• Monday-What'sUP May 23 - 07:10 am

Lake Superior's shoreline is a varied array of rocks and sand, as you make your way around. Here in the Keweenaw, you can go from sand, to small stones (and agates), to conglomerate rock, to sandstone, which is what Kathy Jennings found on a windy, rainy day recently. Amazing how those sandstone rocks have been there for ages and ages, enduring the rough seas washing over them and still haven't eroded away to nothingness. Just remember if you decide to check out the shores of Gitche Gumee, the rock formations along the edges are "slippery when wet"!

I love this shot.

Beautiful pic...it captures all the beautiful elements of the UP: the crashing waves of the magnificant Superior...the beautiful stands of pine...and the wonderful rugged and rustic shoreline.
What I wouldn't give to be walking on the shores of Superior right now, with Da Abbi and Bailey Su. Of course, Da Abbi wouldn't be able to resist taking a dip ;)

Nice picture. You're right, Mary. You never know what you'll encounter when walking the shores of Gitchee Gumee. It's quite the adventure, that's for sure.

The reason the sandstone has been there for ages (~ 1.0 billion years to be exact) is that they are made mostly of feldspathic quartz, which is very resistant to weathering. However, with time they too will be nothing more than dust in the wind.
The "array of rocks" link that Mary provides is a great primer on Keweenaw geology. If you have a chance, by all means have a look.....

A favorite spot--Brunette Park, named after Oliver Brunette from Lake Linden. He nurtured the spot for many years before the township finally developed it into a park. Neat for picnics, swimming, and just enjoying NE and East winds.

This is such a great picture.....wish I was there.
Brunette Park is always a favorite spot to stop on the way to Copper Harbor. Nice spot for picnics,too.

Mary, thanks for the link to the geological make-up of the Keweenaw area...what a font of information! A fascinating read. I'm going to make a point of going to the Seaman Mineral Museum when I visit the U.P. in July. Wow!

The sandstone side of the Peninsula is a great place to spend an afternoon skipping rocks. Those nice, flat pieces of sandstone, if given the right fling, seem to skip forever.

Another great shot and more educational stuff too! That's why I love this site! I would love to see your awesome lake! I can't imagine what it would be like to be so near something of that magnitude that touches on your lives everyday. I hope to come visit one day!

Yea, too bad Dr. Nat can't get the right fling on those stones like "The Master"!! :P

This so looks like where our cottage was located on the south beach of Bete Grise. We skipped many rocks out there.
Where is Brunette Park?
We used to travel along Gay Rd. to go to grandpa's in Ahmeek, taking the lake shore scenic route vs. the tunnel of trees down US 41. There was a park along the road somewhere northeast of Gay, and I don't know which side of Betsy. Would that be Brunette Park, or what was it called?
I'm trying to recall from over 30 years ago.

So, Master Capt. Paul, how many skips can (do) your skipped stones make?

Lol, many more than the good Dr. Nat can. I tell her it's all in the wrist, but she usually gets flustered and throws rocks at me!! It's not the right fling that does it, but rather the "left" fling that works for me....

Of all the pics of the shore on the great Superior I feel this one embodies all the wonderous traits of the UP. Thank you. When I saw it I was sure it had to be the Brunette Park even tho it's been many years since I was there last with my mom. The park is named for her Uncle Oliver. A must see this July on my trip. I'm getting so excited about being there finally!.

Susan, Yes Brunette Park is in between Gay and Lac LaBelle. It's a nice little park but too rocky for me. Give me that wonderful sand of the lake.

Paul, I used to have dates that threw rocks at me know what you are going through. I was smart enough to duck though.

Oh yeah Ozzie, which brother of my grandmas was it?

Hi Deb,Delore from Keasarge-Wolverine.

Brunette Beach! This is one of our very favorite spots! I snapped a photo of my adopted Collie there on the sandstone rocks with the wind blowing her hair and she made it onto the Collie Rescue of IL 2006 calendar for the month of July!