All the archive photos here today have something to do with the mining history here UP North. We begin with a photo from Taka Aoki taken back in 2002. He was with a group of Michigan Tech Summer Youth Program counselors that decided to explore the old Torch Lake Dredge that sits outside of Mason. Interesting to get a look like this and how Taka and friends are “leaning” inside. I’m pretty sure there are No Trespassing signs here now-a-days, so don’t be checking it out in person anymore.

The photo from 2004, was shared by Chuck Voelker of the Quincy Mine Tram Car going down the hill in Ripley in the early days of the mining era here in the Copper Country. Charlie noted back then, that he was sure scenes like this inspired the present day ride at Quincy Mine, a chance to follow in the footsteps of those rugged copper miners during the century+ of production in the Copper Country.

That brings us to 2006 and a photo from Tom Cook of Conrail 401 an old railroad engine that sits on tracks near the North Shore Boat Launch on the Escanaba River in Wells, MI. Here's what he had to say about his encounter with the train yard: "I don't even know how many engines were in the row, but it did look like all engines. It looked like a graveyard, until I saw a little one running. Maybe they restore them." I bet they were beauties in their day, with the colorful paint jobs.

Our video feature today is going to take us on the present day Quincy Mine Tram Car ride. Hold on tight, it’s a steep grade down!

Trains are so cool, until I'm stopped on
my way to work. Then, not so much.

I love trains as well. In fact I told my entire family I am taking them all to Hawaii just as soon as I can get train tickets:)

Careful, Duane...there's a hurricane brewing in the Pacific that might blow you off the track.
Nice pix and video!