• Friday-What'sUP August 6 - 06:50 am

Judy Byykkonen recently showed some visitors, the sights around the Grand Marais and Munising area and like a number of us Yoopers, this was the first time she'd been there herself. We live here our whole lives and it takes company to get us out there enjoying the beauty that surrounds us in our daily lives. I think that holds true for just about anywhere you live, though.

Judy's first three photos are from the Grand Marais area, with the Au Sable Light Station, first seen from a distance and then a shot from right there on the grounds of the light. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the third shot is part of the sand dunes area there in Grand Marais. Quite impressive with the steep descent down to the beaches below.

The next three photos, Judy snapped while on the Pictured Rocks boat tour, with the last one being the Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse. It's claim to fame is that it is supposedly one of the most photographed lighthouses on the Great Lakes, due in part to the local boat tour companies that pass it many times a day. From what I read, it is privately owned and there is no public access to visit this light either, so pictures from afar are the best you can do.

Both of these areas are beautiful to visit, tour and snap photo memories along the way.

Great set of pictures, today.

Grand Marais is one of my favorite areas in the U.P. after the Keweenaw, of course. There's a great hike from the Hurricane River Campground to the lighthouse. It's about a mile and 1/2 I think, and it's a beautiful walk either along the beach or through the woods. You can see a couple of shipwrecks on the beach along the way. It's definitely a gorgeous area of our state.

Very nice photos, and thanks Cindy for the hiking info.

Did that two years ago. Have that very same picture of the East Channel lighthouse, and you're right, Mary. The tour guide told us you can't get there. I got so very sick on that Pictured Rocks tour, though. The lake was a little rough and we were stuck below. Still enjoyed it as much as I could, but I paid for it through the day after the tour. But I'd probably go again. I'd just be sure to take my dramamine!!

Great shots, Judy!!

Never been to this area other than looking at pictures. Nice pictures today, the Grand Island Light looks like it needs a big hug!

you can get to the east channel lighthouse = just walk across the ice when its safe!! Did it last spring, amazing ice formations just around the corner from the light too.

The Grand Island Light has always been one of my favorites. It looks to be in far better shape than it was a few years ago. At one point it was very sad. Then another time you could see interior bracing through the open window spaces. It now appears there has been siding repairs and the light cap is more stable and the windows are covered to hide the bracing. I would say there has been a lot of money spent to ensure it will be photogenic for years to come. It is in the best condition that I have seen in my life time.

Hi
As soon as I saw the third photo of the large dunes, I knew where the two shots of the lighthouse were taken from. The spot is called the logslide; I can imagine the logs cascading down the sandy slope to the water below.

Allen, the lantern top on Grand Island was removed for repairs a few years ago. I can't remember exactly how many years ago, but here's a link to a picture I have in one of my Pasty galleries of it without a top.

http://gallery.pasty.com/displayimage.php?album=888&pid=13207#top_display_media

Of all the books and photos of lighthouses I have, the Grand Island one is my favorite. I really would love to live in Munising area. Used to have the best book store! A bakery there had marvelous pasties too. The town of Grand Marais is a neat little town that remindes me of a small New England town.

The Dr. and I just did the drive through Grand Marais and took the Pictured Rocks cruise a week ago tonight. We took the sunset cruise and I highly recommend it for anyone that wants to see the Rocks as the sun is behind you as you view the shoreline. I'll post a photo below for a taste of what can be seen....

Yesterday the Dr. and I attended the dedication of the new Mineral Museum on Sharon Ave. Quite the new facility even though it isn't finished yet (won't be until mid 2012); however, the Copper Gallery is open for viewing and what a magnificent job of displaying the minerals by Dr. George and Susan Robinson. If you visit, by all means thank them for their work. Last night we visited PastyCam regulars The Barclays for dinner and had a wonderful time conversing about everything from geology to sailing on the Great Lakes. Today has been a laid back day; did the Calumet Historic walking tour around the C&H grounds and then hit the beach on the east side. Tomorrow is Ishpeming mineral show and dinner with "The Boss"; looking forward to both.

Oh, and the photo I promised:

That's a beautiful photo Capt. Glad you shared it with us. Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

Great photo Capt. Every view seams to be stunning. Love the area. Any chance of a snapshot of you two together some where in the UP before you have to leave?

Oh-oh "seems"!

Just visited the Au Sable Light House this week...WOW! Great pics!

We just got back from McLain Park, took some pictures of a cloud formation that looks just like an eagle in flight. A lot of beautiful sunsets from the breakwaters and waterworks.(*_*)