The second shot (from the Pasty Cam archives) is the one most folks know best, looking down on Copper Harbor and Fanny Hooe from the nose of Brockway. But the top photo is a bit of a different view, the reverse angle, from the vantage point of Sharon Smith across the Harbor. You can just make out the buildings of downtown in this shot and the bump of Brockway Mountain. In fact, if you look closely, I think you can see a small clearing on the Mountain Drive. That must be the lookout in the second photo. If you don't mind waiting for a larger file to load, check out Sharon's full size photo, for a better look.

Remember this coming weekend is the annual Lighthouse Celebration here in the Keweenaw, which incldues the Copper Harbor lighthouse, just barely visible on the distant shore in today's second picture.

Looking back to last week's photo of the Lighthouse tour boat and seeing that the Copper Harbor Lighthouse is on a peninsula, why don't they just build a road to it?

Who hasn't stood at that same point and looked towards Fanny Hooe? I have an 8X10 hanging on my office wall of myself standing on that concrete slab admiring the view many years ago. Just imagine how many pictures have been taken from that vantage....

almost :)
great shot

Lovely, lovely, lovely!!! Can't wait to get back up there to soak in all the beautiful scenery. Gotta wait until September!

Some things just should not be too easily accessible. I remember when the Sylvania Area neat Watersmeet first got it's wilderness designation. One of my co-workers was on a plane fron Detroit and Rusty Helman happened to be on board. Rusty was loudly proclaiming that the next step would be to get plenty of roads in there. If he could have, I think this co-worker would have ejected Rusty right then and there.

Chuck - many years ago there was a road to the Copper Harbor lighthouse but the property was sold and thus the only access to the lighthouse is by boat. Just 3 weeks from today will be in Eagle Harbor - hurrah!

Seven days and a wake up. We head north next Tuesday morning. This will be a much more relaxing trip then the 4th of July weekend trip. Some people say its way to far to drive. I respond by saying the drive north is a cleansing experience. Get to Flint/Bay City Im still thinking about city life. Further north the the trees change and the soil turns to sand(I love the ferns). Cross the bridge and the accents of the locals change. The air quality changes, its so sweet smelling, ahh. Great therapy.....good for the soul people. This will be a rough week sitting at this desk. Charlie thanks for my daily dose of couch time.

20 Days for Me and I will be standing right at that same spot looking over Copper Harbor. But for now Sharon's Pic is my new Desktop at work! Thanks!

We'll be up there on the 1st of August and I echo Brad of Canton's description of the drive up. It's 20 hours/1,100 miles one way from northern Virginia and we make the time for our souls, too. This year, however, my time up there will be cut up into segments since I have to fly out to Ventura County and San Diego on business the day after we arrive. But there are worse things than eating pasties and cookies from the monks on the airplane...

Come friday we'll be heading up to Houghton. It was mentioned about the cleansing after the bridge but my wife and I notice the smells and the cleansing process starting around Gaylord. The cleansing is completed once you are on the north side of the bridge.

Jim in RO, I agree, once north of the Mac, your clean, and you can really breath again!

Brad, Jim - so, so true. That's why we becamce permanent Urban Escapees.

Just got back from a circle tour of Lake Superior by motorcycle. Unfortunately, the morning we went up to Copper Harbor it was very foggy so no views like those in today's photos. I did manage to buy some thimbleberry jam (made by The Jam Lady) when we stopped at Lac La Belle Lodge, just as tasty as I remember. Will post some photos soon.

Good Morning from HOT Houston! Enjoy that cool Yooper weather!

it would be great if someone would post pictures of the lighthouse cruise this weekend.

Alas, our drive to the UP is anything but cleansing! It's just a long, long haul that we dread doing. Somewhere around the end of Montana, you start to realize, "hey, we live too far away!" Seriously, the trek from Washington state takes us about 3 1/2 days. We could do it in a shorter timeframe but 9-10 hours a day on the road is about all I can handle with two pets and an RV!

did anyone hear about someone shooting off a gun in Laurium last night?

I was in the Western U.P., including Copper Harbor a year ago this month. Funny how my life has changed. When I returned home I met a wonderful man at church. We went out for the first time Aug 16th 2003, were engaged by Jan. and married May 29th. We honeymooned in the eastern part of the U.P. and I look forward to taking him to the Keeweenaw someday. He already has fallen in love with the U.P. He has mentioned moving to the U.P. where there is less people and life is slower. From: Newlyweds in Indiana who love the U.P.

How are the berries this year?

The Great Lakes cruise ship, "Grand Mariner," just passed by
our house at the Lower Entry (the far south end of the
Keweenaw Waterway) and I thought I'd share a picture. It
passed here at 10:55 a.m. She's heading to Houghton. There
was an article in the Gazette about it. You can read it at:
http://www.mininggazette.com/loclnews.html#second

Awesome pictures. Can't wait, coming back up on July 24 for 2 whole weeks!! Plan to do alot of boating while I am there!

When we first got our cottage in Aura, I thought "How am I going to endure a 9-1/2 hour drive up from Flint every month to stay just a few days?" It soon became more enjoyable as we found our favorite spots to stop along the way, such as Honkers in West Branch for a Diet Coke and the Cut River Inn on Highway 2. We learned all the bathroom stops and what more do you need? Cross the Mackinac Bridge and pull off the road at Holiday or McDonalds, etc., get out of the car, and INHALE! Hours later, come down the hill to a view of L'anse, buy a paper, milk, and snacks at Holiday, head up our peninsula, go down, down, down the hills to our cottage on the shore, observe the height of the grass, and we're there! Not so bad!

There is a road going out there, but its posted, and there's a gate down the road aways. But we walked down it a few times. I think its the first left after Ft. Wilkins, theres a brown fence on both sides outlineing the drive.

(RE:copper harbor lighthouse)

to Bob, Ohio: Did you go all the way around the lake? Tell me a little about it, good and bad?

Hey, Ken & Mimi! How was the Aura Jamboree? How was the weather?

Marsha,
You have a great attitude! We do the same thing. Somethings in life are just worth doing and the attitude you have makes all the difference!

A few pics from the Aura Jamboree are located here. http://www.pasty.com/pcam/Z-man

Marsha,Wave to Jacobsville for me

We heard from a person works in Copper Harbor, that during last years' Fourth of July (2003), a family parked on that spot on Mt. Brockway had an unanticipated experience.

Waiting for the fireworks display, they were eating pizza on the hood of their car when a "you know what" appeared and drove them into the car, minus the pizza which was promptly inhaled.

The cruise ship just went under the bridge abou 12:10 pm. I
knew it was coming and quickly ran to the third floor and got
this shot.

I recall a 'view-finder' placed on that concrete slab in
front of the people in the second of today's
photographs. As kids, we looked through it and
searched for oreboats on the Big Lake.

Hey Daryl - Great shot!

Daryl-
Nice job!

What was the story again about the cruise ship? And why is it in Houghton?

finngal fl

Check the earlier Gazette, they're now planning two stops a season, with passingers getting off and going to the Quincy for a day tour.

Horay for the Qunicy, I'd love to know how many people are on board.

i like this place, it feels like we are all are in the same community, though miles apart. keep up the good work

There is a dirt road to the Copper Harbor Lighthouse but it runs through private property and is closed to the public. The electric power co. uses it maintain power to the lighthouse.

Does anyone know the name of a Bed and Breakfast in Laurium that has the word Rose in it? Any information would be helpful.

Daryl,
Great Shot!
No matter how many times I watch the bridge, I never seem to get a great view as you have done.
Thanks for the picture,
Cindy

Coming up in less than a week. Is the McDonalds still there in houghton? We take our kids for a boat ride every year, to McDonalds and then to Lyndel's in Lake Linden. Hopefully the weather warms up a bit.

they moved mcdonald's up the hill unfortunatley

to Mike, Howell:
McDonald's moved out of downtown Houghton up to the M-26 corridor by WalMart. Technically I guess it would still be Houghton but dfferent physical address.

there is the laurium manor inn, the victorian hall, the laurium lace, ....

Nice picture Daryl. Where did you take the picture from, your office? If so,you sure have a great view! It looks like a beautiful day up there.

Norma, your supposed to being working, not surfing pasty.com!

Just got a E/mail from my brither in law at Big Betsey camp and it was 85 F and the f is for flies. Wis I was still up there, maybe in sept I can sneak another 10 days.

Sharon Smith, did you have to take down your bird feeder because of "your" baby bear? Did you wind up calling the DNR? Please fill us in.

Chuck, I am working, just multi-tasking and in vacation mode already. :)

You may now order Copper Country Homecoming and Old
Settler's Ball 2004 books at:
Pasty Softwear

Can't see any people on the cruise ship. Maybe we aren't close enough. I'd surely be out on deck looking at the beautiful scenery and smelling that clean air! (Even if it was chilly.)

Oh my goodness. Since I generally don't go to Micky D's, I didn't even know when I was just there that it had moved. I've told so many people about how it is the best McDonalds. The stained glass, the "copper" table tops. Anyone know why it moved? What's there now?

We used to take a boat ride to the Ambassador. My gosh am I hungry for a sub and pizza from there right now. To bad they aren't a chain. LOL

To Kathi-Ferndale. You can go to "View From a Field" and read Sharon's journal and she explaines that she did indeed have to take it down because of the bear.

I remember looking down at the harbor below, with my mom, at that same spot. All the trees were dressed in their finest colors, as we were there in the fall.

Very nice picture of the ship! I never tire of seeing pictures of the bridge, however one things has bothered me for years. I was very disapointed when they painted it Blue. Was that shade of blue on sale, is that what the community voted on or is there a bigger story I'm not aware of? It can be distracting.....I try to take black/white photographs when I use the bridge as a focal point.

I always notice how much everybody talks (writes) about their trip up to the U.P. It is really funny how NOBODY talks about the trip back home. Most people must feel just like I do sad and depressed when it comes time to leave. I guess I am kinda lucky I can always just find a load for my truck that brings me to the area. But it is always too hard to reload and head back to the United States. Just left Friday headed for Boston, already looking for next load into area. Hope everyone is having a great day. Wish I could have seen the tour boat under the bridge in person.

H from Oklahoma

Your right about that, I always hate to say goodby to my family and travel south, the trip home is depressing and the the thought of going back to work is worst, living in Florida you do get tired of the hot and sunny weather everyday, look forward to a rainy day.

Gee, I wonder where H from Oklahoma thinks the UP is? Last time I looked it belonged in Michigan....is that part of the US? Just kidding, we know what you mean. Yes, it appears we have all the traffic, hustle and bustle while those folks enjoy peace and quiet, right? The photos were great today. Thanks for sharing with us.

maija, MI:
when the McDondalds moved, they brought along with them the stained glass windows and the copper coutertops. the new one is better than the old i think. I dont think there is anything in the old building at the time.

Slyvania Tract:
In defense of our great Rusty Hellman, I find it hard to believe he was ever asking for more roads in the Tract. Because he knew, Slyvania was not a wilderness when some bureaucrats declared it such. It was covered by roads and old summer homes of the very rich. The roads are still there, but the government burnt down the homes in an atttempt to make a wilderness. Man cannot make a wilderness in their lifetime.

Neat pictures! Just got called to supper. We are having Stillwater's Pastys. Eat your hearts out!

Bek Wi, I think the bridge looks great painted blue. If you dont like it just close your eyes when and if you cross it. If it were some other color someone else would complain. I like the blue.

H-

I cried before I even left because I knew I had to get on that plane and leave the U.P.!!! I spent 2 great weeks up there recently. Got to tour the Quincy mine for the 1st time ever! My Aunt left us a wonderful memoir in writting of our family history including the fact that great grandfather and his brother worked there in the early 1900's. The weather was terrific, except one day at Copper Harbor when it was like 43 deg!! I would love to move back, but its just not that simple or we'd all be there! I am very thankful for this site that helps me through the lonliness for HOME!

check this...its the cruise line site...full description of the ship.
Full details of the cruise...
Pretty expensinve
http://www.accl-smallships.com/Cruise_Details.cfm?Cruise_ID=16

Is there an outlet up there that carries PastySoftware? I would love one of those watches. Do you have custom copper jewelry and good things?

I checked out the cruise details. It sounds like a wonderful itinerary! Now all I have to do is get over my fear of open water! LOL :)

smn/clearwater I started to explain that remark, but I thought just maybe everyone would realize what I meant. I guess not. I have always thought of The U.P. as HEAVEN. Yes I know that it is part of Michigan and also part of The United States of America. Don't be so thin skinned.

shelly yes I knew you had been in the U.P. I seem to remember the states that people are from when they write here and I remembered you saying that you had just got back. Please don't tell anyone, but I get a little emotional when it comes time to leave. My first trip ever was in June. I have been back several times since. Like I said everytime that I can get a load up there. Last time I loaded in Houston. I got to spend 2 days there last week, and when it was time to leave. It was so very hard to get across the bridge. It does get a little easier with each time, but not much.

H from Oklahoma. I knew what you meant. I was just pulling your chain. I just wanted to tease you some. Have a great evening.

OK You have a good evening too.

H from Oklahoma
Schnieder Trucking ,one of the largest independents in the U.s. is headquartered in Green Bay/Ashwabenon Wi.Move and you would be only 1 hour from the gates of heaven ..the U P .Or 4 and a half hours from Houghton.Of course they would probably send you south a lot too.

Good thought but I own my truck and trailer and the name on the door is mine. I pretty much go where I want when I want. It would be hard to work for anybody else. Some days I can't stand to work for myself. Next time i head up i will post here and you guys can maybe see me cruising around the area from the bridge north. Some of you probably already have. I drive a fadedd red almost pink Peterbilt. Please wave and say hi if you see me.

H from Oklahoma. What's the name on the door? Keep up the good work. If it weren't for folks like you, folks like me would go without a whole lot. Be sure to wave when you cross over the bridge.....

STATE CENTER EXPRESS JONES,OKLAHOMA

To all emotional leavers,

My wife and I only discovered the Keweenaw a few years ago, and now are fortunate enough to own a year-round home. When I say fortunate, neither of us had family, or friends in the area, nor did we attend MTU. We will be there 24/7 beginning October 1.

Every return trip south, we're depressed and drag our feet inventing things to doddle over for just an hour more .... We left yesterday, and already are anxious for our return.

Of course, the "new family" that has adopted us with open arms has NOTHING to do with it ....

Just to let you guys know, I got a bunch of e-mails with attachments in my inbox today. The attachment is a virus or something that acts like one.
The subject line is Re: and all the attachments were called something like MP3 player.exe or MP3 music.exe or something similar.
All the e-mails came from addresses I see on Pasty.com.
I know this isn't intentional and it doesn't bother me because my computer catches this stuff before it does any damage to me.
I apologize if some of you guys got some from me (norcim@aol.com) in the same way.
Please check your stuff and hopefully nobody has anything bad happen to them from this.

Jack, the activity you describe is known as "spoofing". If you look at the source of the message you will see it is NOT from the mailserver of the "sender", but rather has a name tacked on from the infected computer's address book. This is done to obscure the true source of the virus.

Pasty.NET was one of the first nationawide ISP's to feature server-side virus protection. This means that Pasty.NET members are protected from sending or receiving viruses (folks with @pasty.com or @pasty.net or any of the approx 300 domains we host: @vollwerth.com, @quincymine.com, etc.)

Pasty.NET is available via a local phone call in thousands of locations around the U.S. If you had been using Pasty.NET, you probably would not have received those viruses in your Inbox.

One year from now, we'll be almost ready for our permanent move to Keweenaw County. It's going to be a lonnngggg year! When returning from the last trip in April, my guy said, "Are you o.k.? You seem kind of quiet today." "That's because the car is pointed in the wrong direction," I replied. In the meantime, I work and search for special things for the new house - bought the towel ring and t. paper holder for the powder room over the weekend. Four more days of work until the next trip!!!

Yooper-To-Be in 2005, from Anon, Yooper to be in third Qtr. 2004.

Good on ya for pre-selecting your towel ring and tp holder. We took possession this January and I just installed the "back ordered" made in China tp ring this weekend. Hint - tp roll on the floor is a small price to pay for utopia.

Sharon Smith contacted the DNR and was told to not put her bird feeders out until tomorrow. Hopefully the baby bear is gone. Check out her nightly journal entry at www.viewfromthefield.com .
Delightful to read her experiences on the shores of Copper Harbor!

My husband and I watched the Grande Mariner pull out of Houghton this evening...there was only one person on the deck...at least on the Houghton side....and no one in any of the windows. It seemed so strange as it is a gorgeous evening....

Well all I am going in for hip replacement surgery on wednesday, please pray for me as this is my first surgery and let it be known that if I die due to this my sister is to get all that i own and owe and that I wish to be placed in the lake view cemtery. sorry about any spelling errors as my mind is 20 miles away right now with what can go wrong.

Hmm.. I know that feeling. Leaving the U.P.
for the last time at the end of the summer is
always a tearjerker. Saying goodbye to the
camp, sauna, to family and friends is hard
(though family members communicate all
year round).Passing my summer church is
difficult, passing Marquette Harbor is equally
bad, saying goodbye to the Big Lake in
Munising is horrible, and depending how we
drive back to Toronto, the rest of the trip has
difficult moments. If we go via the Mackinac
Bridge, I cry as its spires disappear in my
back window. If we leave via the Soo, I am
desolate. Saying goodbye to my beloved U,P,
Lake Superior, my home state and my country
breaks my heart every time. Sometimes I play
songs by White Water as I"m
leaving--especially the "Soo Line" and
"Keweenaw Light" (my family is resigned to
my sentimentality) and console myself
knowing that I have juustoa, pasties, whitefish,
trout, Trenary toast, Maltex, nissua,and
thimbleberry jam on board. We Finlanders
are something, hey? I haven't even taken my
vacation yet, but already I'm worried about
leaving...special people in a special place.

Found out the old beach at MClain state park is still there and still as it was during the late 60's it is where the enterance use to be about a mile down the road from where it is now, the beach did not dissaper from erosion it is where the expensive cabin rentals are now so if you wondered what happend to it go look and I bet you will find what you are loooking for.

Yooper Willie-

You heard right. Mama Bear and baby showed up last year. Here are two photos I have of that day.

I'm sure all the pasty cammers will be praying for Darrell Wednesday, and everything will go well!

That is a photo of the dnr officers firing some shots to scare the bears away. It worked!

Darrell, I'm like you -- I don't like surgery one bit, but I know people who have had knee or hip replacements, and they say it is WONDERFUL! I bet you'll breeze through and be up and going in no time! Good luck!

The DNR folks remind me of the 4th of July we came to this spot to watch the fireworks, and were visited by one of those bears. A lot of noisy people (and maybe a few fireworks) sent it back into the woods.

Wow Charlie, once again a wonderful picture!

Darrell, you'll be just fine. If you take all the risks they list on the consent forms too seriously, you'll drive yourself crazy. Keep in mind all that is just to protect the medical community from frivolous lawsuits. Try not to worry.

Well if I dont make it the marker will read Born July 21st 1960 - Died July 21st 2004.

If someone sees a blue tote lid on U.S. 2 or M- 77, please pick it up and email me!!!! I would appreciate it. I was going North bound

Darrell Oinas...you will be fine! Thousands of surgeries done every day and you'll be back in your room before you know it. I felt the same way but when it came down to it, it was over before I knew it. My trouble ,as a retired LPN I knew just enough to be spooked. Just remember to follow dr.'s directions and do the therpy as told. You'll be so glad when it feels better later. Good luck & I'll pray for you.

Charlie....WOW...thanks

Well, this is my first visit to your website and my very first ever comment when visiting any website. (As you have probably guessed ... I am NO computer geek!)
Loved the pictures (once they weren't turned upside down anymore).
Am married to die hard Yooper who was actually born in Montreal, Canada and made his way to UP via, New Brunswick,Canada, Connecticutt, Mississippi, and California ... but says that the UP is home!
We get up to the UP at least once a year and most of the time twice, always staying at least two weeks and one time, seven. Will be heading up that way sometime in early August. Life is different up there for sure. The cabin has no TV and only gets two radio stations ... and one of those is in MN! Although I am from lower MI and really prefer it down here ... There certainly are some wonderful views, sites, PIES, (not a pasty lover) berries, and people. And the stars at night ... only place that even comes close is Everglades National Park on a clear night!
For all of you who are moving to the UP how are you planning on surviving the winters? ... Been there in January ... won't be returning that time of year any time soon ... Couldn't handle the snowbanks over my head and I'm nearly 6 feet tall! And what about those horrible black flies and mosquitos in the summer? Husband owns property in Western UP, but I can't make myself move there.
Personally, I'm just glad to be back in MI.
Spent too many months (Dec. thru early June) in South Central Florida ... that place is way too hot after mid-April! Talk about having no fresh air!
Good luck on your surgery, Darrell. I'm sure that it will be successful, and once you are up and about again, you'll wonder why it took you so long to do it in the first place!

Darrell,

I am at work right now reading your message. I work in a CVICU, but previously I have worked in orthopedic surgery. I will be thinking of you and wishing you the best. Hopefully you will have all of your physcial therapy done before the first snow flakes fly. Then you can enjoy your new hip in the famous Michigan snow. I always think that it is better to rehab in the summer months than to go through it in the winter months with snow and ice. Then there is always a chance of injuring the new part on the ice. NO FUN.

Take care and have the nurses help you celebrate your birthday! In the hospital or not, it is still your birthday. Tell them, that this nurse from Iowa said to help you out in your celebration, hip replacement or not! I know they will gladly assist!

Cindy

ert,GA: Yes I went all the way around the lake. I was with the Wolf's Head Circle Tour which started at Two Harbors, MN, 2 groups, each about 100 bikes, a day apart. I live about 1000 mi. from the starting point and it's 1300 mi. around the lake, I did over 3400 miles in 9 days. Great trip, I recommend it to anybody.

ric, wi; Strawberries are wonderful this year,and looks like there are going to be lots of blueberries, also. Am seeing thimbleberry blossoms,too; thimbleberries are making a great recovery from the wasp that did so much damage a few years back.