September 21, 2009

We moved to Munising today, rising to the pitter-patter of rain. We have been dodging it for several days and it finally caught up with us. Also, having acquired 50-60 pounds of rocks off of the beaches, it does seem like we are packing to move!

Our first stop for the day was Tahquamenon Falls. It is a .4 mile walk from the parking lot to the falls. The outlook for the rain to stop was not good and we had just about decided to forego the walk in the rain and just go in the visitor’s center. When we parked in the lot, the rain stopped! Although we did get a little drizzle during the trip to and from the falls, it was well worth it. The falls are part of the 52,000 acre Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

The first photo shows the falls from an observation platform about 150 feet above the gorge. Note the dark brown water on the left side of the photo. This is caused by tannin in the water. This makes the water soft causing it to foam under the falls.

The second photo is of us with the falls in the background. There is a 94 step staircase that leads to this level. Not bad on the way down, but a little difficult on the way up.

After we left the Tahquamenon Falls State Park, we headed west towards Munising, MI. This area of the UP is very remote and looks much like parts of Ontario. The marsh land is beautiful and the trees take on a look like nothing I have ever seen before. The third photo is of one of these areas. Notice the hawk in the dead tree. We think he had something in his sights for lunch as he refused to leave the area even after we stopped and took several photos.

Our hotel is on a hillside overlooking the Munising Bay. The fourth photo is of the bay looking west with Lake Superior in the background.

Our sign of the day is back. We found this sign in Grand Maris, MI. After looking at the shop and its location, we believe that the name tells it all.

Tomorrow, hear about our much awaited (over a year) cruise to see the Pictured Rocks.
T&C