We start our tour of the archives today, with a visit to the Crisp Point Lighthouse, back in 2002. Lyn Rayrat was the photographer and back then she mentioned that the road to get there was quite rugged and you had to drive slow because of it. I’ve never been there myself, so I can’t say if it’s still that way or not. Maybe someone in the know can chime in and let us know if it’s still a rough drive.

Our next stop is in Ontonagon, with Pat Johnson, in 2004. She shared a photo of the West Pierhead there, which marks the mouth of the Ontonagon River. It’s the typical skeletal steel box on legs which adorns the end of many piers here in the U.P.

The last archive shot of the day, was snapped by Jeff Kalember, back in 2007. That’s his son sprinting across what I think is Sand Beach in the Munising area. If I’m correct, then that would be Grand Island in the background. Jeff mentioned that the water was quite cold that day at 48°...no wonder he’s on the beach instead of in the water.

Our video feature for today gives us a look at the Ontonagon Lighthouse and towards the end, pans out to the West Pierhead light in the photo above. Nice to see around it like that, to give you a perspective of where it’s located.

I had hoped to get to Crisp Point last summer but did not make it. Maybe this year. I know they were having issues with stopping the erosion from taking the Light (since it is so close to the Lake). Any word on their ongoing efforts?

D. A. (Midwested),
You have to go to Crisp! The ride out there is half
the adventure, tho less so than it was before they
posted signs to guide you there. The battle with
erosion has been a constant one but the rock placed
to protect the tower is holding. The work day a few
days ago replaced some boardwalk and the whole
'complex' is looking good!

that's my little "Bear", Mr. Harrison Kalember who
is now 6' tall and 220 pounds :)

and that is not Sand Beach but you're close Mary!
It is the beach at Tourist Park, but we've often
visited sand beach on those camping trips too :)

jbuck,

So you're saying that getting lost was a good portion of the excitement? LOL.

Then Crisp is back on the list for this year. I've been to Whitefish & Tahquamenon but never explored the Munising area. I plan to bring my "new" trailer UP for the first time, probably during Fall colors. I was a week too early last year. I will be looking for a trailer friendly campground in the Crisp area to spend a couple of days, or maybe just dry camp/boondock somewhere. But it sounds like the trailer should stay away from the Crip Point roads.

I love every picture today. What a reminder of
what life is like in the summer on the shores of
Lake Superior. Makes me jealous! I'll get there
at some point. We're still planning to make it to
Munising, but it's going to depend on how my
hubby's knee is doing. Sure hope he's okay.
We've been looking forward to this trip. Thanks
for the great pictures.

D. A. (Midwested),

Yes, you're right, getting lost was part of the
excitement!

Sorry this is late. We have a visiting keeper
program and people do bring trailers to Crisp, but
not the general public. There is a campground at
Tahquamenon of course, and at Deer Park, among
others. You'll find a lot of great options!