• Pasty Fest-What'sUP July 1 - 04:34 pm

Now if this isn't the perfect way to spend a weekend, I don't know what is. Recently, Del Rajala went camping at Schlatter Lake, out on the tip of the Keweenaw, with what looks like it might be a group of fathers and sons. That tent setup seems like a nice abode to spend a few nights in and those pasties cooking on the grill don't look too bad either. But the last photo is the one that amazed me...these guys have all the comforts of home, with a teepee shaped, makeshift sauna! Check it out, there's even smoke rising out of the top! If you're wondering where this lake is, over in Del's Guest Gallery, he provided us with a map to show its whereabouts.

In case you're wondering why I'm doing the notes instead of Toivo today, it's a long story, that goes back to a few weeks ago, when he went over to Isle Royale. He had this brainstorm that he's going to construct one of those cardboard boats like they make for Bridge Fest and try to sail it over to Isle Royale (anything to save a buck!). So he called me last night and said he heard there was a big sale on duct tape (I didn't quite catch where, but heard him mumble something about Wisconsin) and since he was going to need quite a few rolls to cover his cardboard boat, he couldn't pass up a sale like that. So, that's why you have me instead of Toivo and if you're looking for him at the Pasty Fest doings today, you're out of luck there too! I won't be there either, so I'm relying on Dean Woodbeck to take some good pictures to share with you all on Monday's Pasty Cam...stay tuned!

It looks to be a rainy day for PastyFest activities, which will continue despite Toivo's absence. This afternoon we will announce the winner of the Pasty Poetry contest, give away free pasties, and enjoy tours of the almost-completed Pasty Central Express building behind The Hut Inn.

Just a clarification... 500 free pasties will be given away in Aggasiz Park in Calumet beginning at noon. Then after the festivities in the park begin to wind down, we'll head over to the Hut in Kearsarge, just north of Calumet. Actually, the Hut is still closed, but the doors are open to see the new Pasty Kitchen, right next to the Hut. Soon you will be able to drive thru for pick-up at the Pasty Central Express window.

Stop by the open house and register for more free pasties, as we will have a drawing at 7pm, and you need not be present to win. They say the rain is supposed to clear up by this afternoon.

irriguous

Memories!!!

Relaxation!

Ahhhh, Schlatter Lake... home of the giant pearch!

We saw Charlie & most of the Pasty Central gang. Had a great time, the pasties were delicious. Awesome job they did for everyone. They sure know how to put on a feed there year after year.
Thank you Charlie and the whole Pasty crew. Beautiful day in the Keweenaw ....the day turned out to be absolutely Sunny!

"Beautiful day in the Keweenaw ....the day turned out to be absolutely Sunny!"

So congratulations are in order for Charlie and all the rest of the Pasty Fest organizers (and participants)!

I was a bit concerned about the NWS' ominous forecasts of severe thunderstorms, hail, strong winds, etc. And sure enough I see there was quite a large major nasty storm that slid past the north end of the Keweenaw, and on toward the Ontario shore, south of Wawa. Then another fast moving narrow band of nasty thunderstorms materialized along a line from Ironwood to L'Anse then moved briskly east through Marquette and beyond.

But just a few early morning sprinkles around da Pasty Fest?

What did youse guys do, bribe John Dee, the local weather guru, with a brace o' pasties to conjure up a nice little niche of beautimus weather in Calumet for the event?

Or perhaps you enlisted some local Finn(s) to provide "protection"? (It is said that the Vikings wouldn't allow Finns on their ships, because they believed the Finns were powerful "weather witches" who could steer the storms... Hmmm...)

You clever wascals!

Actually, FRNash, what Lahelo did not mention was the fact that the whole event was moved indoors at the old armory. The line for the free pasties wound back outside, and luckily it did not rain.

Thanks for all who came to the open house at Pasty Central Express. Lots of interest in the new kitchen which will resume production of our delicious Pasty Central pasties in a few weeks.

And a big thank you to the Main Street Calumet crew for organizing such an inspiring local event. We look forward to PastyFest 2007 on June 29 - July 1st next year.