When Don Afman, a.k.a. D.A.(Midwested) was here in the Keweenaw recently, he spent some time camping at Twin Lakes and then explored the Misery Bay Road from there, snapping several photos of what he said is Misery Bay Road Pond. Hopefully Don can chime in and tell us where this pond is located as I couldn’t find it on a map, but what a peaceful scene it is with those Autumn colors and reflections.

Don’s next three shots are of the famed shoe tree on the Misery Bay Road. Nice to see that it’s still going strong, even if I don’t know it’s origins or what keeps folks adding shoes and boots to it. It makes for an interesting roadside attraction. We featured it before, in May 2015, but it seems prettier with Fall all around it.

Frances Czapski is taking us to the eastern end of the U.P. for a look at Autumn on the Tahquamenon River. She points out that Autumn is effortlessly beautiful in the Upper Peninsula and while at this spot, she was struck by the simple beauty of the view looking up the Tahquamenon River. I can totally see why! Take a look at Frances’ Facebook page for more of her photography: Photography by Frances

I have a pair of shoe trees in my closet but they don't look anything like that.

Nice! Now if I could just borrow a show horn from a moose.

How cool!

…a shoe, even don’t ya know?

Very nice pictures. I always love reflective
ones. I wonder if that tree "shoes" the
birds away.

I'm in Wisconsin right now and can't get the
video. I'll have to look when I get home.

Apologies for being late. I got my flu shot shot yesterday and unusually it kept me in bed for quite awhile. I'm OK now.

This pond has always intrigued me for its photographic composition possibilities and in the summer for the vast shades of green. I've included below a shot from July 2013. I also think maybe it's a beaver pond as the levels change dramatically.

It's located very close to the south side of the Misery Bay/Agate Beach Road, just off M-26, about halfway between Toivala and the Toivala Cemetery.


I was amazed at the shoe tree. It's right along side the same road. I think I can look up the GPS coordinates but it will take awhile. In urban areas, shoes on power lines were typically done by gangs to mark their territory. Maybe there's a ruthless gang of Toivala Finns, LOL?

Here's the location of the Shoe Tree:

BTW, the always beautiful Tahquamenon River was awfully loud. Must have been very close to the falls.

Nice pics & video. Vic and I explored the Misery
Bay area this past summer, beautiful area for
sure. D.A., your journey looks like you were
exploring some real interesting places.

Deb, I hope your trip to Wisconsin wasn't for
medical reasons?? My knowledge of anyone going to
Wisconsin from the U.P. was usually for medical
care. Drive Safe Deb, Hi to Ron as well:=))

Shoe Tree... some of those looked like they still
had some usefulness left in them, especially the
boots. Am I starting to sound like, "Get off my
lawn" guy... I hope not. lol

CT Scan & Echocardiogram went well. Still doing
regular labs, but at this point, I think I'm in
the clear until next Oct. 2023. I am having knee
surgery to repair a torn Meniscus; it was
scheduled for 10/25 but was postponed until 11/29
while I fine tune some new medications. Marty is
recovering from his shoulder surgery but is
looking at a lengthy rehab. Deb, it reminds me of
you telling us what Ron went through with his
shoulder!!

U.C., you guessed it. Nothing serious
though. Come back next year. It's one thing
I don't like about the Copper Country. You
have to travel to see a specialist. I was 20
minutes away in Minnesota. Oh well. It was a
nice day.
Yes, Chuck. Aging isn't ready for our bones
and joints. I've had the meniscus surgery on
both knees. It's a very easy surgery with
quick recovery. I had both surgeries on a
Thursday and was back to work on Monday. Now
I have no cartilage in my right one so I'm
looking at replacement. I just don't know
when I'll fit that into my very busy
schedule. Not looking forward to it after
watching Ron suffering. I'm a bigger baby
than he is. Oh, and he's had 5 shoulder
surgeries now, as well as having both knees
replaced and an elbow surgery. I feel so bad
for him.

SHEEEESH !!

It's not unique but as my Grandpa used to say:
Gett'in old ain't for sissys!

But there's 2 things for everyone to follow:
1) Keep moving as much as possible and
2) Don't eat too much.

BTW, getting my meniscus repaired worked and recovery was quick, but the joint is now less stable. I think I need more muscle.

And you can tear them again by what I've
been told. And I think I've don't it again.
Grr! Happy yours worked like mine did, D.A.
It'll be a breeze, Chuck.

D.A. I received the same advice from my uncle as
well lol. Thanks Deb.... all I can say is, we play
the hand we're dealt! lol

Have a great day Pasty Fam!!

Best wishes U.C.

BTW I just saw a map where that pond is actually named Lake Weber.