Kathy Erkkila Ptaszek recently celebrated her birthday (Happy Birthday, Kathy!) and spent it doing something that makes her happy... she packed a lunch and headed out to the Covered Road. Kathy walked a good portion of it, snapping photos here and there and concluded that there are signs that summer has one foot out the door in the Keweenaw. I’ve noticed the same, in places there will be a swatch of colored leaves in the midst of the green. We all know it’s coming, but it can hold off for a bit yet, because I’m not ready for what comes after the beautiful color season.

But I digress... back to Kathy’s photos. Those last two berry shots are so pretty. The American Spikenard (also called Indian Root) is a native plant that grows in the woods, a perennial with clusters of purple-red fruits in the autumn. The berries are edible, pleasant tasting and can be used to make juice, fruit leather, jellies and more.
The White Baneberry (also called Doll’s Eyes), on the other hand is poisonous to humans. Birds and critters seem to eat them just fine, but what I found online says that all parts of the plant are poisonous to eat with the most toxins in the roots and berries. Consumption may only lead to severe stomach cramps, burning sensations of the throat and mouth, dizziness, diarrhea and hallucinations, but according to multiples sources of published literature, ingestion of enough of the berries can eventually lead to cardiac arrest and death. So just take pictures of this one, like Kathy did.

We’re doing more exploring, this time with Adam and Kathryn over at Adventures of A+K. They’re taking us around the Keweenaw Peninsula to the Delaware Mine, The Jampot, Brockway Mountain and more. The video is just over 20 minutes, so sit back, get comfy and enjoy!

Beautiful pics and entertaining video on the Keweenaw for those who would like to know more. Fall is right around the corner and probably my favorite time of year. Hoping to sneak in one more trip before the end of the year.

Sold our RV & Truck yesterday. We'll see how things shake out with our challenges around here and if we decide to get into a Motor Home in the Spring.
Quick note to my buddy Jim Drew... I'm back in an F150, I know you're a FORD MAN.lol

Hi
Sounds like the name "baneberry" is well deserved. I
wouldn't have tried either berry since they are
unfamiliar to me.

To me, Labor Day has always marked the end of
summer, but I agree, Mary, let fall take a little
longer to get here.

Very nice photos. I love the 2nd one. Good
to know about those berries. Every time we
spot unknown berries we wonder if they're
edible. It's nice to have that app on our
phone, but when you're out of wifi range it
doesn't help much. Now we know when we see
these. It'll soon be time for a trip to the
covered road.

Bittersweet set.
I’d be taking some last sweet rides on the Wing at
this time of year.

Holy smokes, Uncle Chuck! Jim is giving you a thumbs up on the new truck!!