Gay, MI is always a quiet little town, except on the 4th of July, but when winter arrives, it’s even quieter, as some of the town’s residents head to warmer climates for the winter months. But even without as many people residing or visiting, the town is still a great place for a photo op. Barbara Bouwkamp was out there recently snapping the usual pictures of the smokestack, with one getting closer to the top, so you can see it’s deteriorating a bit UP there. Also a side view through the trees of the old Gay Schoolhouse. I didn’t realize there is a ramp on the side for handicap folks to gain access to tour the school.

Then Barbara’s next stop was just a short drive past Gay, to the Tobacco River with a view of the mouth where it runs into Lake Superior, along with the ice that forms and will eventually ice over as the weather gets colder again. Same with the River further upstream...iced over but still running well and keeping it open in places.

I’m sorry to have missed all the action in Houghton for the Christmas season. Yesterday was the second and last day of the horse drawn carriage rides along the Waterfront area with all the lights and colors of the Winter Wonderland and the decorations in the Bridgeview Park. Thankfully there’s a video to enjoy a bit of the action.

Beautiful Sunny & Blue winter pics and one of my favorite towns! Scheduled to be camping at Dockside from the end of July to early October next year if all goes well. Waiting for confirmation from the Resort. Nice pics Barbara can't wait to get back U.P.!! :=))

Beautiful pictures. I always like photos of the smokestacks in Gay & Freda. There's something special about them. We talked about taking a drive out there to check out the river.
I didn't even know there was stuff going on in Houghton. Oh well, hopefully next year. The video isn't available for some reason. Will try to remember to check back later.
U.C. where is Dockside?

Not sure what the issue with the video is, but for the time-being, if you click where it says "watch on Facebook", it takes you to the video on Facebook. Sorry about the glitch.

No video for me either, no need to apologize MS Mary, we all appreciate the work you do daily to bring the Copper Country to all of us!!

Deb, Dockside Resort is just the other side of the Tobacco River towards Betsy/Lac La Belle. Nice campground sites with full hookup and tent sites. You can launch a boat there as well, shower capabilities and Bob Kauppi is converting some of the homes from the Air Base into rentals. He has one ready I think it's 3 bedrooms and might have another ready, if not pretty soon. You can also see the other units there waiting to be restored. It's a slow process finding help etc. We always have a great view of Superior, full hookup and it's a great place to "Base" from. Lake Linden as you know is close and so is Mary & Jim and heading around the point.... well.... we all know how relaxing and peaceful that drive can be!! In the famous words of Tim Allen.. "It's pure Michigan" but don't tell too many people... we don't want it over crowed now do we!! lol :=)) Only 10 minutes to the Big Traverse Beach, which I learned last year!! Never really explored Big Traverse much, that too is a hidden gem.
Lastly, If you call the Dockside Resort, you'll most likely talk to Sherry Kauppi, (Bob's sister) she can provide all the info.... maybe D.A. will venture U.P. with his rig and join us. The Dockside is also known for their annual Fish Fry and music festivals.
How's that for an explanation Deb? Sometimes us sales people just don't know when to stop talking lol!! But if you have a rig that's up to 45' long, you'll fit in there provided there is availability. It's Vic's and my favorite spot in the Keweenaw for a larger campsite.

Thanks U.C. I actually assumed that's where you were talking about. Looks very nice there. I've noticed it every time we went to that way.

I should preface why I like the campground so much. If you want to camp right on Lake Superior, you can't go wrong. Sunset Bay on the north shore is great as well, however, kinda small if you have a larger rig in my opinion.

That video is great. Looks almost like it's from Disney.

Hey U.C.
Over two months? That will be quite a stay.
For camping, Sunset might be more my style as I generally appreciate sunsets more than sunrises, since it's REALLY hard for me to get out of bed, LOL. You're right about the curvy road into Sunset Park though.

After spending a very nice few days at the Houghton City RV park last Fall (nice but a bit pricey) I checked out, hoping to move to Dockside. By mid October it was already looking like snow flurries with freezing temps for sure so I headed out instead. Weather ended up breaking well so I stopped for a night at Big Eric's Bridge (Mary featured my pics from there). Then on to Manistique, the Soo and Pentwater (great little town) before heading home.

Here's some of my photos.
D.A. U.P. 2021

What great pictures D.A. Thanks for taking us along. Loved the rainbow trout in Negaunee I think it was. And some of those plates of food had my mouth watering.
U.C., that's what I'd like about that campground too. I love being right next to the lake. We don't have a camper so we
won't be doing any camping. But we don't have to because everything is within 45 minutes or so from here.

Great pics D.A., looks like your trip was a great one!!

What wonderful pics. You had one great time!

Nice pix, everybody!