Donn de Yampert sure had the perfect vantage point from which to view the Bridgefest fireworks over the weekend. Houghton/Hancock shoreline was lit up with the lights of the Portage Lift Bridge providing it's own brightness, plus the brilliant bursts by the combustion of explosives overhead. Quite a spectacular display!

Speaking of displays... check out the Portage Lift Bridge in a time compressed view, highlighting all four seasons. While there's no photographer to credit for this exhibition, it was the brainstorm of Charlie Hopper, here at Pasty.com. He tacked it together one evening after climbing down from the tower at Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. Charlie said you could almost see the bridge from up there! ;-)

Good morning !!!! From Columbus Ohio !!!

What a great pic to get me going this morning. I feel energized!

Good Morning to all from Jacksonville FL

zman: great shot of bishop Baraga. Looks almost like a live person and how he would have been.

Question: Are you Toivo? I mentioned this to Danbury and he was wondering too. There was a pict of you in the archives, then a slice shot of "Toivo." Looked suspiciously the same. Coincidence? Will you be at Pasty fest? Will Toivo?

Charlie did a great job putting that slide show of the bridge together! A couple more months and I'll be up there!

Hi Norm, chilly enough here for a pot of pea soup. Have a good day.

Wow ---great picture! Only wished I could have experience this in person... G'morning to all.

Nothing short of FANTASTIC !

Thanks to Donn for taking it, and Pasty for posting it!

Yipee! Oooooo! Ahhhhh! Wish we could have been there. Mornin'

Great picture! It's a WOW!

I'll be there on Saturday for an entire week!!!

Good Morning Keweenaw Fans - everywhere in the world!
Great shot of "Da Bridge", DdY!
Joe Finn: No, not the house on the hill in Old Victoria. Actually, there are no houses left standing at the site at all. All that remains there are the outlines of several old (very old) buildings, occassionally revealing decayed wall timbers covered with much bright green moss. The "Spirits" there are. . .well, like other enchanted places in the Keweenaw. . .you just have to be there to experience the "feeling". The presence of the long forgotten ancient peoples that dwelled there certainly still lingers to watch over the material remains. Being there makes me feel a lot like I feel when I pass by the long abandoned site of Horace Greeley's log cabin, along US41, near the mining ghost town of Delaware. Even though Horace and his family and friends (nor pets,if they had any) or the cabin are not there anymore, when you pass by there you feel overcome with this incredible, nearly indescribable feeling of knowing that the cabin was previously there. Whether or not you previously knew that the place was there. Or that it was once occupied by people whose lives' could tell many stories, even more than their memories still do.Even though you can't physically see the cabin anymore. The spirits of the people and critters that lived,worked,and played there, seem to all have chosen to stay behind for someone to always remember, and for others, like us, to get to know. If you know what I mean. Much like Steve Brimm's,Rebecca Jennings', and others' mesmerizing photos, "seeing" them, like being there, really captures that "Spirit of Place". Which - at least for me - seems only to be found in the Keweenaw. . . if you know what I mean.

So THAT's how Bishop Baraga keeps his youthful
appearance... botox and an acetylene face peel at Art's day spa! That is one pampered padre. It this were California, all the other statues would want one too...

RnR....I know what you mean when you describe "Spirit of Place", but it's not only the Keweenaw. I have the same experience when I visit the Marquette area. I think it's because I still feel spiritually connected to the area. My daughter felt the same thing, and it was her first visit to the area as an adult, the first time she could articulate such feelings. She particularly felt this way when at Presque Isle. It's spooky but exciting too. Is there "something" in them pasties up there???? ;-)

Hey Sarah stuck in Ohio--

I'm there before you!!

Awesome picture today, already on my wallpaper!

Good Morning from sunny & hot Florida, I will be there july 3 for all the fun and some camp stew, great picture of the bridge.

Kate, Ca: You're very welcome! The sextant theory is something I first learned about in Ancient American magazine. I looked for the issue the article was in, but soon realized I've "loaned-out" nearly all of my collection of back issues. But that can only be a good thing. Your interest certainly promotes more interest in this and other interesting things. Especially other interesting things about the Keweenaw. For anyone interested, there is a Special Issue of Ancient American magazine that focuses on Bete Grise Bay and the Keweenaw Peninsula. The copper artifacts on the cover were discovered in Eagle Harbor, along with countless others made of copper and silver and stone. (There is also a very good article about the origin and uses of the "swastica" in one or more of the magazine's back issues, for anyone who now is, or will become, interested. If I recall correctly, the Anastazi peoples also utilized the "rolling S" or modified "intertwined serpent design". I've heard or read somewhere that their origins and their uses are somehow connected with the two serpents on symbols of the medical professions, and the "Copper Serpent" lifted up by Mosheh (Moses)in "The Wilderness" spoken of in the ancient writtings of the Hebrew Torah. Still doing much research on that.
Speaking of ancient writings. . .did you know that the Torah talks about the Keweenaw? Well, at least it seems to be to me and others I know. It describes a "Land of Promise" that will be found by those who seek it. A place where stones are made of iron. . .and its hills are dug for copper. Sure sounds like the Keweenaw to me. But that's another story. And yes, I know, we've been told this is not a chat room! (smile)

Kate, Ca: I didn't see your post 'till after I posted my last one. Ditto your thoughts on Marquette. Where do you suppose is "the land where stones are made of iron"? The "stones of iron" are Hematite and Dolomite and other forms of iron ores.
Presque Isle is a VERY Sacred place. Not only because it is the "final resting place" of the Ojibwa Chief Kawbawgum, but for other reasons as well. So too are the mountains of the majestic - Huron range, which can be seen far on the eastern horizon as we travel past Quincy Mine, heading southward down 41 on Quincy Hill. We sure dwell in a wonderful, peaceful, almost magical place. Ain't it great?!

http://www.ancientamerican.com/issue35.htm

Rachel, Little Betsy-
You're rubbing it in! Not fair!

Sarah K: We see the lost/last Sand Hill cranes nearly every day, it seems, in our back yard wetland-pond. Along with Blue Herons, Eagles, and more. The cranes hunt for nightcrawlers hidden under last years fallen leafs, scattered in our yard,in the Spring. It's really quite comical. Did you know that most - if not all - Waterfowl and birds made for life? So if ever one is killed its spouse will be bummed out for the rest of its life. Way bummer, eh?! American Black Crows even return home to help care for their parents when their own "children" have born children of their own?
I saw a crow or raven sitting side-by-side next to a Great Bald Eagle at the edge of the ice on the pond one day late last winter. (or was that yesterday?) A few feet away another eagle, barely yet bald, was chomping away at what seemed to be, at least from far away, a recently expired muskrat or baby beaver(BIG Bummer for him/her). Crows and Eagles are said to be mortal enemies. But, for some reason, not always so in the Keweenaw. They must have been talking about the KP and the UP and Pasty Central!

does anyoneone know when the tourists are coming up?

Steve,

By the number of cars at the Quincy Mine last week, they're already here.

Hey, Steve, what's a "tourist"?

Maybe the "Tourists" are all the wonderful people who comment on this site! All of the mini history lessons we've had may prompt the returnees to visit these places. A "coming Home" sometimes settles one's mind....even though the folks who live in the area have no clue that you, the tourist, set paths they may currently walk. I usually visit family in
October. And I am continously on the move seeing and doing and,knowing most of the folks I chat with have
no clue I entered the Keweenaw with the help of Doc Roche.

To RnR. Maybe you dhould write a book.

Liz Benson, Idaho-
I like the way you expressed that thought, that the folks who see us as we "tour" the UP have no idea that we were in those places... way back when! We're simply back for our Spiritual Fix of the homeland.
Ohhh how I miss it!
As we approach the end of the Epoch (NOT the end of the world, by the way!) it's not surprising that the spirits in those long ago settled places mentioned by RnR call out to us. They're encouraging us to rise above the base emotions of hate and war and open our eyes to the beautiful planet we live on.

H-ere O-on M-other E-arth!

Windy: Maybe, eh? I'll call it "Da Story"

We are the "New People of "The Seventh Fire", spoken of in ancient prophesies. We have the Spirit of Turtle (Manitou) Island!

The conversations on this site sure never cease to amaze me.

Agreed...

Yeterday it was so windy at big traverse, we had to weigh down the stuff with mine rock. But it was a beautiful day, while the wind blew away the black flies.& the Volwerth hot dogs were super. I felt sorry for the city folks as the gulls soared so free & easy. ah what a life.--- praise the Lord

To RnR
Thanks for the information. Boy, do I learn alot from this website.

that picture makes me so homesick - its beautiful. love bridgefest

Ahh an ebullient gala of pyrotechnic delight indeed. Kudos on the fine shot.

Wheatman

I will be going to Trout Creek this Saturday for the Midsummer's Eve celebration. Sulo Kangas and the Jolly Three will be making toe tapping music. Did you know that Jay Leno had a picture of Sulo from the Ironwood Daily Globe on his TV program. It was when Jay does those newspaper things.
Big Finnlander Kokko(bonfire at 11:00pm).

Love the slide show. There's even a boat in one picture, and I've been trying and trying to see a boat on there.

RnR ~

Can you reply if the Keweenaw issue of Ancient American is a current, or past issue?

I'd like to read it.

Just thought you might like to know: A "tourist" is the bait the Chamber of Commerce uses to keep the skeeters off the locals. Works on black flies and beach flies, too.

It always makes me a little sad when those of us who choose to travel in the UP are referred to in less than flattering terms here on my favorite site. It reminds me of that old Hoosier saying, "Thanks so much and don't let the door hit you on the way out." There are folks who make it obvious that they'd prefer not having to deal with us "tourists" no matter how polite and inconspicuous we are. The same people do, however, willingly accept those hard-earned bucks we're spending. We'll be UP north in a couple of weeks.....thanks in advance you Yoopers who genuinely welcome us!

TO MARKO IN COLOMBO. GO BLUE

Yooperwannabe beat me to it. I came back to my computer to put down a few words on the subject of tourists. With all the restaurants, etc. closing you would think all would be welcome with their wallets open.

Dear Yooperwannabe/IN/Tourist

We have been visiting the UP for several years as tourists, and now live here, so we can share your feelings.

However having lived here now through the winters and other times of extreme quiet retreat, I too selfishly guard these times. Now starts the traffic jambs that we fled from in the city, now starts the car borne litter along our highways, etc.

Unlike the money that you spend, we brought our gains from the big city to the UP and spend it here year round. Nor are we snow birds.

Please try not to be offended, but it's just so easy to get possessive once you're here full time.I realize that it's a classical case of "I've got mine", but it's extremely easy to aquire this attitude.

Keep coming for sure, but realize why we live here.

Donn de Yampert, What a great picture of the bridge. Any chance is this photo available to purchase?

RnR:
Is it true that the native americans would not live on the Keeweenaw because they thought it was haunted?

Two Yoopers were headin for da Motor City. When dey get across da bridge dey saw a sign that reads "DETROIT LEFT." So dey turned around and go home.

Much like biting flies and buzzing mosquitos, some things are unpleasant to experience and are best brushed away and forgotten. Swatting at them, or even scratching when they itch, tends to lend growing misery to their swarming, and will only contribute to their madness. If you know what I mean.


Much is accomplished when sailing upon wind. Even in stormy weather good things often happen, regardless of flying debris.

But beware of liquids tossed into the wind......

There is soooooo much more to our life than the concept of commerce and money. Whether or not we use paper or plastic. The Keweenaw isn't something we see through the eyes of our personal conceptions of or "tourism" or "tourists"; Whether we are refering to ourselves or to others. The Spirit of the Keweenaw isn't something that can be purchased with money. Nor is the Spirit of the Keweenaw something to be achieved by weilding negative powers. The Spirit of the Keweenaw would certainly never be self serving, in spite of our sometimes egotistical material selves.

Yoops: Now, there's the Spirit!!

To yooperwannabe - My husband and I have been traveling to the UP now for 15 years. We have always been told "welcome home" during our week of vacation. We have even been invited to some events that are considered for the "town only" due to the friendliness of the people. Only 6 more weeks or so and we will be in paradise! I guess it is only your frame of mind

Of course, then some people just like to find a soap box to stand on....

Those who have visited then moved to the Keweenaw have a love for the area and history. Those who left and return home when retirement allows have the same feelings. Those of us who left and return for visits have our memories and the love mentioned above. Yes, I've been Yoopered by shop keepers. (being ignored or shutting down the cash register when its my turn in line.) A tourist slam so to speak. But its a iota blip in my visiting experience. If I am driving my Mom's car slow while I snoop and you pass me with a shake of your fist, so be it. I want to see the changes or relive a memory. Yup, I'm a toursit when I come home....unless Mom's chore list gets in the way! But, that is why my sister and or brother in law steal me away.
Enjoy your lives in the Keweenaw either as a resident or visitor. Tourist season does make the rest of the year possible for both resident and visitor.
Back up the paintladder to make use of the other half of the longest day of the year.

Eloise: There are actually three (back) issues of Ancient American magazine that highlight the Keweenaw/Copper Country and the forgotten ancient peoples that have previously called this wonderful place their home. Even long before commonly believed or accepted European contact.

The article that was published about Bete Grise Bay, and the Keweenaw Peninsula, and Manitou Island, was written by Dr. Jim - Tatanka Ska - (White Buffalo) Gillihan. Though Jim has since "crossed-over", his presence will always be felt there - as everywhere - with us whenever we are there for a visit. As many of us can attest to, or relate to, this place is an unexplainable place to experience.

This area is a spiritual vortex of the Anishinaabe and Ho-Chunk nations, and other transcontinental-American peoples. Such as those of us who are descendants of the ancient peoples we now call the Finns) Some of us know it as "The Land of Crooked Sunsets". If you know what I mean.

http://www.ancientamerican.com/backissue.htm

I will be a "tourist" again in August in Copper Country. I, too, am feeling kind of sad about some comments today. I think the type of person who chooses the Keweenaw as a vacation destination comes because they respect and appreciate the beauty of nature. For me, watching a gorgeous sunset on Brockway Mountain becomes a vision that I revisit in my head many times the rest of the year when the stress and demands of work and family become too intense. Maybe we are more alike than you know. We love the peaceful surroundings and the wonder of wildlife, too. Those of you who were born and raised in such a wonderful place are truly blessed. Thank you to those friendly people I have met up there who seem willing to share it.

Dear Soon-to-be-tourist....we are on the same wavelength. Thanks for expressing so well what many of us non-residents must be thinking.

Fourth of July in Gay is the test.......Arrive whenever, park whereever, walk a little and buy a cold beer. A lot of people, local and otherwise, gather to remember the values that made them what they are today. Actually I try to hit Lac La Belle, Gay, and then Jacobsville for kite flying and I don't know a soul in any of those places. I just am made to feel welcome.

Will someone please take photos at Pasty Fest and
post them on here for those of us who won't
be able to join you?
Know what you mean by the haunting feeling one gets
when visiting the Copper Country... the place has spirit
of our immigrant ancestors, old-world flowers from their
homelands, salt-of-the-earth folks, history, well-defined
seasons, and natural beauty in abundance.

Just in case someone has misunderstood something that I said,in my earlier comment,I was refering to the negative effects that are sure to follow emotional responses to words that people say. Certainly not people who refer to themselves as tourists. I do hope this was not the way my comment about "biting" and "Swarming" things was read. I was re-reading everyone's comments while wondering what flared such emotions, when I realized this may have had something to do with certain feelings. A bit tricky this "speaking" without vocalization. But I must say if what I said was taken that way by anyone, this air of sensitivity and edgyness is rather amazing, to behold. If you know what I mean.

We better check with Wheatman......or just lighten up........Life is good.......

Wheatman, where's the 'south end'?

To all tourists and yoopers. Welcome to God's Country. Respect each other and give "thanks".

Homesickness, in my opinion, is that state of mind of rememberence. Be it Yooperville, California, Germany or anyplace in this world. Baseball, cheverolet and apple pie, the fragrances of mom's cooking, the fighting between siblings, the hugs and kisses from parents, the fussy warm feeling when mom bundled you up to play in the snow, standing on a dock waving to people on the South American or boats going by, digging worms to go fishing, waiting for that one little bass to nibble on your line, chasing grandpa's pig around till we tired our selves out, and on and on. It is not a home, but a feeling you have set aside in your heart. All the animal kingdom seems to me to be the same. Look how far the Canadian geese migrate, or the whale, of salmon, or the little birdies, or our furry friends. They all seem to migrate to that place of birth. "Feelings, nothing more that feelings."

Hi danbury, you've been gone awhile.

I used to have a real love of Door Co. Wisconsin starting as a child thru the 80's and 90's. I used to attend a wonderful schooling called The Clearing and made many wonderful friends. After I retired my personal circumstances didn't allow me to go any more. Also I felt the area had "prostituted" itself so it lost it's uniquness that everyone was going there for. I'm going there this summer to visit a friend for the first time in 9 years. I've seen this same thing happening to Bayfield , Wis. I pray that the Keweenaw doesn't let this happen there also.

RnR... ..if you know what I mean..

Yoops: Now, there's that spirit I was talking about, again. And talented too! Is that Tif or Gif or some other format you're using?

'Night Fred. . .'night Ralph. . .'night all!

As for me, I am eternally thankful that my grandparents left Finland and settled in the Copper Country, enabling me to be blessed to grow up in such a special place. I've always felt there is a special feeling of depth there, unlike anywhere else I've ever been. That feeling has remained with me throughout my life. I greatly admire all the wonderful, decent folks who chose to remain "up home." I have always found the residents to be absolutely friendly and kind whenever I've returned for a visit. Thanks for listening to my two cents' worth. Everyone's comments are so interesting, no matter what direction they turn, and I respect others' opinions. Such a unique website. That's what makes it so enjoyable! Looking forward to photos of Bridgefest celebrations.

y'all are early to bed... 'tis good to be wise!

i am so in-tune with the conversations here today! i was raised in a small northern (LP) town and considered myself a "country kid." we vacationed a few times around Newberry/Paradise, so i considered myself "connected" with our UP. but, now i'm a "fudgie" in the Traverse City area, i'm a ~~tourist~~ in the UP... YIKES!! i'm a MICHIGANDER!!! loving all that is Michigan! enuf said. hugs to all of you!

G'nite John-boy...

Well off to pack the Cots, have a good evening.
And good night all you Yoopers, and Yooper wannabe's.

Some people don't like tourists, others seem to worship them, or at least, their economic impact. Same thing with snowmobilers.

Me, I don't consider myself a tourist when I'm in the Copper Country, although some might think me one. I was born in Hancock, and lived in Houghton, but moved away when I was in elementary school, a loooong time ago. These days I count myself lucky if I can come back for a week or two every three or four years.

I've been known to diss tourists, and snowmobiles, too.

But maybe instead of condemning people in a particular category, I should instead say what it is that I'm objecting to.

I don't like people who throw beer cans & Frito wrappers alongside the highway, whether it's in Baraga County, Kentucky, or Los Angeles. I don't like people who play loud music in campgrounds, or who leave their garbage in picnic areas and strewn along hiking trails.

Some of these people are tourists, but probably not all of them. Perhaps there are also tourists who have the same reverence for the Keeweenaw as the natives, only they don't happen to live there, and can only occasionally visit.

I don't like people who get drunk in roadside bars, come out, gun their engines, wake people up at midnight, and spray gravel in every direction as they leave the parking lot. Some of them drive snowmobiles, but it isn't the snowmobile that bothers me, it's the attitude & behavior.

For me, I'd rather winter be early morning sunlight refracted by icycles, or deer tracks in fresh fallen snow, than blue smoky exhaust from noisy two stroke engines.

As a non-snowmobiler, this is hard for me to imagine, but maybe, just maybe, there are snowmobilers who also love the peace & serentity of falling snow in the forest, or spotting a late migrating bird, and who delight in being in the midst of nature's winter wonders.

Do I dislike tourists? Nope, I dislike the *obnoxious behavior* that is exhibited by *some* tourists. Same thing with snowmobilers.

G'nite finnferfunn....Mom said to never go to sleep angry. May I rephrase by that by saying I don't want to go to sleep with everyone thinking I'm some kind of think-skinned overly sensitive whiner. I've met wonderful people and have great memories of all our travels in the UP....and can't wait to get back. No offense meant, none taken....g'nite all!

me again

THIN-skinned. Guess I'd better hit the sack if I'm making mistakes.

I much more enjoy being a MICHIGANDER, too, than a Michiganian. That fella downstate can be a Michiganian if he wants. Going to the Scandinavian Day on Presque Isle on Saturday? Yup, I'll bring the banjo, and be playing with Ron Jarvinen and the Backwoods Bandits. It's always a very enjoyable day. Will miss the pastyfest however, we'll be on our way back from Timmins, Ontario, and their FINNFEST 2004. Don't forget the Finnish Music Fest at Covington on Sat. the 3rd. Kilpela and Friends isn't on 'til 9 pm, direct from Timmins.

I know the 'feeling' of being in the CC. It's a feeling of being 'at home' and never wanting to leave. And I live HERE in the UP! There just is something special about the big lake, the shore and that cold clear water and all the trees, the rocks, etc. The people, too. My Mom's parents came over from Finland and my Dad's g'parents came from Finland. I have friends that are Croatian, Slovenian, Polish, French, German etc, etc. As I've said before, God's area code is 906.

To Bill Denning of Texas: Thank you Mr. Bill, we all needed to hear that. Very well said, Bravo!!! I remember the quietude of walking in the snow, while big snowflakes are falling, or walking in the crisp air of fall looking at all the colored leaves, and you know that the first good wind or rain will bring them all down. Have we forgotten to be nice to each other be it tourist or not. Sometimes all it takes is a smile.

I moved from El Paso, Texas to Houghton 11 years ago. I love Texas but am glad to be a part of the UP of Michigan. I open my arms to the locals and the tourists. We depend on each other for contributions in life. Mr. Bill Denning of Texas we all needed to hear that.
Highest Regards...

Very well said Bill from Texas, I have never looked at it that way but boy is it true!

Welcome home, all of you people that have left here for one reason or another. Welcome to people who are just discovering that this place is truly God's Place. We all share the same feeling of serenity and peacefulness & fond memories of U.P. Many people live most of the year with the hussle & bussle of city life. And where do they go for peace & relaxation & beauty of a area but here! A large majority of us welcome everyone to our area because we are friendly people. Everyone, enjoy the 4th of July! It's always great to see old friends & some people you havn't seen for years.It's always a great place to make new friends too. Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July.Let's remember all of our veterans and present servicemen & women fighting for our freedoms.

Growing up in Detroit(well not the city, but close enough) and vacationing in the CC(cuz we're from there) & northern lower, I know why tourists are nothing to get excited about, no matter how many $ they have. Mostly the youngsters(but not all) think they are in the middle of the boonies and it doesn't matter what they do, especially because they'll be leaving soon. They make fun of the local yocals, the cars, the homes, the dress. Think of all the personalities on the road, in the stores, at work, etc. you can't wait to get away from.....all up north. It's not always about the benjamins!

I'm sure their parents realize what their kids may feel & see. Maybe they want them to see the real way hard working people lived. How they worked to feed a family and provide what they could for their children. So their children could go on to give their children a better life. Happy 4th of July!!!!!!!!!!!!Like I said before.... Welcome back to God's Place.

Kevin of Lodi. Am having difficulty sending an e-mail. Don't know what is wrong.

Running a little late this morning?

Its a beautiful day in gods country. Good morning. If anyone is waiting for x-mas and cold weather , it's only 176 days to x-mas. Get out and enjoy this sunshine while it's here. $teve

Steve,

Well, my six year old is sure waiting for Christmas . . . he's crossing off the days on calendar two or three times a week! He says, "Papa, let me have the calendar so I can X out the days!".

Cheers, Bill

I really enjoyed the "Portage Lift Bridge 4 seasons" slide show linked-to above - thanks!

I noticed that the trees in the foreground lost their leaves by mid-November and weren't fully in leaf again until late May. Wow - that's fully six months of barren deciduous trees in the Copper Country!

Hi Kevin, still having difficulty with my server, I can't even e-mail myself on a test.

Say yah to da U.P> eh..
That was a WoW picture...thank you for sharing..
Keep up the good conversation, and don't forget to Love one another....God Bless one an all...
Welcome Home for the Copper Country Homecoming....Seee ye all soon..Have a safe trip.
Big O..behind the Big Boy Market in T.C.

I miss my times at Bridgefest!! i was up there for it for 4 summers while i worked at Gitche Gumee!!! I'll be up this year though for the 4th of July!! Looking forward to it!