U.P. Bound

Michigan Tech is a long way from home! Once you hit the Mackinac Bridge, you're only half way there. Photo by Lisa Shoemaker

Black Herons

These beautiful birds were hanging out in the tall trees behind my house. I'm not entirely sure what they are, but my best guess is that they are black herons.

Steel Dam at Redridge, near Houghton, MI

Michigan's upper penisula is the heart of "copper country." In September of 1922, the Baltic Copper Mining Company closed its mill. Today, the old hamlet is a mass of ruins. The big steel dam is still there with the rusted tracks still threaded across its dilapidated top. No longer though does it hold back any water. For safety reasons, the water level was lowered some years ago. A lake still exists behind the remnants of the older dam which was uncovered as the lake level was lowered and the water retreated behind it. This tall concrete stack of the old Baltic mill can be seen for miles from Lake Superior. My daughter visited Redridge and took this photo. She said that she actually went inside it and that "it was a major wind tunnel with the air blowing up to the top." She said it was cool, but her contact lenses didn't care for it too much!
~photo by Lisa Shoemaker

July 7, 2009

Today has been a gorgeous day in SE Michigan. Temps in early 70s and sunny; a great day for geocaching! We found three caches and enjoyed the scenery while getting some great exercise. This photo was taken at the Russell Bridge in the Proud Lake Recreation Area, Commerce Twp, Michigan.

June 26, 2009

Marshall, Michigan has a small microbrew pub called the Dark Horse. It has lots of character and is always busy. One of those mugs up there is mine!