Tahquamenon Falls, MI

Yesterday mid-day we went with Sandy & Ken for a day of sightseeing. The early morning rain and clouds disappeared and the sky was clear blue and the temperature was in the low to mid 70's. We had decided to go to Tahquamenon Falls and took the scenic route which isn't very scenic. That is unless you like looking at trees, trees and more trees.

We drove through Newberry, MI on our way to the falls and decided to have lunch. Sandy & I had stroganoff which wasn't very good. Ken & Dean had a pasty. No, they are not the little thingies that strippers use - this is pronounced pass-te. They were good! These had beef and vegetables in them and were served with gravy. For those who don't know, a pasty is like a turn-over but filled with meat and veggies. From what I was told, it was a staple for the miners. They would take them in their lunch box as something easy to eat, filling and nutritious.

From Newberry we drove on to the Upper Falls which I read is the second largest falls east of the Mississippi. The walk back to the falls was not bad, probably about a quarter of a mile with a little incline here and there. It is situated in a state park and the path is actually a wide paved pathway. Made for a good walk. The falls were beautiful. The water looked like muddy coffee. The brown color of the water is caused by many kinds of dissolved organic material including tannic acids. These come from the decomposing woody debris and soils of cedar, hemlock & spruce forest in the watershed area. Sandy and Ken were brave and walked the 92 steps down to the base of the falls - Dean and I did not, I knew that my knee wouldn't like it. And of course, what goes down must come up! That was 184 steps!

Dean and I wandered back to the gift shop area. When Ken & Sandy caught up, we all poked around the gift shop and then had some good ice cream.

After our dessert, we headed to the Lower Falls. The river actually splits around a island and causes two water falls. These are not as high as the Upper Falls but in my opinion they were prettier. Here again it was about a quarter of a mile walk to the falls viewing areas. There was another trail that went to a view platform over the right hand falls that was .3 mile - Ken and Sandy went. Dean and I went back toward the parking lot and walked along the river for a little.

This area that we drove through is touted as the "Moose Capital of Michigan". Hah! They should have to prove it. We didn't see any moose and not because we didn't look. Well, I take it back, we did see part of one and I have a picture of it. Take a look at Picasa.

On our return drive we were within 12 miles of Whitefish Point and I really wanted Ken & Sandy to see it so we went there next. It was 5:45 pm and they close at 6:00pm so they didn't go to the museum etc. but Sandy got pictures of the lighthouse and the lake etc. It is so pretty there. I could just sit and watch the lake for hours.

We also passed Iroquois Lighthouse on our way back home and stopped for a couple of pictures. By that time we had been gone 8 hours and they need to get back to let Pancho out. Poor doggie - had to hold it all that time.

Today the weather isn't very good, cool and damp and overcast and windy. We were going to the Soo Locks but postponed it. Hopefully tomorrow will be better but right now the weatherman is calling for 80% chance of rain tonight and tomorrow.

That about wraps it up for now. Pictures are posted at Picasa so go take a look.

Till next time - Safe Travels.....