Day Three: Playing Tourist

Spent the morning wandering through Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Michigan was a home for trumpeter swans until they were hunted into extinction for ladies accessories in Europe in the 1800s. A few from Canada and Alaska were reintroduced in the 1980s and they have succeeded quite well. A swan was the first bird I saw. I also saw my first bald eagle of the trip, though I do not have a picture–he was high in a tree quite a distance away. I saw an eagle and an osprey nest. I saw all kinds of birds–loons, ducks, finches, etc. There was a beaver swimming around in one lake–many people know that on July 3, 2013 I was chased by an angry beaver in the Riley Outpatient Parking garage. #NeverForget.

Anyway, it was quite a wonderful place and I could have easily stayed for much longer.

img_20190528_100447 — I found out what happened to Hedwig…

Trumpeter swan. Pine needles decaying in the water release a tannin that turns their feathers a brownish orange.

Adolescent trumpeters putting on a show.

img_20190528_110035 — Tracker is sitting on a sign that points to a tree across the lake with an eagle nest in it. Too far for a good picture, sadly.

I was going to go to Munising and do a boat cruise at 1pm, but I spent so much time at Seney taking pictures and watching the wildlife that I missed the time. So, I went at 5pm instead, and boy am I glad I did. The light from the western sun was amazing for photography. I did the Pictured Rock tour of Lake Superior. Here are some of my photos…I took a lot.

IMG_0123 - Copy — Waterfall, and yes, that is SNOW halfway up. There was quite a bit still visible in places all along the tour. This lake is C.O.L.D.

Mineral seepage creates the colors. It’s so beautiful.

Lover’s Leap. No idea why it’s named so.

Old lighthouse at the eastern channel into Munising Bay. Located on Grand Island.

Pictured Rocks National Seashore. Beautiful!

IMG_1595 - Copy — Different minerals create different colors. The green here is copper. Black is iron. Don’t ask me the others.

IMG_1606 - Copy — This tree gets all of its nutrients via the giant tap root stretched across to the cliff on the left. Apparently there used to be rock underneath it, but it collapsed 15 years ago. Yet the tree has hung on. Impressive!!!!!!!!!!!

img_20190528_165732 — Tracker sitting on the telephoto lens I took with me.

img_20190528_174230 — Tracker getting a sunburn. Oh wait, that was me. It was sunny enough I burned while absolutely freezing in the wind. Pictures were worth it.

mvimg_20190528_181610 — Chapel Cove. Really cool that they took us in there.

pano_20190528_191115.vr_ — Panorama of the eastern shore on the way back.

We docked around 7:30 and I drove the hour back. It was close to sunset, so I grabbed a quick picture of the lighthouse visible from my campsite. What a wonderful day in a magical place. I’ll definitely be visiting the UP again.

IMG_0182 - Copy — View of the lighthouse at sunset from my site at the campground.

6 Replies to “Day Three: Playing Tourist”

Awesome. One of the most beautiful places in the world. I wish it were sunny while you were there, especially going across the bridge. Seeing the sunlight glimmer on the water and a big bright blue sky from the bridge is just breathtaking. You go girl!

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Those pictures are really beautiful, it’s almost like being on the trip myself, I cant imagine going on a trip like that alone and pulling that big rig , that takes lots of guts and determination, you go girl, I’m following along via blog, keep it going.

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I agree, great country! Your photos are wonderful!

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Awesome day you had…going exactly where we want to go in a year and half. We absolutely LOVE Michigan UP! We’ve been as far as Whitefish andTahquamenon Falls. Thanks for posting such awesome pics…yes its like we are travelling with you. Stay safe and have fun!!

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