Today’s theme reminds me of a Steve Martin/John Candy movie, Planes, trains and automobiles, only we’re substituting snowmobiles and boats. Back in the archive on this day in 2001, Robert C. Wetton shared a photo of the Ranger I and Ranger II docked out at Isle Royale. I think it might be the Mott Island dock. Both vessels look to be much smaller than the current Ranger III. Boating we will go!

Looking ahead a few years to 2006, we’re standing in Lake Linden, looking down Calumet St., also known as M26. Of note in today’s archive photo, is the lack of snow and the temperature on the what was then, Torch Lake Federal Credit Union’s time and temp sign. Our transportation on this day was automobiles... vroom, vroom!

Now we get to hop on a train, crossing US41 in L’Anse. This photo was snapped by James Alain as the Canadian National was crossing the highway, heading to the Celotex plant there in town. Here we go on the train...choo, choo!

Then we have an interesting “transportation” photo for our current shot. Beth Jukuri makes beautiful quilts and wall hangings. She likes to take them along with her on adventures, so she can photograph them along with the scenery she. Beth calls them her “girls” and they’re always busy doing something outdoors, just like Beth. This skier was gliding along the Houghton waterfront and checking out what’s across the Canal on the Ripley side. Strap on your skis... let’s glide!

We finish our modes of transportation today, with a snowmobiling video, shot in 2015, by Jon Butina. He was on a ride heading from downtown Copper Harbor, to the top of Brockway Mountain. Sit back and enjoy the scenery and the ride. Nevermind the snow pants and gloves, you’ll stay toasty warm without them.

Whew that was some snowmobile ride, waaay too fast for me! I like to cruise along leisurely to enjoy the sights along the way.

Awesome spin up the mountain! I got up there one
night...a full moon in winter...it's honestly
Magical!

I also broke trail one Spring with my Volkswagon.
heehee

You have to be able to see pretty fast to enjoy the scenery on that ride.
Nice picture of Rangers I and II. Now Ranger IV is in the works.

Not a snowmobiler so the video isn't for me.
Those things scare the living daylights out of me.
And that was way too fast. Whoa!!!

The 2006 picture is pretty much what it was like
out here in MN yesterday. WE broke records with
our temps in the 50's. It was a beautiful day for
Black Friday shoppers. I went to work. And I
love the quilt in this year's photo. It's
beautiful!

Hey...10 minutes, or it's free!

According to a National Park Service posting from 2015, these 2 boats are NOT the Ranger I & II. They are the first Ranger and the Beaver. After service as USCG cutters, in 1937 they became the NPS-1 and NPS-2 but were later renamed Ranger and Beaver. The Beaver returned to war duty during the WWII. In 1946 the Ranger was replaced with a surplus Army Minelayer named Ranger II. The Ranger III entered service as a brand new vessel in 1958.

I love all the interesting information, if you will, that people put out here to read. very interesting.

www.phfgive.org

Had no idea there were 2 boats going to Isle Royale.....very interesting to read about.

Here is a photo of the Ranger II. It appears to be moored at the old dock at Snug Harbor (commonly called Rock Harbor).

Before I reduced the size so it would upload, you could make out "Ranger II" on the nameplate.

I remember when the Ranger 1 and 2 were both painted black. This was probably in the middle to late 40s. I was probably 8 or 9 at that time.

2nd pic is my favorite.... means a right turn was coming by Demare's market and it was off to Gay and LB!!

Cool video, thanks for the ride!! But... now my hips need some advil!! :=))