Day Tripping In The Yoop

18/06/2024

Please take a moment to watch this video recently produced by the MDNR highlighting their efforts to manage an endangered species of butterfly here in Michigan.

We learned a lot watching this video, and are confident you will too. Education, and awareness are our most powerful tools in the protection of our resources. We thank them for all they do to ensure we continue to have such great diversity, and health within our ecosystems.

18/06/2024

The always beautiful Lupine Flowers. We look forward to their blooms every year. With the vivid purple, blue, pink, and white colors they display the hours we spend traveling are certainly brightened by their presence.

One thing you may not know about them is their importance to an endangered species of butterfly, the Karner Blue. It isn't all Lupines though, it is very specifically the Wild Lupine, also called the Sundial Lupine.

BigLeaf Lupine is of no value to them at all. These would be what you recieve in the popular "Russels Mix". This would be considered a invasive species in our area. It can easily escape a landscape setting, and move into the wild.

The MDNR recently produced a video about the Karner Blue that we will share after this post. I hope you all will take the time to watch it.

17/06/2024

There are some really great programs going on in the Porkies this week. If you happen to be in the area you should check them out.

Check out the Program line-up for the week of June 17 through June 23th!

17/06/2024

Yesterday we had a once in a lifetime experience in the Porcupine Mountains. At least it's only happened once so far in mine.

While traveling to an area to hike we seen a turtle in our lane. Well I am a long time turtle admirer, so we always pull over and wait for them to cross. We barely ever get out of the car, or need to.

This one did not want to move. We were on a very slow road, this time of day anyway So we sat there a good 5 minutes waiting, and he still wasn't moving. By this time we were already talking about it's odd shape in comparison to what seems like 100 other turtles we've encountered this year. We decided to get out and see if it had been hit.

We approached from behind so it would scare in the right direction, and it looked right up at us. I immediately recognized it. This isn't an ordinary turtle. This is a Wood Turtle, and is actively listed as an endangered species. I have to admit, I started to freak out a little. We stood there waiting for what had to be another 2 or 4 minutes. A vehicle started to approach so I told Keire to run and get the camera, and I picked it up off of the road.

We took it to the other side, and took 2 pictures for identification purposes. Once we put it down it still didn't want to get moving. I was worried it wasn't healthy. Then out of nowhere it stood up and did the turtle shuffle like its life depended on it. Talk about a delayed reaction.

If slow and steady wins the race, I would love to see this turtles trophy room. What a show off!

I'm going to call the Porcupine Mountains Park Office tomorrow, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to report the gps location, and offer them the pictures we took. Maybe it'll be helpful, maybe not. It just feels like the right thing to do. They have a lot of monitoring efforts going on this species right now.

For more information on Wood Turtles please visit
https://www.fws.gov/species/wood-turtle-glyptemys-insculpta

16/06/2024

Summit Peak is located in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. It's the highest point in the Porkies at nearly 2000 feet. An observation point midway provides some great views, and the 40 foot observation tower at the end is definitely worth the climb.

To get there take South Boundary Road out of Silver City. From there you will only need to take 1 right turn, which is very clearly marked. This would be a great place to stop after visiting Lake of the Clouds, which is just a 30 minute drive away.

As you could imagine, there is a lot of elevation to gain along the trail, and boardwalk to the tower. It's a moderately steep dirt path leading to a lot of stairs. At the end of the stairs is a few more stairs, followed by a tower with stairs to the top. It's really a lot of stairs, but there are several benches along the way. The views were great, and the breeze up there after our climb was just what we needed before the much easier hike down. The total trip out and back was just barely under 1 mile.

For more information on this area please visit
https://theporcupinemountains.com/

Being honest we seen quite a bit of litter here.
We carried out 2 bottles, 1 can, and a few candy wrappers in roughly 1/2 mile. We were glad to do it, but wish we didn't have to.

As always please be respectful of the environment in which you recreate. It's up to all of us to ensure these places are preserved for future generations. We invite you all to carry out any litter you see along the way. It's really fun, and it makes the walk to your car much shorter. Don't believe us? Try it and prove us wrong. We dare you.

15/06/2024

Just in case you never have the opportunity to see it for yourself, here is a 30 second video taken from the cave behind O Kun de Kun Falls.

15/06/2024

O Kun de Kun falls, what an amazing adventure. This is one of our favorite waterfalls on the west side of the U.P. It's one of the largest waterfalls in Ontonagon County, and the location makes it one of the most remote with a developed trail system.

The parking for the falls is located on the east side of highway 45, 8 miles north of Bruce Crossing. It's the parking lot for the North Country Hiking Trail. There is 1 vault toilet on site. No other amenities are available, so be sure to bring plenty of water.

The trail to the falls is 1.3 miles out, and is mostly level with a few moderate climbs on your way back. The majority of the trail is gravel, and boardwalk, though once you get to the falls they become natural ground. You'll arrive right at the top of the Falls, and the rock here is nice and flat. You can safely view from here, but this is a site with no guard rails so use good judgment. We would rate the trail on average about a 2.5, with more difficult sections described ahead.

As you continue on you will see a trail go off to your right. If you follow this it will take you back to the falls, and allow access to the cave behind them. I have to warn though, the rocks are covered in algae in most areas back there. Where there isn't algae, it's a bit muddy. The only areas you can safely step on must be dry. It's not an easy or clean task, so we only suggest it if you don't mind a free shower, or needing one if you do make is successfully.

From here if you keep going you will reach a suspension bridge that allows access to the other side. Following this trail will bring you to an observation point midway up the falls, and at the end you will reach the top of the opposite side you arrived on. We would rate this trail a solid 4.

On the way back you can also visit Konteka Falls. You would have noticed this signage on the way in. Sometimes these are called Peanut Butter Falls. The trail down, and up is fairly steep. Once again we rate this trail a solid 4. We thought these smaller falls deserved some attention too, so we included a few pics.

For more information on O Kun de Kun Falls, maps of the area, and other information please visit

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ottawa/recarea/?recid=12359

As always please be respectful of the environment in which you recreate. It's up to all of us to preserve these places for future generations.

14/06/2024

You often hear people say it's important to take time to appreciate the little things. We're willing to bet you scrolled past at least 2 memes giving that same advice before you seen this post. Well we've seen them too.

Of course this can be a hard thing to do. We all take the little things for granted, that's why we need constant reminders of how beneficial it can be to slow down, and enjoy them.

Follow along with Day Tripping In The Yoop's Macro Maniac, Keire Bennett, as he takes us on an adventure into the smaller world to appreciate the little things in life.

These were captured on a hike to a really great waterfall. There will be a post on that waterfall soon.

13/06/2024

"Vie and Bob continue to incubate their nest faithfully. Their eggs are expected to hatch the week of June 23.

Anthropogenic disturbances are rising as we see more visitors to the beach. On Sunday, June 2, two loose dogs ran into the exclosed area and were eventually called back by their owner. Just the day before, someone began to fly a kite on the shore directly in front of the nest. In both instances, the parent who was incubating ran off the nest due to the perceived predator. To ensure these eggs hatch here at Whitefish Point, visitors must follow the rules posted at the entrance to the beach."

Read the full update from Piping Plover Monitor Stephanie Owens at https://wpbo.org/2024/06/10/piping-plover-week-4-update/.

📸 Piping Plover known as Vie standing on the shore near her nest | Stephanie Owens

Piping Plover monitoring is a collaborative effort between Michigan Audubon and Seney National Wildlife Refuge (USFWS).

13/06/2024

Here we have the most widespread large hawk in North America. The Red Tailed Hawk. Designed by nature for effortless soaring, this broad winged bird is quite the hunter.

It does most of its hunting while perched high over open areas. It can be found in any terrain that has both open areas for hunting, and tall places to perch. These areas include woodlands, grasslands, mountains, plains, roadsides, and even deserts so long as there are a few trees, or utility poles present.

It's diet consists of small mammals, birds (up to the size of a Phesant), and reptiles (primarily snakes). Occasionally it can be seen eating insects, toads, bats, frogs, and rarely carrion.

Egg incubation is performed by both parents, and takes 28 to 35 days. The average nest is 2 to 3 eggs, but can sometimes be up to 5. The young leave the nest 6 to 7 weeks after hatching, but can stay with the parents for several more weeks.

We hope you enjoy the pictures, and we look forward to bringing you many more species as we continue our adventures across the Yoop.

13/06/2024

Sable Falls is located just about a mile west of Grand Marais on H-58. This convenient location makes it great place to visit if your in the area. It's not a far walk from the parking, but it isn't necessarily an easy walk. The sign at the top of the stairs reads "168 stair steps down to Sable Falls, and 168 steps back up".

The good news is there are a few places to stop and take a break along the way. The falls are beautiful, and cascade down onto Jacobsville Sandstone that's estimated to be atleast a billion years old.

We did encounter a few bugs at the bottom, as it's very sheltered from wind. Primarily mosquitoes, so some spray here will make your time much more enjoyable.

As always please be respectful of the environment in which you recreate. As you make your way around the diffrent attractions you will see a lot of graffiti, and carvings along the way. The temptation to add to this, and leave your own mark behind is too much for some to resist. Let's resist that temptation knowing the best line is already taken.

"ENJOY LIFE. Except damn stairs."

Leave No trace.

12/06/2024

12/06/2024

On Monday we made our way to the Log Slide Overlook on Lake Superior. The skies were clear, and it was crisp with a nice breeze. This really helped to keep the bugs at bay, which is what we had hoped for.

This is the location where loggers of the past would slide logs down into the lake for transport to the saw mills of Grand Marais. Unfortunately nothing remains of the original log chute, and there are no known photographs in existence. There are however, a few logging implements on display at the trailhead in addition to some signage with brief history lessons, and warnings of the area dangers.

From the Overlook if you look east, to your right, you will be able to observe the Grand Sable Dunes. When you look west, way out in the distance, you will see Au Sable Lighthouse on the point. One of the most dramatic views of all was the rock formations under the water closer to Au Sable Point. The colors, and patterns in the water between the jagged rocks, crystal clear water, and nearly white sand is something you have to see in person.

After admiring the views for a while we went to the intersection of the North Country Trail, located near the parking here. From here you have the option of hiking 2 miles west to the Au Sable Lighthouse. Along the trail you will find many observation points. There are sections where it is very close quarters, and has an almost tunnel feel to the trail. The forest is very thick with undergrowth, and you can't see very far into the woods for most of the trip. There are sections that open up, but they are brief.

Towards the middle of the journey you begin to descend at a much faster rate, and there are some very steep inclines. A few of them are equipped with log reinforced stairs to make it more hospitable. You'll appreciate this more on the way back. There are some really beautiful river, and paper birch in this section that are as big as I've seen anywhere. It takes 2 hugs to properly love trees of this size. They're THAT big!

More towards the end the trail tapers off, and you can reach the water should you choose. There are a few access points near the Au Sable East Campground, which is 1/2 mile from the Lighthouse. The rocks on the beach here are beautiful. We spent some time looking, and showing eachother some things we found. While your here though you must remember that your on a National Lakeshore, so keeping rocks isn't permitted. You won't want the weight on the way back anyway, trust me.

Once you arrive at the Au Sable Lighthouse and come out into the vast opening of land it sits on your immediately taken to a different place in time. This 150 year old site has been restored to it's 1910 condition, and it is gorgeous. For more pictures of the Lighthouse please view the post we did for it specifically.

The hike back is challenging. Much like the stories Grandpa told you about the walk to school, its uphill the entire time. The good news is it isn't uphill both ways. If he can do it in 40 below, in a blizzard, you can do it this summer. Plan accordingly, and take your time. This hike is definitely worthwhile. I rate it a 3.75 out of 5 in difficulty, primarily because of the elevation gain on the way out. We didn't encounter anything dangerous. Caution must obviously be observed near the cliffs.

For more information on the Log Slide please visit.
https://www.nps.gov/places/log-slide.htm

For more information on this area in general please visit
https://www.grandmaraismichigan.com/

As always please be respectful of the environment in which you recreate. Pack it in, pack it out. We didn't see a single piece of litter on the trail in 2 miles. Let's keep it that way all summer long.

11/06/2024

Au Sable Lighthouse is celebrating its 150th Anniversary this year, and to celebrate Pictured Rocks is hosting free tours of the Light Station all summer. They are waiving the previous $5.00 per person fee. These services will be available 7 days a week, with tours starting daily at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. from now until the end of September. These tours last around 40 minutes, and include a trip to the top of the 86 foot tall light tower.

The trip to the Lighthouse requires a minimum of a 1.5 mile walk that begins at the Lower Hurricane River Campground. The trail is a historic U.S. Coast Guard road. Its mostly flat, and easy going. As you walk the coastline you will have the opportunity to view 3 shipwrecks. This is the most common way to access the area. We took a different option.

2 miles east of Au Sable lies the Log Slide Overlook. This is where we started. The trail from the Log Slide to the Lighthouse is very scenic. It takes you along the shore for some amazing views of the Grand Sable Dunes, and the Lighthouse in opposing directions. Your surrounded by breathtaking views. The trail gets very narrow, and at times the thick undergrowth makes for a tunnel effect through sections of the forest. We thought it was a really good balance of woodland walking, and coastal views. It was a very cool hike. There are some very steep sections, and the trip back is almost entirely up hill. I would rate the hike around 3.75 out of 5 in difficulty, but we didn't encounter anything dangerous. It's just very physically demanding on the way back. Absolutely worth it.

Whichever way you choose to hike in this is a great year to visit Au Sable Lighthouse, and celebrate 150 years of history. We loved our hike, and we're amazed by the quality of the restoration that has taken place, returning this light to it's 1910 condition. The grounds and buildings are unbelievably well kept for being 150 years old. Let's keep it that way!

For more information please visit
https://www.nps.gov/piro/learn/historyculture/ausablelightstation.htm

As always please be respectful of the environment in which you recreate. It's up to all of us to insure they are here for future generations to enjoy the same way we have.

30/05/2024

"It was another week of productive nights. We banded 92 more owls: 81 Northern Saw-whet Owls, 10 Long-eared Owls, and one Barred Owl." ~ Owl Banders Chris Neri and Nova Mackentley

Would you like to know how many owls they have banded so far this season? Read their recent blog at https://wpbo.org/2024/05/22/owl-update-5-22-2024/.

📸 The season's third Great Horned Owl banded on May 11. Photo by Chris Neri

30/05/2024

Fawns are being born all over the Keweenaw right now - including in this rehabilitator’s own yard!
PLEASE REMEMBER that a doe may leave her fawn in some very odd places. On porches, in flower gardens and next to fences. We are getting many calls and want to remind people to please call us at 906-370-1043 before you move a fawn. Most fawns do not need rescue. A doe will leave it for many hours during the day before returning for it to prevent predators from being attracted to it.
Unfortunately, due to health reasons, our fawn rehabber is currently unable to accept fawns for rehab. That makes it even more crucial that we keep fawns with their moms whenever possible. Please spread the word and give wildlife some space while these babies are being born. ❤️

29/05/2024

The Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse. With its rustic wooden construction, subjective beauty, and it's indescribably gorgeous location it immediately won my heart. It's won the hearts of many photographers, and Lighthouse enthusiasts world-wide. This one is a bit famous, and for good reason.

Like all lights, this one has a stories to tell. This light was first exibited on August 15, 1868. It was built to guide ships from Lake Superior into Munising Harbor. Thomas Wilson was appointed the first keeper, and served here for 2 years. In 1893 the more well known keeper, George Prior, moved in with his wife Theresa, and their three children. They had two more children while living on the island.

During his service he was reported to be steadfast in his duties. He was known for helping any vessel in distress, and once saved the lives of 9 people from a boat that fell victim to a terrible storm. While living here the foundation had been compromised from the weather, and erosion to the point it was feared it may topple over. During storms the Prior Family would remain dressed, and awake in the lower level for fear they may have to suddenly flee to higher ground.

Despite all this, on October 25th, 1903 the Steamer Ship Manhattan was heading into the Harbor when the steering chain broke. The ship ran aground on a rock reef, and the force of the collision caused an oil lamp to start a fire. The Manhattan burned to it's water line. Keeper Prior was reportedly the first to arrive on scene to provide aide.

On October 29, 1908 the light was lit for the last time. Having been replaced by the Munising Range Lights.

This light still stands today due to numerous efforts made over the last 20 years. In 1999 the Alger County Historical Society formed the East Channel Rescue Committee. It is due to many volunteers, donations, and a devoted community that this light still stands for all to see.

For more information on this area please visit
https://www.munising.org/

This is a hard light to view, and can only be done by boat, drone, or from the shore at a distance of 3/4 mile. You can view from the shore at the Pictured Rock Lakeshore Park Headquarters, on Sand Point Road in Munising. We recommend the local boat tours for close and comfortable viewing. There are a few options to choose from in the area.

We enjoyed our time here a lot, and will return in the coming seasons for more coverage.

As always please be respectful of the environment while your out recreating, and sight seeing.. It's up to all of us to preserve these places for future generations.

28/05/2024

Quite a few of you were able to guess correctly this week! Well done.

This is a photo of a baby muskrat, taken on the Au Sable River. We would like to use this opportunity to remind folks to leave baby animals where they are. In most cases, mom will be back for them. Let wildlife be wild.

Have you seen any newcomers to the animal world this spring? Maybe a fawn placed in a weird location around your home, or a pile of baby rabbits deposited in your lawn right after you finished mowing (definitely not speaking from experience...).

Remember, take photos and not animals if you see young wildlife making their way into the world this spring and summer.

If you know the mom is dead or there is an injured animal you would like to see assistance for, please call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Those contact details can be found at https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/dlr/

28/05/2024

This is our third, and final project for Memorial Day.

I hope you will take a few minutes to view our Memorial Day Tribute video.

For Memorial Day we visited Evergreen Memorial Cemetery located in Crystal Falls, Michigan.This day is a day to honor and mourn our US Service Men, and Women...

28/05/2024

The Veterans of Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.

Part 2.

28/05/2024

The Veterans of Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.

Part 1.

27/05/2024

Memorial day. It's a very special holiday in this proud country. It's a day to honor, and mourn the lives of those who were lost in defense of our freedom. To show our gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice, and to pay homage to their names, and to their memory.

In our family we do so by visiting a few Cemeteries, and seeking out each veteran to read their names aloud. I've always felt it brings us closer to understanding, and appreciating the cost of our freedom.

These are the monuments of the service men, and women who were laid to rest at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Champion, Michigan.

Please feel free to read their names aloud should you choose to view these pictures. Let their names resonate across the land they once stood in defense of.

25/05/2024

There are many figures online, but somewhere in the neighborhood of 1 in 30,000 Whitetail Deer are born with Albinism. Localized herds can display much higher numbers, as you see here. We're extremely pleased to be able to bring you this content, and we hope you will enjoy this rare opportunity as we document our way through the coming seasons.

We'll be back in a few weeks to see what this year's fawns look like, and to check in. It was a really great time.

24/05/2024

We recently went to an area we had an albino Whitetail Deer buck on a trail camera in the past. It seems the population has grown over the last 2 years, and so has he. He was a spike back then, and is now entering his 4th year of life.

We were able to watch this buck, and 2 doe for quite a while. Shortly after we spotted another albino in a field who never revealed it's head, and a lone albino doe on the backside of the same woods.

We have more pics to share, but this one is my favorite of the day. 3 Albino deer on the same 80 acre plot of land! I still cant believe it. Mother nature is wonderful in her ways. Everytime i think ive seen it all, something new presents itself. We can't wait to revisit to see how many babies are born this season. Or to watch the bucks horns develop, until they lose the velvet this fall.

We can't share this location at the owners request. It's privately owned land we've been granted access to. Thanks for understanding.

Stay tuned for more updates on this localized Albino deer population as we document them as the seasons progress.

23/05/2024

Our recent trip to Munising Falls certainly didn't disappoint. Of all the area falls this one is known for its easy, and year round access.

The Sandstone rock formations along the trail up, and to the right on your way to the falls are worth the extra climb. We found the setting here to be just as beautiful as this 50 foot waterfall. Here you will see views from all 3 observation areas.

If your in the Munising area and need a place to spend a few hour's we highly recommend this one as an option.

For more information on these falls, as well as other attractions in the Munising area we suggest viewing this page.

https://www.munising.org/activities/munising-falls/

As always please be respectful of the environment in which you recreate. It's up to all of us to do our part to preserve these places for future generations.

21/05/2024

Last Saturday we visited Lake of the Clouds, located within the Porcupine Mountains. What a treat to visit on this particular day.

While we were there we were able to witness training drills being done as a big collaborative with many private, local, county, state, federal, and national agencies being involved. There were so many vehicles, and people all throughout the roads leading to, and at the lake itself.

We stopped when traffic, or pull offs allowed us to do so to take pictures of some of the people, and vehicles involved. We weren't willing to impede these efforts, so we only did so minimally. There were many more than we were able to get pictures of. I had planned on hiking, but called that off as K-9's could be heard working, and training out on the trails. We will be back at a later date for more in depth coverage of this area.

It was truly heartwarming to experience just a small fraction of the effort, and resources that were put fourth to prepare for the upcoming tourist season. It's unfortunate but people get themselves into situations sometimes where these services are needed. Sometimes things happen beyond anyone's control, and these services are needed.

While doing photography on the US Coast Guard Helicopter my son yelled to me quite loudly "Hey Dad, don't be the reason this training exercise turns into a real rescue situation." I would like to extend that advice to all of you.

While your up here recreating it's easy to get caught up in the moment. It's easy to push yourself just a little to far. The terrain can be pretty extreme, and often times these are the most beautiful spots. Many places, or the roads to them are very remote. Being prepared up here is important should you venture out too far. Many areas have no cell reception, and having offline map access is important.

Never rely on google for navigation. We often do for fun just to see where it takes people. We only do this when we have a lot of extra time. I can tell you what we call a "full reverse situation" happens a bit. We had to back up in reverse for over a mile one time. That trip was a blast for us, but would be a nightmare on a vacation. Lots of time wasted, which is precious when you have little to spare. We highly recommend visiting the websites of each place you want to visit, and having a good map of all areas in hand before you leave home.

https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/ParksandTrails/Details.aspx?id=426&type=SPRK

If you do encounter a problem up here there are a lot of men, and women who are dedicated to providing the needed services for any situation. I mean anything. We thank them all for their service. Let's all do our best to give them a nice quiet summer.

21/05/2024

Thank you for ‘beeing’ a friend.
Flying down the road and back again…🐝

Picture it, World Bee Day. A day to raise awareness about the crucial role that bees and pollinators play in our ecosystem. They don’t often blow their own vertubenflugen, but more than 75 percent of the Earth's flowering plants depend on bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and other pollinators. Back in St. Olaf, sorry, parks, the day also serves as a reminder of the threats facing bee populations, such as habitat loss, pesticides, and changing climate, and encourages actions to protect and support these crucial pollinators.

Learn more about bees and pollinators, why they are important, and how we can help them at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/pollinators/index.htm

Image: A close-up of a bee on a flower at Everglades National Park near Miami. NPS/ Federico Acevedo