Ok, I admit it, I'm not certain the ducklings in the second shot are the same little fuzzy babies in the first shot. Robert Wetton captured both broods and I couldn't resist the comparison! Momma duck looks so attentive to her fluffy little ones in the top photo. Then as her offspring progress toward adulthood, she's able to relax a bit, without having to keep a constant eye on them. Kind of like human parents, only I think once the ducklings are off on their own, there's no coming back home! :->

Good Morning

Good morning from Colorado everyone!

Good Morning!!

Morning All! I wonder if the family in the second photo found any agates. :)

Checked out the Houghton County Airport webcam this morning. Interesting new feature.

HELLO MICHIGAN, I WILL SEE YA SATURDAY.I CAN HARDLY WAIT TO TRADE CHICAGOS MAJESTY FOR YOURS.I WILL BE SPENDING A WEEK CAMPING IN COPPER HARBOR.I CAN HARDLY WAIT TO BREATHE YOUR AIR,AND SEE MORE THAN 5 STARS AT NIGHT.SHOULD I SHOP FOR FOOD IN CHICAGO OR IS THERE FOOD STORES NEAR COPPER HARBOR? IS THERE A CHANCE I WILL SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?I AM BRINGING MY TELESCOPE IS THERE A PERFECT PLACE TO VIEW THE HEAVENS?I CAN HARDLY WAIT TO SEE YOUR GREEN TREES AND VIEW YOUR WATERFALLS.I LOVE YOU MICHIGAN SOMEDAY I WILL MAKE YOU MY HOME.

Mark, for yummy healthy food on your way to Copper Harbour, check out the Keweenaw Cooperative in Hancock:
http://www.localharvest.org/food-coops/M4326

Mark,

Econo Foods in Houghton will remind you of TI in Chicago. Suggest having a cooler, as it's an hour out to Copper Harbor. Hard stuff is about $10.00 higher per 1.75 than 606 area zip codes, but buttermilk is about the same price.

"Good Morning from the Sunrise Side of Our Beautiful State!!!

Good Morning Michigan! The sun has risen here, but the rain clouds are going to take over this afternoon. Just as we were beginning to enjoy the first summer weather :(

Did anyone hear about a 4-wheeler ATV and motorcycle colliding behind Pat's Foods in Calumet last evening, was anyone hurt??

Mark,
Being from the burbs of Chicago and just having made a trip to Copper Harbor for the 4th of July my advice would be to shop here. The little grocery stores in Copper Harbor are expensive and I only use them for ice and milk or something that isn't worth driving to Calumet. You could stop at Econo Foods in Houghton or at the grocery store in Calumet but it is more time away from your destination. A good cooler packed with lots of ice will work just fine for your entire drive. The cheapest gas is in Baraga because it's on the indian reservation, cigs are cheap there too. Always a chance for northern lights in Copper Harbor but I have only seen them once in my life up there. As far as star gazing if it is a perfectly clear night just look up. You could always go on top of Brockway mountain to get away from the few lights in the Harbor. You will be amazed by the amount of stars. Have a safe trip and enjoy!

Love the feathered cuties. I have a question. Hubby wants to camp in Keweenaw area in mid August. He's leaving all the details up to me and I have no idea what's available. Any suggestions? I guess we'll be going without the boat so fishing off shore will have to do if we fish at all. Been a long time since I've looked for agates. Anything you folks can send my way for advice would be a blessing. We have a nice little travel trailer with all the hook ups but would be just fine with a rustic site somewhere. Thanks so much in advance.

I say be sure to support the local economy up there.....you would sure miss those little stores if they packed up and left. I usually take very little extra food when I go up....just plan a few extra dollars in the pocket in order to help out those hardy shop keepers in the CC.

I will be in the Calumet next week, and I was checking out web-site to see if I could rent a jet-ski. Any ideas?

Mark,

I agree with BT, support the locals or they won't be there. Plus if you do all of your shopping at home you miss much of what is great about the UP. Look for Jilberts Homogonized Chocolate Milk, Rices Orange Juice (I like the Limeaid also) Treanary Toast, stuff in Tony's in Laurium for good backed goods and pastys, the Jam Pot up on 26 just south of Eagle Harbor for more baked goods... Pat's Foods in Houghton is right at the top of the hill and is a big grocery store, there is also an Econo Foods (I think it's an Econo). But every year we come up and part of what we look forward to is the avalible food and restraunts. Let me know if you would like more specifics. I have been coming to the Houghton / Copper Harbor area and visting for 20 years. And also have many of the other people who post here, as well and many of them live there.

Just my thoughts.

GFB - There is a place in L'Anse, or last I knew that rented boats and stuff, I don't know about Jet Ski's. There is also a place just on the south side of Houghton I am aware of that has Boats, right on 41. I don't know about finding these places online or anything. Might try getting ahold of the tourisim board in Houghton or L'Anse...

Just arrived home from a week in the UP it rained on the 4th and was cold down at Betsy camp. Stayed with my sister in eagle harbor and had a good time, 80 here in florida fells good to be warm again.

Amem to supporting the local stores!

Baraga gas is cheaper, but IF we don't buy locally on the Keweenaw as BT,TC pointed out, it may not be availlable next time.

Try walking your gas can back to Baraga when you've run out .....

THANKS FOR THE GREAT PHOTOS!!!

I think you all misunderstood my comments to Mark W. of IL - I more than supported the locals when I was in the Keweenaw. I have for a lot of years. Stayed at the Bella Vista for 4 nights. We went out to breakfast and dinner almost every night, bought loads of stuff in the gift shops from Hancock all the way into Copper Harbor, purchased groceries at Econo in Houghton, at the grocery store in Calumet & Copper Harbor and on and on. Bought gas up there too. For a first timer it may be easier to take some stuff the first time and get the rest when he gets up there. He'll learn all the cool spots. No disrespect meant to the businesses in the Keweenaw. Sorry!

When I was a kid and the family vacationed at Pelican Lake in Cheeseland, the folks would pack EVERYTHING we needed for a two-week stay. That's a lot of food and beer for two adults and two hungry kids. The theory was that in da woods, nothing is available but milk and bread. Since I've grown up (about 50 years or so), I've discovered that you can get almost everything you need to stay alive within about 15 miles from anywhere in Cheeseland or da UP. No, you might not find your favorite brand of margarine, but you'll discover some of the finer local foods on the face of the planet. Just think...all those Yoopers who stay all winter have to get their groceries from somewhere. So, do us all a favor and get your groceries locally. It saves room in your car on the trip, it supports the local economy (very important) and it allows you to really be on vacation and enjoying another side of life.

Don't mean to start any thing but...the only time we've ever rented a cottage up north was ruined by some --- who rented a jet ski for 3 days. Those 3 days swept away the loon family who regularly cruise by our pier in the evening. Therefore no love of jet skis on my part. Have fun but don't mess-up others' peace, please.

Jerry Fl--wish I'd known you were heading south--would have asked you to box up some of that cold and dropped it in Kansas City on your way! 97 today with a heat index of 115. I would much rather be in the UP where you can enjoy the summer months outdoors instead of having to be locked up in the a/c to avoid heat stroke.

to Mark in ILL

my favorite 2 places to view the stars are the
top of brockway mtn and the beach at bete gries

Bob

I forgot to add this in last post

I put up some shots from our vacation in
the central UP last 2 weeks of June.

I have about ten more to upload, but here are some of the best.

http://pasty.com/pcam/albup11

The double rainbow shot was taken in the 3 lakes area, just after we beat a thunderstorm off the lake with the Kyaks.

Dont forget that yummy food at the Hilltop in Lanse!

Concerned, MI -
I heard that a little boy died in a motorbike accident behind Burger King/Pat's.

If you have to have your regular margarine or bread, you probably shouldn't leave home and go traveling. One of the joys of travel is to meet people, check out the shops, stores, local stuff. Sure a lot of travel these days, you go to a new city, and there is the same mall, same Home Depot, same restaurants that you had back home. NOT in the UP! Thank goodness there still are some local businesses, not the cookie cutter city stuff. But if you don't support those businesses, people will have to move away to make a living.

Recently read a book wherein the heroine went to her favorite candy shop, only to find sign in the window that it was going out of business. Upon inquiry, the owner told her that they just didn't have enough business and they were forced to close. Heroine wished that she had gone to the store more often. Candy isn't like gas or groceries, but if you want your favorite shop to be there, you have to support it.

Just returned from the Copper Country & wish we had another 2 weeks. Enjoyed Pasty Fest. even if it rained alittle, meet some new friends & seen some old friends. Rain or no rain it's home. Hope everyone one returned home safe after the 4th week-end & everyone coming to God's Country has a enjoyable time. Thank you Main Street for letting us join in the Pasty Fest. really enjoyed it. Charlie we look to you & your staff for our Copper County fix everyday, thank you again.

Good morning everyone! I have a question going back to yesterday's conversation... where is this Ambassador pizza place and what makes it so good? Thanks!

Interesting findings about one of last week's pictures. Chipmunks are indeed a hardy bunch.
http://onlineathens.com/stories/071304/new_20040713017.shtml

Ambassador Pizza is in Houghton on the main drag just before the bridge. Tostada pizza has lettuce, tomatoes, hamburger, I think. I learned about it on pasty cam & tried it & loved it. Had never been to Ambassador before & now I'll always go there on my monthly summer trips up. The waitress suggested the BLT pizza last time, but the tostada is much better in my opinion.

I'm sure there are lots of campers who are pinching pennies to come up north with their children that might want to go to an economical grocery store. They'll also patronize the local stores when they reach their destinations.

I agree: Traveling was more fun when places were unique (stores, customs, etc.). On the other hand, for health reasons, I must have certain foods and avoid others, so I appreciate the fact that certain brands/types are more widely available than they once were.

Thanks, Marsha!

On our trip back to Wi we'd stop off and pick up our local favorites to make the letdown not hurt so much!!! Trenary Toast came home after EVERY trip. Vernors, too---but now I can get that at home!

When shopping in the Keeweenaw don't forget the Jam Lady in Eagle River. Best jams, jellies and excellent chow-chow. The Jam Lady herself has
passed away, but her husband continues the fine tradition.

ert, GA. So, does that make you feel good???

Just logged on and see that Sharon seems to have a bear at the birdfeeder.

What's Trenary Toast? I've seen that mentioned a number of times.

The little bear is back!! :)

All this talk about food and grocery shopping in dah UP, ya but what about REAL shopping, I ask you. Like the Einerlei, 1st Chassell, then Houghton and then on for all the other great shops. There is the book store near Suomi...I forgot: FU (who really thought that through) Of course all the little shops that open for the tourist. ALso on the way to Calumet is the shop next to the hoetel (sorry, I forgot the name, check with pasty.com home page!) and Calumet itself. Also, don't forget about the Club Indigo. Way too cool, do that with friends, more enjoyable. Lake Linden has a neat yarn shop and (I hope it is still there) a BEAD shop!! There is also a scrappin/stamping shop in Calumet, plus all the art galleries. Lots to do UP there.
But there is the beach.....ahhhh

I hope Sharon Smith does call the DNR today. That bear must be mother-less.

The simple solution to getting rid of bears is not to feed them. No feeders, garbage or foodstuffs of any kind. They aren't criminals, just trying to find a meal.

Just enjoyed the Harbor Haus website courtesy of the pastycam homepage. It seems they've had a bear there, too. Same one? Is Sharon Smith near there? Also found out they have the beef rouladen I enjoyed at the Country Haus in Kearsarge, same chef.

Funny there's no mention of President Bush coming to Marquette today. Whether you support him or not, I heard he's the first one to visit the Upper Peninsula since President Taft? Maybe some Copper Country historians can set the facts straight for me. Also, maybe there will be more news and information tommorrow from someone that was there.

<Toivo sez:>
There have been several mentions of the President's visit to the U.P. today, including a welcome on the home page of Pasty Central. It has been 90 years since a sitting president has paid a visit to the U.P. - - Mr. Bush received a majority of votes in the U.P. in the last election, but lost the state of Michigan. Looks like he might be preaching to the choir in Marquette today.

I was not able to travel to Marquette to see President Bush, but judging from the TV coverage, he was working the crowd in the "yooper Dome" pretty good. Lots of cheering and applause. I believe I even heard President Bush mention something to the effect of The Detroit Lions visiting the White House if he is re-elected.
It looked like a pretty welcoming crowd. Wish I could have made it.

Sharon Smith and the Harbor Haus are both in Copper Harbor, but a few miles apart. Although bears can roam widely.

JETSKI RENTAL In Calumet http://www.kmspower.com keweenaw motorsports

try www.keweenaw.org
or keweenaw jetski rental in any good search engine

To Robin in MI
You may want to try Sunset Bay RV Park, their info is listed on the Pasty home page.

WOW! I am amazed. Nobody touched the jet ski, ATV, Burgerking, etc. touristization of Copper Harbor. Go to Door county Wisconsin and see the potential.
And, also President Bush visiting the U.P. (LOL)

Way to go George, welcome to the U P.

Is the weather channel correct? It's about 57 degrees up there in the UP? Gosh, I'll have to bring my cuddle duds for sure. Is Sharon's webcam down? I didn't get to see that bear today.
I promise we will leave a couple dollars up there so don't worry about those who have to bring sack lunches. There was a day I had to do that too. Have a great evening folks.

LOOKS LIKE EVERYBODY IS GOING TO "GOD'S COUNTRY, EVEN "W". WISH I COULD HAVE BEEN THERE TO SEE HIM. I WONDER IF HE HAD A PASTY WHILE HE WAS VISITING... IF HE LIKED THEM MAYBE HE WILL TAKE SOME HOME TO THE WHITE HOUSE WITH HIM.

Don't forget to visit the "Last Drop Coffee Shop" in Hubbell. It is so neat and clean. It has great bakery form the Sheldon bakery and great homeade fresh Soup daily. Friendly owners and waitresses and Fresh sandwhichs etc. Open 6 days a week. 7am to 9pm in the summer. Also visit "The Back Street Cafe" in Lake Linden. It was the old "Goal Post" before and is now under new ownership. Great Food. Nice company. Kiilunen's the Artic Cat dealer in Lake Linden rents Ski Jets too. Reasonable prices and nice, honest people. Have a great vacation everyone. Was thrilled that The President of our country visited the UP. Marquette must be bursting with pride. The last sitting President to visit the UP was Howard Taft in 1911. God bless the USA.

all this talk of groceries not only makes me hungry but
also makes me wonder if Cucci's Market by the
bridge in Houghton is still in business. My grandpa
used to walk down there to shop.

Marquette's a beautiful city, great place to raise a family. NMU was fantastic, wish my daughter's we're attending this university, and yes I had a pasty, took a few back for Dick as well, thanks for the hospitality U.P.
God Bless America,
GWB

Rumor has it, that the Pres. had his pasty at Gramma T's, can anyone confirm this?

It's a funny story, but I doubt that President Bush ate a pasty.

LOL
Oh, I wish I could believe that the post above was really made by Dubya himself... it would be fun to think he knows about this place all of us UP lovers congregate!

OH you just know the mayor and chamber at least handed him a pasty ..What they did with it who knows.

Mary/Lake,Linden
where is this Last Drop coffe shop in Hubbell, as all I seen is Al super club

Therese Dimet

seeing pres bush was awesome feeling.hes our leader and we should be proud he came to marquette.seeing that huge plane was exciting too.it was all a beautiful time for all of us.even if we dont all agree,hes still our leader.pm

Some years ago I was in the Soo for Lake State's graduation weekend and a reservation I had at the Ojibway Hotel got all mixed up. They put us up in the Presidential Suite because all other rooms were full, which turned out very nice for us since it was a gorgeous room. I was told that President George Bush Sr. and Barbara Bush stayed there in 1992, I believe. I think that he was still president at that time, so possibly George Sr. was the last sitting president to visit the U.P. If anyone knows any of the details please feel free to confirm.

j WI -- What do you mean -- does that make me feel good?

To Audrey in San Jose, CA
You asked about Trenary Toast...here's a link to the Trenary Home Bakery website: http://www.trenarytoast.us

Everytime I'm in the U.P. I pick up a bag! YUM!

Therese,

its accoss from the community building to
the north east.

see my pic of it here

http://pasty.com/pcam/albuo68/5_03_04_031

Concerned, MI: www.mininggazette.com - today's story about an 8 year old boy killed in ORV accident. So Sad.

Hey I just heard my Uncle Jim brought my 87 year old mother from Clinton Twp.(Rick Laplanders sister)to Still Waters today to visit with all the folks and listen to my Uncle and Aunt sing!--How nice! Hope everyone had a nice day there! One of these days we will make it. It's been 19 years!

Audrey in San Jose. Since I was a kid, I remember my mon and dad buying this toast. I personally like the Cinnamon Toast. It's hard and crunchy and best dipped in a cup of coffee. I have been buying it on occasion ever since I came to California It can be purchased at:
Trenary; Home Bakery Inc.
E2914 HWY M-67
P.O. Box 300
Trenary, Michigan 49801
Phone # 906-446-3330
I do not know if they have a website, but I am sure if you write them, they will send you a detailed discription of their products.

Sorry, I meant to say MOM and Dad

We make several visits to the Ambassador for pizza when we're back home visiting (won't be long now!!) They're the best! Our local newspaper here in Mississippi had an article about President Bush being in Marquette, very impressive. Dad, great pics of the ducks! Sherry

Thanks Laura, FL for the info on the campground.

Everybody has a web site! What a country!
I think you have to think outside the box, so to speak, when trying to explain Yooper things to the outside world. The Trenery Toast=biscotti.
p.s. where is Mr. Wheatman? Miss having to check with Mr. Webster while reading his missives