Up in U.P.

By Jen.

Dates: 2021/07/18 to 2021/07/19

We decided to work Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P., residents known as yoopers) in a clockwise fashion while we waited to see when the Canadian border would open. So, our first stop was Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

Lake of the Clouds.

Some weird flowers there.

 

We then decided to hike the highest point there, Summit Peak Trail. Unfortunately, the smoke meant the views were rather limited.

 

Since we were already hot and sweaty, we decided also to tack on the trail to Mirror Lake.

The frogs were soaking up the one patch of water on the trail.

You could tell some kind of windstorm came through and knocked down a bunch of trees in the past, and already samplings had started growing on top of them.

The park had been subject to many (unprofitable) copper mines and mills in the past. There were still some remnants.

 

While hiking on one of the interpretive trails for these mines, Jonathan said, “Look! A fisher!” Then, while I was trying to take a picture, he exclaims and grabs my arm, “A snake!” Normally, snakes are harmless, but since he grabbed me and pulled me to the side, I was a bit concerned. Turns out it was only at a garter snake. 

The fisher was adorable!

It wobbled its head and barked, which I assume was an aggressive tactic.

But its aggression was diminshed by its size, its distance, and its adorableness!

It had apparently marked its territory before we passed this way, haha.

A mine shaft (#2 Union shaft, which burrowed 70 ft under the streambed).

 

From there, we made our way northward to the U.P.’s northernmost peninsula, Keweenaw. At the base is a lovely “black”-sand beach. It looks more dark brown to me, but whatever.

 

At the tip, was a water-shaped limestone formation known as Devil’s Washtub.

 

 

Last stop of the day was Fort Wilkins State Historic Park, which was built to keep the peace in the U.P.’s Copper Country. It was only used for 2 years (1844-1846), and then again briefly in the late 1860s.

Man, not enough pay for me to wash clothes by hand!!