Trip to the UP

Susan and I left on Monday the 27th for our road trip to the Upper Peninsula -- and had a great time exploring.  First day drove north and west to Grand Marais, MI on Lake Superior where we stopped for a break and some exploring of the small community.  Then west along the Superior shore into the Painted Rocks National Park -- stopping briefly to stretch our legs at Au Sable Dunes (and to give Sophie a chance to uncurl from the back seat.)  Then, on into the town of Munising, which boasts a large paper mill and the tour boats for seeing the pictured rocks themselves.  Had a nice evening -- fish dinner at a local place called the Dog Patch.

Next morning, signed up for the 10 a.m. tour of the pictured rocks -- Sophie got to stay in the kennel at the harbor -- and we spent two plus hours taking pictures and seeing the fantastic formations and colors in the limestone cliffs which run for miles to the north and east of Munising harbor.  Probably the best boat tour is later in the afternoon when the sun is in the west, but we weren't disappointed at all with what we saw.

Then we headed for Marquette -- a college town with a significant history of coal and iron ore shipping.  Really a very nice down town, old brick and limestone buildings juxtiposed with a large harborside park and new town houses.  Good dinner at a 100+ year old saloon looking out over the harbor and then a long walk with Sophie around the park before retiring for the night.

Next day, we drove to the far north of the Keewinaw Peninsula to the small town of Copper Harbor (an impromptu decision to stay the night in a  local cabin court (only one motel in town and they didn't welcome dogs).  Fun shopping at some of the small stores, a delicious duck dinner at a German American place overlooking the harbor, and more walks with Sophie.  Next morning we decided to visit Estivant Pines, a virgin pine and hard wood forest just outside of town -- a great mile plus hike over rugged trails -- and then back on the road.

Drove up the local mountains to overlooks at 1400 feet above Lake Superior -- and back down in second gear 'til we joined up with the major road leading back down the western shore of the Keewinaw.  Stopped to gather rocks from Eagle River beach, and then into Calumet to see some older mansions and more great old stone buildings lining the main street.  Spent the night in Houghton (there is a large technical university there founded for the mining and forest interests).

Next day drove south to the town of Iron Mountain (almost on the Wisconsin border), then east.  Cutting through a corner of Wisconsin, we came upon two treasures:  a great interpretive center with exhibits on wildlife (wolves and even an albino white tail deer) and on the local forest industry; and, a wonderful lakeside inn where we sat on the patio and had a light, delightful lunch.
 
That night we spent in Escanaba -- definitely a manufacturing and shipping town.  Had an absolutely delicious dinner and then collapsed for the night.  Next morning, visited a local art center and then took off to return to Walloon.  But, not before a stop in Manistique for shopping at local craft store, an antique car exhibit, and lunch.  Finally, skirting the northern shores of Lake Michigan, we stopped twice to wade on the sandy beaches, and soak up the brilliant sun.

Now, we are looking for the weather window to move Sonador around to Charlevoix -- and it looks (as of mid-day on Sunday) that Wednesday or Thursday could be the day.