• Thursday-What'sUP April 5 - 08:22 pm

Bob Gilreath and his wife, Liz took a walk in the woods earlier this week and enjoyed a great view from the trestle that overlooks Lake Linden. They also found a concrete overpass tunnel structure, just north of M26, which Bob believes is from the days when the Houghton County Traction Company traveled between Lake Linden and Calumet. Bob thinks the two path photos are the actual trail where the Traction Company used to transport folks back. Can anyone confirm Bob's information for us?

The first picture, was it taken from the snowmobile trail? I'm thinking Trail #3?

I have some of these pictures in my collection. Fun for me to see. Thanks!

Thanks for the stroll through the woods. (Nice ad timing, by the way)

How time changes everything. How 'bout C&H train tressle for the location of the first picture.

TRESTLE Sorry about the spelling.

The first TRUE sign that Spring is here....the raising of the Lift Bridge and leaving it in the UP position. Happy Spring and Happy Easter everyone!

There used to be a beautiful little tunnel like that where the LS&I crosses US41 between Marquette and Negaunee. That was before they made it a divided highway in the 50's. I believe the tunnel is still there but filled in. Maybe 100 yards north of the present RR overpass.

The railroad went over and the highway went through it.

For anyone interested in "what did this trail used to be ? " as in, "Was this bridge for the Houghton Traction Co. ?", the web-site creator of "www.coppercountryexplorer.com" has numerous maps of the area available in a print or pdf down-load available. Mike has a deep interest in the area and has spent a lot of time both in the field and on the computer compiling information, his site is well worth the visit.

The great view coming down "Lake Linden Hill" is still great but unfortunately the sky high blinking cell phone tower has made it not as great. Maybe I'm still stuck in the past with my memories of the vista before the tower? It sure is nice to have cell coverage in Lake Linden but it comes at the expense of an unmarred view coming down M-26 into town.

Matt, I think you feel the same way about cell phone towers that our dear departed friend, George Hite, felt about street lights in his part of the UP. I share the same feelings...it's such as shame that with each new high-tech invention, we have to pay a price. And yeah, I like the convenience of my cell phone....but!;)

The trestle over the highway is a snowmobile trail, and a darn fine one as all abandoned railways are. Wide, flat and not too curvy.

From the hustle and bustle to the serene.

Great photos, Bob G. On the side topic today, while cell phone towers might take a little bit away from some views, they are relatively small, compared to the huge new windmills. Cell phones can be life saving, to people who have had accidents, gotten lost in the snow, or whatever, but they have to have cell phone towers to be able to function. That's one interruption that I can live with, personally. On the other hand, I have a problem with these newfangled windmills that don't produce very much power; they mar the landscape, especially for sunsets or sunrises; and they have to be shut down before high winds are expected, because these new towers can't handle high winds, as evidenced by some of the ones destroyed this winter in England.

Amen, Marianne!

THE "TIGERS" WON********************

Won what? ;)

Rowdy is correct - the bridge carried the old Calumet & Hecla railroad tracks. If I'm not mistaken, this piece of the C&H was the line built approx 1925 to allow a more direct route for trains from the Ahmeek Mine to the mill in Hubbell. If memory serves, it was also the last major piece of railroad built in the Keweenaw! It's been awhile. I