me,Share in the freedom I feel when I fly!

Come dance with the west wind,And touch on the mountain tops,Sail over the canyons,And up to the stars.And reach for the heavens,And hope for the future,And all that we can be,Not just what we are... John Denver.

Spring in the Region means BEARS!

Spring is a exciting time in the Lake Superior Region and the young cubs are learning to cope with things. Like climbing trees. Some Bear Sows have a great deal of cubs. The Blueberries are coming soon and if you know a good spot for them you might spot a bear. When picking them yourself make some noise! You never want to upset a mother bear.

A Time past on Bearskin

This character is proudly standing in front of a Gunflint Trail cabin on East Bearskin Lake. His Grandfather built the cabin in the 1940’s and it’s still owned by a member of the family. The visit to the cabin brings back very fond memories of a time past. Car trips in the 1970’s to see Grandpa, fish with Grandpa and spend time with family. To recall these memories almost brings a tear to the eye because they were such good times. A more relaxed time when people had time to get together and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. I think we have lost that, to just sit and be, watch the lake and have a nice conversation while watching the loons. And there is no reception for the I-Phone.

Terry Fox Memorial

If you’re old enough like myself you will recall Terry Fox in the summer of 1980 running across Canada after losing a leg to cancer. It was a huge story on the US news and even bigger in Canada. He started in Newfoundland and made it as far as just east of Thunder Bay Ontario before cancer stopped him. He passed away the following year. In Thunder Bay is a memorial to Terry Fox with the Sleeping Giant Mountain behind him. I remember this story as if it was just yesterday. It made quite an impression.

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