Eastern U.P. Shoreline Exploration

The weekend of June 5-7 was spent camping and exploring the shoreline of L. Superior in the eastern U.P. looking for agates and other beach treasures and just enjoying being out and about. We wandered lots of roads, walked several beaches and I was treated to seeing here-to-fore unknown territory to me.

The weekend was chilly along the lake shore which kept insects to a minimum but didn't dampen out spirits.

We found 3 great campsites for future visits, all just off the lake. No agates were found, but other finds on the beach made up for it. Another good weekend....

Morels!!!!

Sunday May 31st I finally got to see first-hand what a morel looks like in it's natural state. We went hunting for them Sunday morning in a couple of spots in Alger county and found a few. Nowhere near a bonanza, but enough for a plateful for an evening delight....

Now to find more of those elusive rascals...............

Shakedown Cruise Thurs 5/28

We had a shakedown cruise on the sailboat Milo on Thursday. Light winds and calm seas were perfect for the first outing of 2009 and first since the 2007 season. All went well with just Ann and I aboard. Engine and systems worked well.
The docking was about a 9 out of 10 rating. A tribute to calm seas, luck and just a tad of good seamanship, I guess. Looking forward to more outing as warm weather arrives and more friends to get out on the lake......

Wedding Weekend

Fri May 22nd I enjoyed taking wedding photos of Mr and Mrs Luke Noordyk. Just a perfect sunny day and a great venue at the horse farm of Dan and Beth in Rumley, Michigan. Great to be a part of such a joyous event.

Cataract Basin

Sunday May 17 we paddled the Cataract Basin on the Escanaba River near Gwinn.
We put in off M-35 and took out at the dam after a couple hours floating, looking at some unknown man-made nests along the way and exploring the island near the dam.

We also checked out the falls below the dam which were a short stroll downstream.

A good way to spend an afternoon close to home.

May 9th Camping Weekend

The weekend of May 9th was spent enjoying a camping weekend in the Kewenaw. Cold nights and snow on Saturday didn't put a damper on activities. Saturday was spent beachcombing on the penninsula and Sunday exploring Manitou Island.

The campfire warmed us each evening as we rotated while listening to Elmer Sat nite and the iPod as we watched the stars peeking out.

The full moon rising Sunday night directed an orange moonbeam at two happy campers enjoying the scene and the solitude and each other. Amen.....

Great Birthday!

I had a great birthday Saturday. We spent the morning kayking the Autrain River. Three hours total time with a few beverage/stretch breaks along the way.
After that we attended a surprise birthday party in the afternoon which was fun as well.
The evening was spent canoeing at L. Levassuer eagle watching, listening to nature and having my birthday supper(and special dessert cake) prepared over an open fire. The lake was like glass. The wind was nil. The companion was the best. An overall awesome day. I wonder what the poor people did that day?

Oooops

I spent a good part of the day today cleaning up a huge spruce that nearly did some damage to the sauna. Luckily it didn't even break the window. Some damage was done to the snowmobile and a 4-wheeler but not critical. We can always use some free firewood. Lotsa fun using the chain saw for the first time this sping. Any day at camp is a good day!!!!!

Yellow Dog River

Sunday was spent fishing, hiking woods cruising. The Yellow Dog was pretty much a raging torrent at the falls. Farther downstream Ann found the mother of all boulders perched at the top of another falls. Despite rainy, drizzly weather it was a really nice outing. Always nice to "hit the bush." By the way, the fish were not biting......

Eagle Watching Paddle

I/we had a good time paddling and eagle watching on Friday evening. It had cooled off considerably after a warm day. The eagle tending the nest did several take-offs and landings for us. The second one seemed content perched on the far side of the lake. More trips are planned as the eggs hatch and eaglets mature. Exciting!!! Good way to spend an evening.

April Snow

Pretty quiet week. Miata-ing and cycle riding took a back seat to indoor spring chores due to a heavy wet snow that fell on Sunday and Monday.

Moonrise.4.9.09

Moonbeam on L. Superior. A photo doesn't do it justice but...............

MIchigamme Mine/Presque Isle Evening

Some photos of Michigamme Mine. I made a return hike in Tuesday to get a few photos. Also we watched the sunset and moon rise at Marquette's Presque Isle park Thursday night. The moonbeam on the lake from the black rocks cove was mesmerizing as well as the full moon lighting the pathway on the walk back to the vehicle. It's the "little" things you have to take time to enjoy...... Happy Easter to one and all.