We sure have featured some gems throughout the years, that showcase the beauty here UP North perfectly. We’re cruising around the tip of the Keweenaw in the archives today. We start with Capt. Ben Kilpela in 2002. That’s actually the Isle Royale Queen III in the top photo, which has now been replaced by the Isle Royale Queen IV. What a great shot of the Harbor there.

In 2008, Brita Haapala was at Lake Medora, which is located along US 41 as you travel to or from Copper Harbor and covers 695 acres of Keweenaw County. Brita beautifully captured the sun setting, the waters calm and a kayaker enjoying the beauty.

Susan Hooker took the Isle Royale Queen Sunset Cruise back in 2013 and snapped the third photo as they rounded Manitou Island. A fantastic view of the sun as it sets over the tip of the Keweenaw, silhouetting Gull Rock Lighthouse in the process. When talking sunsets, it doesn't get much better than this.

We rode along on the Isle Royale Queen Sunset Cruise last week and we’re on board again today, this time with John Wilkinson. He gives us views along the way, other than just the sunset, including a freighter sighting. Enjoy the Cruise!

Fantastic pics and video, may have to take that sunset cruise when we're U.P. there next week. Can't wait to get North of the bridge and "blow the stink off" !! lol (GN)

A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to get to walk around Manitou Island and visit the lighthouse. This was through the MTU Geo-Heritage tours. Some of the plant life there is unique due to it's isolation. The boat dock is close to the lighthouse but getting to the lighthouse requires taking a rather long round about trail.

While on Manitou Island, Bob Barron (a well known Keweenaw scuba diver, rock hound and one of the Geo-Heritage tour guides) displayed some of his Agate finds right from the area of Manitou Island.

We were planning to leave next Friday for UP there. Looks like plans will change as Ron's knee replacement is really causing him problems. He's going for a bone scan on Friday but we have no idea when we'll get the results because the doctor leaves for a vacation after today. Last week they drained 80 CC's of blood from it. Doctor's totally confused by that one. It's a bit scary so our Munising/Grand Marais/Tahquamenon Falls/Marquette/Copper Country trip will probably have to wait another year yet again. So sick of seeing this guy in pain. Nothing ever seems to work for him. Praying they find the problem without opening him back up yet again.

The pictures and video are Superior, as always. They'll have to keep me going.

Deb, sorry to read about Ron, wishing him the best for both of you!! What's he doing for pain management? Have you both looked into medical cannabis for chronic pain management? I'm serious, I have a friend who uses it for severe arthritis, he inhales the oils without the THC content from like an E Cigarette which relieves the pain without getting high. They have made numerous advancements in this area... it might help.
Hoping you two get to the CC soon!!

UC

Oh Deb...so sorry to hear Ron's recovery is not going as it should. Frustrating and scary for sure. Keeping you both in my prayers and a special prayer for his Dr. that he be given the knowledge and wisdom to figure out what is going on and quickly. BIG HUGS...

Positive thoughts towards Ron, Deb. My father had a bad knee and had an operation about 50 years ago and I remember he experienced a lot of pain with it. I too had a trick-knee about 40 years ago and the doctor recommended exercises to do, which I did and have never had problems since. My point is, if Ron can exercise his knees then he should find a health club with knee/leg strength training "Machines".

Deb and Ron so very sorry to hear this. Sending
and wishing healthy thoughts and prayers to you
two!

Thanks, guys. Alex, they've recommended
no exercising right now.

Deb & Mr. Deb,
You're in our thoughts and prayers. Bad enough to be
going thru all this pain but then to have to give up
on your vacation because of it! As the saying goes,
'insult to injury'. Praying that they figure out
what is going on and get it fixed SOON.