Ahhh - - Nothing like a week at home to clear the mind. Taking a vacation from my vacation. After a whirlwind tour around North America in 90 days, it's been good to sleep in my own bed this week. This shot in the photo inbox by Shawn Monica Stone of Ontonagon is just how it looked by the Lake last night.

Spent the week catching up on a lot of laundry - - and cathing up on Cam Notes, too. I see some doubters don't think I'm a real person. Let me pinch myself. Owww - - Yep, it's really me. Maybe somebody could tell Tom from T.C. (if that's his real name).

For inquiring minds who want to know - - I don't mean to sound unlucky on Friday the 13th, but - - there won't be wedding bells in the immediate future. Don't misunderstand - - Tina is a wonderful lady, and I'm a nice guy (or at least I read that somewhere). Just that we've decided to table the matrimonial discussion for a while. But I still have a few provinces and states to see, and who knows? Maybe after that a global tour? Maybe Where in the world is Toivo from Toivola? as one Pasty Cammie suggested.

Bridgefest starts today in Houghton/Hancock. Have a nice weekend - - and have a lucky day.

We are indeed blessed to live in such a glorious area. Lake Superior...does it get any better? I seriously doubt it.

Happy Friday the 13th!

I'm headed up to the U.P. in a few hours. I wish I was coming all the way to the Copper Country....but my cottage in Curtis is pretty nice too! Looks like it will be an awesome weather weekend. Looking forward to family time at the lake. I never took any stock in things like Friday the 13th.....God is in control....just look at his beautiful handiwork all around you! Thanks for the great sunset pic...can't wait to view with my own eyes this weekend! Summer is here!

It does not get any better. Wish I was home!

Oh...and by the way...we believe in you Toivo!

I Love Superior. Wish I could have seen it two hundred years ago. Before the trees were cut, before the stamp sand, before the over fishing, before the shoreline was cut up with little camps and big money homes. Its still a beauty though, especialy compared to the over crowded and over built puddles they call lakes in the L.P.

Hmm, if only I had a nice yooper guy to enjoy these sights with.... Yooper Joe, I'm lookin' in your direction. ;)

Wow. I love sunsets. Use to live in Ludington. Now in Detroit area. Coming up to "investigate" Mich Tech for my soon fall 2004. Ahhh, but it's a long way for mom. I've never been in the Keewanaw Peninsula. Wish us luck driving w/3 teenagers!!

I often wonder if people realize how lucky they are to be able to live in the U.P. I always have said God was in a relly good mood when he created the U.P. It is the most beautiful place I have seen.

By Mary on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 10:02 am:

N.G. Warren, Michigan,
As a born, raised and never left (except for vacations), Yooper, I for one, realize my good fortune each morning on my walk.....such beauty to behold! Thanks for reminding us though!

To my gal in Kazoo, Soon, honey very soon, You should of seen the sunrise down here in Green Bay this morning. I went over the lake and it was beautiful. I will take you on a week long trip around the Yooper to see all of its wonders.

Meteorological rationale behind the Red Sky at Night, Sailor's Delight:

http://www.theweatherprediction.com/habyhints/139/

Kathy, I'm so jealous of your trip with your kids.
I adore teenagers, they're so complex......amazing
what you find out about them while you're driving
in your car when you just listen. They're so full
of themselves!! Whenever I travelled with mine I
always made sure they had a CD player to take
along too.....that way I didn't have to listen to
the thrash-metal-punk on my car's CD player. Once
you get to the U.P. just buy 'em a pasty...that'll
keep 'em quiet for a little while!! Have a great
trip and enjoy the U.P. You'll love it!! A stop at
the Sugar Shack where they make maple syrup is fun
too. Good place for a stretch...so is stopping
along Lake Michigan so they can walk off some of
that pasty!

Yoicks, Edith...

Even during the Mining and Logging days it was a beautiful place.

Unfortunately people need money to live and 3 months of Summer tourism wasnt enough....

I think it is fortunate that ALL people who visit, work or dream have a chance to see this mainfestation of God's Country

Fran... E-Mail me please!

Living on the big Lake is like no other place on earth. I never tire of those awesome sunrises and sunsets (yep, right now we get them both!) over the lake. After moving up here full time (the day before Xmas), experiencing 4'long icicles, blizzards, broken snow thrower, frozen well (2x), and a messy broken arm/shoulder 3 weeks after moving here, I still would not move anywhere else.
As one long-time Yooper told me, living here builds "character", and boy she's got that right!

Just back from a Yoga class to this very Yogic picture. Awwwww..... Thanks

Im REALLY missing Michigan all the way from Europe
but atleast I have these beautiful pics....thank you so much for them all.......... Julie B

TWE MORE WEEKS and I'll be seeing these sunsets live. Can't wait to get on Lake Superior, my most favorite lake in the world, and I don't care how cold the water is, it's just more incentive to stay up on water skiis.

To Rick Karl- Just thinking that if its beautiful now,it must have been a gem before it was disturbed. And for some reason, I dont think the Gay sands or the tailings left in Torch Lake were ever beautiful, even in the mining days.

Well, Edith:

Okay....you have a right to your opinion and I have a right to disagree...

We both can agree on one thing though...it is a BEAUTIFUL place.......

Nothing like the U.P. is right. Born and raised a yooper. I have lived in many places around this country from coast to coast and border to border, traveled all but one or two states and have yet to find a place as nice as the U.P.
Will be in the U.P. next week and stay for the summer.

I see the name of Mary Drew on this site and wonder if she is any relative to Ralph Drew formerly of Lake Linden and then lived in Washington. Where is the sugar shack? Anything going on there during the month of August? We are having our granddaughter and family visit us in Mi during that month and I would like some tips as to where to take her. Although we are returning Yoopers each year, we haven't been doing the things she would like. By the way Wa is a beautiful state too. It is a toss up between Mt. Rainier and Lake Superior Sunset. Tony's better put in a big supply of Pasties!

Eunice,
Yes, I am related to Ralph Drew, formerly of Lake Linden, now living in Washington. He's my husband's Uncle.

Bee-Fl Funny, when we retired (moved to Fl in 1950)had always visited the coast of Maine and hoped to spend summer months there but was afraid it was to far (1800 miles) to go as we increased with age. Funny...here we are going to the UP (Keewanee Co.) every summer for 17 years, 1750 miles from here. My son married a girl from Ahmeek (they live in FL too). We have met and made many friends over the years. The people have been wonderful to us and we have made many friends. Down to earth, good people. We look forward to meeting them every summer for 4 months. Lord willing, will be there in 2 weeks (it has been 95 deg) here, hot and muggy. Longing for that Superior breeze and those beautiful sunsets.

IS THAT THE SUN GOING DOWN OR THE MOON COMING UP ON THE BRIDGECAM AT 22:00?

Curious in WI, I'm pretty sure that's the nearly-full moon. If I've got my bearings right, sunset should be to the right of the bridgecam.
The bridgecam always brings back memories of my old apartment in Houghton, it had a great view of the lift bridge and the ski hill. Makes me homesick just thinking about it!

Hi again All. Well we made it to Houghton and back to Detroit in one piece (even the three teenagers made it back alive). It worked out much better than I had imagined. Although with my two boys & stepdaughter there were a few "rough spots." It sure is beautiful in the Keewanaw!! I think my son is leaning heavily toward Michigan Tech...we'll see!!