In-between Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie, on the Lake Superior coastline, at the end of M-77...you'll find Grand Marais - where 'Nature in Abundance' is their motto! Located in this 'Gem of the U.P.', is the Grand Marais Commercial Fishermen's Memorial, dedicated to the Great Lakes Commercial Fishermen, who went out on the Lakes to make a living, but especially to those who lost their lives out of the Grand Marais Harbor. Norm (Lampliter) Hettinger stopped by to pay tribute and give the Pasty Cam a glimpse. If you don't mind waiting for it to load, check out the larger version of the photo, where you'll be able to see the bronze mural a bit clearer. It depicts ten scenes from the life of commercial fishermen, plus a plate with the inscription: "They have seen the works of the Lord and his wonders in the deep". Somewhere on the memorial is a listing of the fishermen who were lost. I'm figuring that must be on the backside, facing the Big Lake.

First post of the day? Or at least the first post of the day from Cairo, Egypt. :-)

Good Morning from Missouri

Good Day All.

morning all. it's a bright sunny day here in Lapeer.

Good morning ;)

Good morning from Wixom. Wish I were in da U.P. Have a great weekend!

smf in troll land - I think there are a few of us in Wixom that wish we were in the UP!

LOL even when I'm up early you guys jump in first!

Good morning from the Keweenaw.

Came in to work when my wife came in, watched a beautiful sunrise while standing on the bridge
(walked from there to work) waiting for a sailboat
to pass underneath.

What a great way to start the day.

looks like bright sunny skies and high of 75 today.

I should be on the water by 4PM ;-)

Grand Marais is one of my favorite U.P. spots next to the Keweenaw. I had so much fun taking pictures of some very beautiful views there last summer. My favorite activity was a hike along the beach from the Hurricane River Campground to the AuSable Lighthouse. There are shipwrecks visible in the sand, gorgeous Lake Superior stones and boulders, beautiful views of the lake, and a magnificent lighthouse tower that we were luckily able to climb because the ranger happened to be there. I also enjoyed the views of the Grand Sable Dunes and the peaceful Grand Sable Lake. It's a very worthwhile out-of-the-way trip.

Mornin' from West Texas!

Good morning again from Cairo. Just looking at the weather channel and missing the cool lake breezes. Yesterday I ventured into the desert to Al Fayoum, southwest of Cairo, there's a big lake but salt water. Temperature around 110F and what little breeze the lake offered was warm and moist. On the plus side, the mangos and dates are ripe and quite inexpensive at the farmers' roadside stand. Mangos were selling for 6 egyptian pounds per dozen. That's roughly $1 per dozen. Counting down to Friday August 13, when I'll be back in the US (en-shallah) God willing.

LOL Dave,

Its a beautiful 56 degrees here this morning,
With a wonderful cooling breeze.

Enjoy and have a safe trip home

Good morning to the UP from northern Indiana. What a wonderful monument. Everyone have a good day.

Good Morning, What is LOL? I see this so often and am curious.

LAUGHING OUT LOUD

Grand Marais is...I agree...one of the most beautiful places next to the Copper Country...in the whole U.P. I try to get there as often as possible! While you're there...try the malts at the little authentic 50's era diner....a very cool place!

Partime yooper, thanks, I never would've guessed that!!

My wife (my first wife soon to be my last) turned on the heat last night. Heat in August....That girl will never make a Yooper..........

Hey Dave in Cairo, why are you in Cairo?

that's a really great photo. My dad worked as a fisherman when I was young, The very first job I had was choking herring out of Big Traverse's with Curley Erikkila. Thanks for the picture. Steve

Morning all from the north shore of Rice Lake

Kathy, in Lansing

I am an Electrical Engineer Power Systems (MTU Class of '92) we are constructing three electrical substations for The Egyptian Electric Transmission Company on a USAID grant. Occasionally, I need to come for meetings, progress visits, etc.

BTW don't let the class of '92 throw you. I didn't start college until the tender age of 36.

Just returned from a week at Lake Gogebic. Shoulda had Bob Villa there to film our segment of "This Old Outhouse". My brother, brother-in-law and son replaced support structures, floor and roof on the ever popular Domicile of Dung. I tried to capture the drama with still shots, but a video crew would have been more fun. Biffy repair is all but a thing of the past.

Per the chitchats on this site over the summer, I picked up Joseph Heywood's The Snowfly, at the library and buried myself. Then this morning is the picture of Grand Marais Fisherman's memorial! Also have re-read Lady Unafraid and the book about Bishop Baraga (personal copies)...different ages...mine..
different insights...

A Finn proverb for the day

Oppia ikä kaikki......You are never too old to learn


A Finn word for the day

puuvessa......outdoor toilet

Found a good map site for planing your trip to gods country gives coords, aerial and topo info and I find it comes in handy for finding old trails that dont appear on regular maps, a aerial picture somtimes gives you more information if anyone is interisted. http://www.mapmart.com

Morning from Houston! I love these kinds of Memorials. Someone knows someone who is honored in this...there is always a cost for our benefit.

Have a great day! It's FRIDAY! YAHOO!

Grand Marais, the next best place to the Copper Country. Spent summers there at Woodland Park campground. Have wonderful memories from our numerous trips to GM. But now spend our free time back in the Keweenaw. Wish I could live between both places so it could be only a two hour drive in either direction. Maybe, just maybe........

Darrell: So nice to see you here again. Hope you are feeling well.
I so enjoy folks recommending books here on these pages. I have found many interesting avenues of reading this way.
Love the expression "Domicile of Dung" I will be sure to use it now and then with the guests. Should get a good laugh. Glad to see everyone is LOL'ing. Don't forget ROTFL ( rolling on the floor laughing )

speaking of grand marais i'm heading up there in just a few short hours for the night then shooting up to the keweenaw. what a beautiful place!

good morning all looks like a another great day
in the u.p.

hey jp in ga.only 7 more days til tirsty tursday

need to know flight times

cj: I always thought LOL meant "lots of love"

As today’s caption is “Remembering the fishermen.”, I have many fond memories of visits with my grandfather, Hank Aho, who lived in Lac LaBelle. I believe he fished with Vivian Nordstrom out of Bete Grise. I recently purchased a wonderful sketch of him, drawn by Judy Davis, at the Minnetonka in Copper Harbor. She also has some of his old fishing gear in the museum out back. Thanks to Vaalea for the Finnish proverb and word of the day. Does anyone know if there are any Finnish language teachers in Southeast Michigan?

Check out any mystery novel by Victoria Houston--they're set in Eagle River WI. Interesting to read her comments on tourists, etc.

Marsha/Aura: I waved to you from the pier in Jacobsville. Did you see me?

You keepen looken da purkolater sees never gonna go blup blup. Watched pot never boils. Hap Puttonen

Has anyone seen the new movie "A love of Time" yet? I heard it was filmed on Mackinaw Island.

(Don't confuse the older movie "Somewhere in Time")

Saw the article about it in Michigan Magazine.

Also, please list names of books with Michigan as the setting. Isn't there one about a Lady? I would love to have a collection of these kinds of books. I do have the childrens book about Sleeping Bear Dunes, and an old book on Michigan Legislation (more for the novelty than for reading).

Greta in Milwaukee, I had to laugh at your 'biffy repair'
story. A few years ago, I worked on urban archaeology
projects. We used the Sanborn Insurance fire maps and
zeroed in on where the old outhouses were, because
they were filled with Victorian artifacts. When a teacup
or plate was broken, folks back then simply threw it into
the hole! Strange, but true.

Yup, I've been watching for you for several days!

Hey everyone. Later than normal post today because I have the day off! Beacuse I'm packing up and getting ready to leave for Chassell in the morning! So I won't be posting next week, but when I get back my Gallery will be full of more Photos! Charging up the Digital Camera batteries right now.

We lave Grand Rapids at 3 am tommrow! Have a great week!

Mckenneyp....I'll merge on to the highway from Traverse City at about 5 am on my way to Curtis for the weekend....maybe I'll see ya!!! Wish I was going all the way up tho!!

Wow. I just found this site. Its great!
I just got back from the Soo area. Camping on Lake Superior. Would have stayed, but I have this darn job down here!! Oops, down here as in Wixom.

Shelly/Yankee in Texas:

Film 'A Love of Time' is still in production and scheduled for release in early 2005. I was on Mackinac Island in June, the film crews were just beginning to arrive. They had a great float in the Lilac Festival Parade.

Being a great fan of 'Somewhere in Time' I am awaiting this new film.

I am happy that all of you enjoyed my picture from Grand Marais. I agree that is a great place. One of my grandfathers cousins died in a storm while fishing out of there in the late 1800's.

Gee! I wonder why the bridge is down all the way? No one asked my permission! (Smirk).

Here is the url for the Finnish Center in Farmington Hills....

http://comnet.org/local/orgs/finnishcenterassn/

I do cheat and have to look things up, I don't know them :)

Shelly/Yankee in Texas:

They are still casting some parts.
Scheduled to shoot in September or October.
If you're interested, here's the website:
http://www.productionhub.com/casting_notices/description.asp?item=610

Good Luck

hello everybody sure do miss looking at this. computer is broken on a borrowed one now. i am happy to say that i have been spending a lot of time in the U.P. and across the portage bridge at that. Have been working on a U.P. girl to marry. got one on the hook now or does she have me? Not sure yet. hope everybody is having a good day.

Dave, Cairo--Thanks for the link about A Love of Time. It is very interesting. I have a collection of books on the UP. This one will be added.

Everyone have a great weekend.

Dave, Cairo

Thanks for the info on the movie. My absolute favorite movie is Somewhere in Time. I have the movie, the soundtrack, read the book, been to Mackinaw many times at the "Is it you"? spot, and have the key chain from the hotel, etc..
Kind of a fanatic about it all. Its the thought that you really can find that real soul mate, true love, even if you must dream them up, and then wait for them to be born in another time, and then have them "come back to you"...ahhh swoon. :)

Charlotte- What are some of the names of the books you have?

The UP is awesome, but I'm in San Jose, CA today and it's pretty awesome too...very different but awesome...In a McCafe now (McDonalds Internet Cafe)...won't find any of those in da UP.

SarahK.... WHERE in San Jose are you??? Are you here on business or visiting family or friends? Yes, it IS awesome here too. Wonderful weather, don't you think?

Shelly... I went to the Grand Hotel when I was on Mackinaw Island, but couldn't find the "is it you" spot. Wondering where it is (although I'm sure hard to explain right here) and that's okay, as I don't think we'll make it there this trip. But... one never knows!

Audrey-

The "Is it you" spot is on the bike trail along the Lake. You'd look for the 2 twisted trees and there is even a plaque there. I remember when my husband (X) went there, and we were riding a bike built for 2, I yelled "Hey, turn around, I think those are the "Is it you" trees, and he stopped, we went back, and sure enough...its pretty bad when you've watched the movie so many times, you recognize the trees in the movie!!! LOL :) They have a plaque stating that that is where Richard and Elise first met.

Hi Greta
That sounds like John,Mick and Jamie. I was wondering if that was a project John was saving for us when we go UP in Sept. I am sure he will find something else for us to do.

Shelly… Oh my, now this is sounding familiar! I think maybe I WAS there… or maybe I’m confusing your description with seeing the movie (which I’ve seen a number of times, I too have the movie and soundtrack). My mom was a HUGE fan of the movie too, and when I arrived at the Grand Hotel, I called her from The Porch and told her where I was! That was very exciting! Anyway, don’t know for sure if I was there or not. Hmm…

I have never stayed at the Grand, but it is one of my goals. To sit on that porch and drink lemonade and not have to leave at 6:00pm, but stay as long as I like.

Yeah, that would be nice, but it is awfully expensive. Maybe when I win the lotto! Did they charge you $10 just to roam the grounds?

GEE H form Oklahoma
you work quick you dog..GOOD for you !!Keep us informed!

Audrey in San Jose

I'm in the McCafe right now...just did a software demonstration on the internet here...My aunt lives on the Stanford campus but still has dial up, kinda like a yupper! She could care less...I think they are getting tired of me here at this restaurant, been here almost two hours....ugh.

saw a leech the other day that had a woodtick riding on it

Shelly,
Maybe this time I'll get this done right. Third time is a charm, right? I have so many books that I will just list a few here. All of Steve Hamilton's except his latest, a series called Mackinac Passage by Robert A. Lytle (these are preteen/early teen but I enjoyed them and will give them to my grandchildren to read when they are old enough), The Loon Feather by Iola Fuller, A Superior Land, 4 or 5 by Jerry Harju, Sarabeth of the Snow County by Ruby Lundy and lots on the straits area and Mackinac Island. I've never been father west than Big Bay so my collection reflects that. Some day I'll get to the far west.
I've always loved to read about the places I love to visit. My job is perfect for me---I'm a media clerk at Mishawaka High School. Will be starting my 18th year in a couple of weeks.

Charlotte-

Thank you for taking the time to jot those titles and authors down for me!

Audrey: Want to meet me here for breakfast tomorrow? Two Yupper Lovers in McCafe in San Jose CA? But I'm still on EST zone, so it's gonna be early for you, 7:00 ish? AM? See you here if you want to....

Shelly,

Glad to do it. Hope you get to read some of them.

SarahK... that would be fun, however, we're going up to Cloverdale for the wknd tonight to visit friends so won't be around. Where is the McCafe anyway? Is there only one? I'm assuming it's at a McDonalds. Where in MI are you from?

McCafe is on El Camino Real next to "The Fish Market"...yes, it's a McDonalds, there are only two in CA they said and only a few in the states, several in Italy, go figure. sorry I'll miss you, I'll be back here next weekend. I'll be in Santa Rosa for conferences during the week. (Sorry to the other pasty.cam people for emailing this way but it's fun to make a friend on this site and Audrey didn't have a click on link to email her privately)

SarahK, I just emailed you (so we won't bore people any longer) :-)

Fish Market - last time there the food was great. Any fish / seafood better around SV or east bay?

Thanks all of you for the book list...I have them on the very top of my summer reading list !!!!!

Have been to Mackinaw Island for our honeymoon over twenty years ago now. It was at the end of the season - and snowing as we left. We didn't stay at the Grand but another hotel on the island and at that time it was free to stand on the porch. Somewhere in Time has always been a favorite movie of mine. I have a question to throw out to everyone out there though- what is the gas price up in the UP? Leaving very early Monday morning for Eagle Harbor and curious. Thanks

I paid $1.97 for regular in Houghton today

BTW: Hwy 41 on Quincy Hill was under construction today and I was at a dead stop for 45 minutes waiting for my lane of trafic to go through the flagman. About a one mile stretch is one lane past the steam hoist. Take the Lake Linden Route ( 26 ) if you can. Also construction delays at the south end of Portage bridge. Very slow and single-laned, but moving. You have to go down the main drag of Houghton to get onto the bridge heading north.

camwatcher... I'm hoping when we're up there in a few weeks, we don't have to sit in traffic! Sure get our fair share out here in CA!

Ahhh...but in the UP, even the detours are enjoyable !

Funny!

Ya won't believe this but it's true. I stayed a night at the Grand Hotel back in the late 70's and paid only $39.00 for the night! No meals but still a wonderful off season (September) experience that I will never forget. Don't think they even offer the "European plan" any more. Too bad as many of us would love to go there for a half way decent price during the off seasons.

Their loss though as now many drive through the "city" and on up to the UP instead. That includes me.

Great memorial in a gorgeous place! Thanks for sharing the photo.

H from Oklahoma. Wow, no wonder we haven't heard from you in a couple of weeks. Better get that computer fixed so we all can get invited to the wedding or at least hear about it. Glad you are safe and sound anyway.

Don from Waterford, I didn't mean to leave you out yesterday. When are you heading north? We hope to be there in a couple of weeks. Have a great trip and save some berries for us.

H from Oklahoma..was that you I saw driving down the BootJack Road recently???

Karen...I am thinking about heading up there some-
time between the l6th and the 20th. Thats only if
I don't get out of town company. So you probably
will be hitting the blueberry patches before me.
Watch out for those Cougars and wild Black Bear.

Heading up to Mackinac Island Sunday morning. Staying in Mackinac City and just doing a day trip to the Island. Checked the internet for accomidations and couldn't believe the rates to stay on the Island. Grand Hotel rooms "start" at $350.00 for one night. Even the other hotels on the Island are costly. Lowest rate I found was $250.00, and that's for a Sunday night!!! How things change in 30 years, hey Patt!!!

Will be rolling through Calumet at 10am tomorrow morning and can't wait. Hope the thimbleberrie's are ripe for pickin'! Then heading towards Lake Medora. See you soon! Great going back to God's country...

Don, we are flying up from the Sunshine State into Flint and then driving north. Will be down in your area toward the end of the vacation. We have those gators, so who's afraid of black bear and cougar? Just kidding......I run when I see a baby snake. (It will be nice to get out of the hot weather for a short time!)

Camwatcher you are exagerating a great deal about that long of a delay. "...and I was at a dead stop for 45 minutes waiting for my lane of trafic to go through the flagman." Don't ask me how I know there was this long of a delay, but I know there was never this long of a delay today on the hill.

People tend to "stretch the truth" all the time about delays during road construction.
Sometimes it may feel like 45 minutes, but i'll gaurantee you, there was no waiting longer than 10 to 20 minutes max

Karen; Here I figured you were from the Wixom,
Commerce area. The Sunshine State is so much fur-
ther. It should be a real nice change for you to
leave the heat and crocadiles. Bishop Airport in
Flint is a great place to land. Not so much con-
gestion there than at the Detroit Metro. What
connections do you have in the U.P.? Family?
Friends? Or other roots?

Good idea Audrey in SanJose-This sight sure isn't what it used to be.

Dan from Milwaukee---yes, the thimbleberries are ripe!!! I picked for the second time tonight...the best patches sure are in hard to reach places but I got some beauties!!!!! The jam will be made tomorrow after work....Yum, yum!!

ROAD REPAIR; CORNER OF PINE/US 41 CALUMET---GO ONE BLOCK OVER TO AVOID.

The car's packed, the house cleaned, the garden watered, paper stopped, mail -- darn, forgot that one! Anyway I will be heading over the big bridge and into the UP early tomorrow morning for a family reunion at Sixteen Mile Lake near Munising. Funny, we all grew up near Detroit and live all over from Chicago to Harbor Springs to Maryland, but our family reunion will be in the U.P. No one has ever accused us of not having fine taste!

Coming from Mpls in 24 hrs! It's finally here! Anyone know of any major road construction Turtle Lake, Wi and the Hayward route? Glad to know about 41 in Hancock. Thanks for a wealth of
information here. Really appreciate it! Thanks!
I'm usually the last post- a real nite owl!

Thanks, Dave in Cairo and Vaalea...

I am a 3rd generation finn in the UP, and a returning MTU student, am 33 and will graduate in a year... (class of 2005?? wow) Thanks Dave, for giving me hope, and thanks Vaalea for the finnish proverb... pasty.com rocks!!!

Oppia ikä kaikki,

Kevin

Voi Kauhia! I am a third generation finn from the Up, living in San Jose and just returned back to college. Today I finnished my first week. I am a student, xx years old and will graduate when I'm have completed my schooling. Didn't take Dave to motivate me, I did it on my own.

downstate don...my family is in Milford/Highland area. I shoveled many a load of that great white stuff. The winter of 78 was way too much for me, so I packed up and moved on. Yes, it will be nice to visit the area and cool off a bit. What area are you from originally?

I stayed at the Grand Hotel twice in one year...there is a special rate in early summer and late fall. When we were there the rate included three fantastic meals for two. Dinner was served by elegent waiters and a full orchestra played throughout dinner in the elegant dinning room. A violinist performed while brandy and coffee were served after dinner in the foyer and on the porch. It was an experience thet I will always tresure long after the money was spent. Go for it....

Good morning! Its a beautiful morning here in Mishawaka IN. Looks like a beautiful morning in the UP also. By the way this is a great site. Its my picture window to the UP. Thank you everyone who contributes.

Good Morning from Hot and Sunny Cairo. Temperature 103F.

We spent some time in Lake Worth, Florida and were surprized by the huge number of Finns in the area. We stayed in a motel owned by Finns and all the workers only spoke Finnish....we went on a bus trip to Key West with a corale group that arrived from Finland while we were there. We were the only ones on the bus who spoke English.....the group sang Finnish songs...it was delightful. My husband was half Finn so he really enjoyed the experience. Lake Worth had dances at their Finn-Hall on Saturday nights. It was just like the UP only warmer in the winter.

PFD...
about that thimbleberry jam,
Just remember to share with your sister!

:)