Back to my childhood and taking those Sunday drives again. This is one that we used to take with my Mom's cousin, Maco, who spent Sundays visiting with our family. Darrell Winkler captured a section of the awning of leaves that you drive through on your way out to Freda. It doesn't matter what season you drive through these trees standing guard along the road, the scenery is something to behold. Those trees remind me of playing London Bridge as a little girl, with the two lines of kids holding hands, forming an arch for the others to run under. Must be going through my second childhood with all these thoughts of Sunday drives and children's games... I'm wondering if those things are still alive and happening today?

Good Morning From Georgia!

Good morning from Mishawaka IN.

Good morning everyone

Mornin', was here with the butterfly at 6:30.

good am :)

been on that road a couple of times...it is an awesome drive

Good Morning from North Carolina. Headed north, to Big Bay, Mi in a couple of weeks. Yes, this scenery still exists and just seems to make life standstill while you're there. :-)

I didn't realize, until we vacationed in northern Michigan 2 years ago, how many of my childhood memories focused on dirt roads like this one. I found myself wanting to explore each one...took home a number of photographs similar to this. I can't wait to be there again!

Good morning from the Sunrise side. Another great picture... Hey Mary, how about a picture of you and Charlie, It would be nice to put a face to the persons who have dedicated so much time and effort into this beautiful website.
First day of school here.........

Beautiful picture of a beautiful area!

Is the restaurant still open in Freda?

I have been busy this morning printing some of my pictures from my trip to Copper Country last week, and I just finished printing a picture of almost the exact same scene just before I logged on. I loved those covered roads near Freda. Nice shot!
I'm getting my classroom ready for my fourth graders this week and I am putting up a bulletin board about "What I did on my summer vacation". Since I teach MI history and geography, it is, of course, going to be pictures of the U.P. The fact that our fourth grade pod is named after the Keweenaw Peninsula makes it even better. Anyway, I took a picture of many gorgeous scenes, but I thought the kids would enjoy seeing a picture of the school in Copper Harbor. Does anyone happen to know how many children are attending this school this year? We have almost 800 kids in grades Kindergarten through five at my school, so it would be interesting to compare.

Julie, it appeared that the restaurant was open in Freda, but we happened to be there on Wednesday when they are closed for the day.

Thanks Cindy!

Yes, seems that they opened Thursdays and then thru the weekend. Great place to stop for a sandwich or just dessert!

Freda was one of the places we didn't make it to when I was up there a few weeks ago. So it will go on the 'agenda' for next year. It's been several years since I have been along this stretch. Thanks for the Photo!

I'm a first time Kindergarten mom this year. I don't know the number of the whole school k-5, but my daughter's class is the largest Kindergarten class the school has seen in almost eight years.....100 kids. They hired a fourth teacher to keep the class size at 25 kids. I was glad to see my daughter's class has an aide to help out. School starts next Tues down here.

Last time we visted, I drove my wife to Freda thru covered drive. She wanted to stop and get out so we did. I stayed in the car, because I had gotten out once before. She was pounding on the locked door within seconds as the flies started treating her like an appetizer. Life is just so good sometimes.

Cindy,

Schoolbug.org lists the Grant Township school enrollment, K - 6, at 9 students. 2 boys and 7 girls, (lucky boys). 1 teacher.

Eric.

Took a Trail Ride at Loose Reins Riding Stables last night. It is located in Lake Linden. It was a beautiful and peaceful ride. The owner takes in rescued horses and uses the trail rides as a way to pay for their food and care so if you want a unique way to see nature this is a good way to do it.

This is the same covered road that leads to the Grego Farm. If you're in the area be sure to stop for a visit with the owners, my sister Linda and her husband Randy. Not only do they sell vegetables, wreaths, and dried flowers, but there you can pick up a copy of my book entitled "If You Ever Wondered - the Origin of the Keweenaw Peninsula." It's a fun book, kind of a spoof that describes how, when God created the world the majority of his work was experimental...when He finally perfected His Creation abilities His greatest work was the Keweenaw Peninsula...

Eric, thank you for the information on the enrollment this year. I hope I'm understanding this correctly. Copper Harbor School is called the Grant Township School? I am just beginning to upload some of my pictures from our trip, but I put one of the Copper Harbor School in my gallery (http://pasty.com/pcam/Melladie) in my Keweenaw Album. If you get a chance, would you mind checking to see if we are talking about the same school? I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

The Covered Road is beautiful year round--Spring shows off "Spring Beauties" and "Trout Lilies" spread in a carpet of pink and yellow. Fall brings a tunnel of multiple shades of yellow and brown with touches of red, but the most beautiful time is Winter with dark tree trunks shadowed in blues and greys against the white of the snowbanks making a sort of inverted tunnel. Years ago, the road was "renamed" the Arboreal Tunnel by Gazette reporter, Earl Gagnon, who delighted in the Victorian style of journalism. I prefer The Covered Road.

Good Morning from Apple Valley, Minnesota! Is Grandma's Pasties going to be at the Minnesota State Fair this year?

Thanks for posting my picture. We love that area and the UP but I wish I knew my way around better so I could find the spots that I see on everyday Pasty.com.

Sure would love to be driving down that road. Have a nice day!

The covered road to Frieda was once the roadbed for the railroad from Atlantic Mine to the stamp mills on the shore of Lake Superior. This is the same route that the school kids road the train every day to school and back.

Altho' formally termed the Scenic Arboreal Tunnel, everybody knows it as the Covered Road...
perhaps some are unaware that the roadway is actually an old railroad grade, dating back to the days of the mines at Atlantic Mine and the copper
ore being sent by rail to the stamp mill at Redridge. Question: when did the train quit running, and when was the Covered Road opened??

I grew up in the country and took walks on a road similar looking to this. I have always loved trees and this picture is my Wallpaper of the Day because it makes me feel like I did many years ago when I had times for such walks!

Is this "THE" covered road everyone is always talking about or is there more than one? I was thinking the covered road was somewhere on M26. I've only been to the Keweenaw once so I'd love some clarification for my next visit. Thanks

Ahh Covered Drive, a foliaged vestibule to the angler haven of the Salmon Trout River indeed. Kudos on the fine shot.

Wheatman

Where is "Freda"?? Is it on a map? Thank you......

still flyin,

I'd have liked to see what condition you were in when you opened the locks and your wife got ahold of you!

Hi Cindy,

Check out these sites for the Copper Harbor school. It is in Grant Township but it is called the Copper Harbor School. Peg Kauppi, owner of the Mariner North, is the president of the school board, and can be reached via email at pkauppi@pasty.net. Diane Trudgeon is the teacher, and is available at the school by phone (906-289-4447)

http://www.ccisd.k12.mi.us/ISD/Grant.htm
http://www.copperharbor.org/index.htm

GRANT TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS
Copper Harbor School
340 Gratiot Street
Copper Harbor, MI 49918
(906) 289-4447

This is an interview with Diane and two of her students:
http://miculturelink.h-net.msu.edu/radio/2000.html

Candy, thanks so much for the information. That is so interesting, and I know my fourth graders will just love hearing about the kids in Copper Harbor. I appreciate your help so much. Now I better get up to school to put my bulletin boards up.

Love that road........ just always pray that I don't meet any oncoming traffic with me driving a full size van. Awfullyyyyyyy Narrow........

Used to take that road once in a while to get to Obenhoff (sp?) when a teenager. Always was impressed with the beauty. Fall is just as nice as summer. I don't know about winter.

We just drove down this road last week on our way from Freda. Julie B. - yes, the Superior View Restaurant is open. Nice place, nice drive. Big John, Big Traverse - Thanks for the info, we'll have to try Loose Reins. Good day all!

While I don't remember seeing them, I've read that there was an almost parallel growth of apple trees along the sides of the roadbed, attributed to all the kids tossing their apple cores out of the train on their way to, and from, school.

I'll pay more attention when we drive out for colors this year.

Good morning from sunny Nevada. Wait a minute, it's already 11:50 on the Keweenaw; I got to get used to Pacific time ;-) In all the years I lived in the Keweenaw I only traveled the covered road twice, and both times I saw a bear. Not sure if it was the same bear greeting me but it was a very peaceful drive. Maybe I will get to drive down it this fall when I hopefully come back for a visit in October, if the leaves haven't dropped yet. I heard it's been mighty chilly for this time of year but don't feel sad. Last weekend in the Spring Mountains outside of Las Vegas there was SNOW on the highest peaks, what a treat!!!

This covered road was one of the "tours" that my parents would take us kids on every summer...that and up to Calumet and to Mohawk to see where my dad used to live. My mom grew up in Oscar, my dad in Mohawk.
When my sister got married we laughed because there was now someone new for my dad to take on the tours... My husband has not been able to make it up there yet, we've been married not quite two years.

Love those pics of the CC Mary, keep up the good work brings back many fond memories.

This is the first time posting here for me. I love browsing this site first thing every day to see the pictures. I was born and raised in the Copper Country!

I had to add "my two cents" today because I love the Covered Drive! We used to take this road every time we visited my great-grandparents in Freda and my mother would talk about how this same road used to be a railroad track. The train took my grandmother to school when they lived in Redridge.

Such fond memories! I always like taking a ride through here when I go "home". Thanks for this pic and all of the others, too. You people do a great job!

Cindy - I just looked through your gallery via your link. Your pictures are very nice!!

Happy birthday Mom....Betty Caryl in Clearwater Fl is 77 big ones today.....All the family and friends coming in to celebrate tonight....pizza and pineapple upsidedown cake....what a combo....but it's what she wants and she's the birthday girl....so, Mom, enjoy and have a great one!

Haven't seen a post from Dave in Laurium for a while. You still UP there?

Hi Mary and all you Yoopers. Just got back from a month in the U.P. We camped and visited friends and relatives and had a great time . It was great to be home even if we had to say Goodbye to Mom.....We even got to see Da Yoopers at the Calumet theatre. Mary Thank your Mom and all our cousins for the moral support while home... We love you all...And Mary we need to keep in touch, OK?

To The UP Dreamer Stuck in New Jersey: I am also from NJ, but I don't know if it really matters where you're from. I share your comment and thought about the childhood memories. I'm telling you... there is magic in the UP! I had to explore everything I could, and while I enjoyed being with my friends, around sunset, I needed to go out by myself in Mohawk and walk around by the sand piles at the DPW and just be alone and enjoy where I was. What a place... What memories...

Island Park, Idaho has snow on all the mountains surrounding the area...maybe that is why Spud digging started today (french fry type). Chippies (tater chips) started digging last week. Reds are being dug. Bakers will stay in ground for a while longer.
So, snowmobile season may come early in East Idaho.
So enjoy your summer weather if you still have it!
Hope to travel the Freda road in October.

Cindy, Thank you so much for all your wonderful pictures of HOME! I wasn't able to visit this year, so seeing familiar sights through your camera lens was wonderful!

Where in the world is Freda? How do you get there to find this Covered Road?

Freda is about a dozen miles as the crow flies westward from Houghton, via paved county roads....from M 26 in Houghton, follow the Houghton Canal Rd west and northwest approx 4 miles to Schmidt's Corner; turn straight west on the Liminga Road and stay on it all the way to the end at Freda (passing thru Redridge and Beacon Hill just before Freda....perhaps 10 miles or so on the Liminga Rd). The Covered Road is easily found by taking the same Houghton Canal Rd for about 2 miles west from M 26, turning straight west on the Coles Creek Road...after c. 5 miles, the C C Rd will lead straight on into the Covered Road; c. 5 miles further westward, the
Covered Road will end at the aforementioned Liminga Rd a mile before Redridge---in essence, an alternate route to Freda. Enjoy the ride....

The tree tunnel is lots more fun in early winter when the snowbanks are big and soft--you can't possibly go off the road.

To BEK in Fond Du Lac, 25 kids per class is too big! They should of hired two teachers and given them 20 each. My wife teaches 1st grade in Glen Ellyn. Anything more then 20 is a handful and she feels she's not giving them the attention they need

I grew up in Marquette, Mi. Love this website and all the wonderful pictures and memories they bring back for me. Keep it up!!!

Some of the happiest moments of my life were in the vicinity of this road. I live in Idaho too and miss the UP about this time of year when the Snake River Plain looks like someone put it in a toaster. Gotta love the green!

Jeff
I am glad your rich suburb of Chicago can afford 20 kids per teacher. But this is the U.P. and we are having a big problem with declining enrollment. The mines are closed, and the tax base in gone. There has been many consolidations, and it will only get worse.

Does anyone know if the Superior View Restaurant is up for sale? I know it was a few years ago and I considered possibly purchasing it at the time. Thanks for info anyone may have.

Another road to paradise. Great picture. Good
afternoon Yoopers and Trolls.

It's hard to hire teachers when there's just not enough of them to go around. We actually ended up pulling one from within the city from a school that could spare her.

We also used to call it the Green Road, which was apt during the summer months at least. To get a real appreciation, ride a bicycle. It's an easy ride. Being an old RR bed, the grade is hardly noticable. That way you'll experience the sounds and smells as well as the sights. There are occasional side pulloffs to allow vehicles to pass.

If school districts are unable to hire certifed teachers or
classified teachers' aides then ask the parents about
volunteering. Every minute spent with a child is
precious! And contact your state lawmakers- let them
hear your voice.

I would LOVE to volunteer. Unfortunetly, I have to work (part time) to support my kids dance lessons, gymnastics, girl scouts, pay the mortgage, car payment,light bill and still put food on the table and clothes on our backs. Change my work hours? No can do....my husband and I already work opposit shifts to keep the girls out of day care. Other than working opposit shifts, isn't this the situation of most families today?

It's another road to paradise. Real great picture.
Enjoy your evening Yoppers and Trolls.

Hey, bek, I hear you! It's hard because you feel like you should be there all the time, but unless you've struck gold somewhere, that isn't likely. Both parents have to work in most families, or their kids do without a lot. Schools aren't the only places that feel the loss of volunteers -- look at any hospital, anywhere. The Auxiliary organizations are dying out (literally) because young women have to work. Ditto Women's Clubs and other groups that used to provide volunteer service to civic groups. I applaud you for sacrificing your own time for your kids!

Just checked the bridge cam and the Tech web cams and saw misty rain and 66 degrees -- I am jealous! Like Lynn in Idaho, I miss the green -- there's not much here in the hills of Northern California, either. California "gold" doesn't just mean what's IN the ground, I found out -- it's what's ON the ground from June through October. And while it is beautiful, these Yooper eyes miss the green (and blue of the lake).

oh my goodness...those are the trees I remember from at night, they make it sooooo....dark.

As much as I love The Covered Road, here in Northern California (God's Country) we have the Avenue of Giants. You feel like Alice chasing the White Rabbit plunged down a tunnel into the heart of the redwoods. It is Awe Inspiring, our original Sky Scrapers. The Forest has 10 of the 16 tallest trees in the world. You feel like an ant as you walk along the top of an ancient fallen giant, that may also play host to new seedlings, that use the root system of the fallen tree. This area also has the Big Tree, 304 ft. height and a diameter of 21 feet. When you drive the Avenue of the Giants, the winding way forces you to slow down in more ways than one, as the serene, ancient forest imposes its Methuselean time scale upon you. The Avenue parallels the 21st century as much as it does Highway 101---taking you in roughly the same direction, but at its own pace.

What a nice forum you have here. I'm here in rainsoaked Seattle
and found this site while googling for information about Old
Apostolic Lutherans. Born in Minneapolis, I was a member as a
child and welcome those who would like information or
conversation to email me.

BTW, I haven't eaten a pasty for decades. Anyone willing to share
a recipe?

It is nice to see the old road, the memories of it in summer or winter. From Freda to town just a walk to school. I always liked it in the winter since the storms would close it last so I could make to work at Big Boy. Different from the dry of Wyoming, and the wet here in Skagit Valley. I almost feel home here but not quite, sorry I missed my families trip back there, but

Jim, Copper Country,
The railroad was pretty well done in when the Atlantic Mine was destroyed by air blasts in 1906. It was kept open several years longer while the Atlantic tried to open the section of the Baltic Lode it owned. Unfortunately there were no commercial values and The Atlantic was done. Copper Range took over and tried to lease the mill etc to other companies. Once the mill was scrapped, the railroad was removed. I don't know the exact year it was ceded to the county and became the covered road. The Atlantic Mine was a success story in its day, it made a profit on the lowest grade rock mined in the Copper Country. Unfortunately, this was relatively soft rock and The Atlantic fell victim to the advance system of mining that was the norm in the 19th century. Air blasts became more and more fequent until one summer week in 1906 a chain reaction of them colapsed the whole mine. Everyone got out. Quincy failed to heed the lesson and didn't convert to the retreat system until the 1920's which by then was too late for the Number 2 shaft where they made all the capital investments in the big hoist and surface plant.

Very sorry to hear about Dan, he had a great talent and was much too young.

Parts of US 41 between Mohawk and Lake Medora can pass for a covered road.

Good evening all...just found an article in Sun. Chicago Trib. about an organization called Michigan Nature •••'n. It says Keweenaw Co. is one of several that it hopes to help preserve natural acreage, eventually. Any one know anything about this?...Also I remember as a visiting child, driving along a paved highway somewhere up near Copper Harbor where all the trees curved over the highway like a canopy. Seems there was a big resort somewhere nearby.

Opps... heh, heh...Guess I used a "naughty" word accidently. Wanted "association" Sorry :)

Get out the soap!!!!

Katie- Keweenaw Mtn Lodge

Julie from Washington. Would like to further dis-
cuss the topic of ALC. How do I get in touch?

Is Mr.D still associated with the Freda restaurant? All CHS alumni, who knew Mr.D, would agree with me in saying he is a very special person.

Mr D was still there this summer when we went with the girls. How are your girls doing DM? You're right he's an ok guy.

The girls are doing great! School started 2 weeks ago already. 1st grade this year. The little one is starting to scoot around the floor. Say hello to Uncle D. :}

Downstate Don,
Just click on my name and send a note.

Julie, Washington: Check Past-E-Mail. Apparently
the topic of ALC was closed sometime ago and it
was asked that this website should not be used for
such purposes. Maybe it would be beneficial to
start our own.

Lynn in Idaho,
I loved your toaster description of our Snake River Plain!!!

My grandfather and his sibs used to ride the school train in
from Freda. He was born around 1908, so I think the train
ran until maybe 1920? He only went until 8th grade.

Downstate,
Whew, I read the emails on OALC and agree that this is not the
right forum for such a discussion. Hmmm, there OUGHT to be a
place on the web for folks to have a civil to-and-fro on the topic
I will work on that!) Meanwhile, you are welcome to email me
directly.
BTW, that photo above looks a lot like Bowen Island near
Vancouver BC where we vacationed this week. Gorgeous.

I can't believe that I recognized that road. I have only been up to the UP (Beacon Hill) twice and it was November both times. As soon as I saw that picture, I knew what it was. Hopefully I'll see you all this November.

Ahhhh...how many have driven that road at night? Years ago, my husband and I went with my sister- and brother-in-law on that road. We traveled it every evening while we were there to have coffee and homemade pie for $1. On the way back it was very dark, with just the headlights to keep us pn the road. Recycler and moneyman that he is, my husband stopped the car and got out to retrieve a bottle that someone had stuck on the end of a branch. As soon as he did, my bropther-in-law turned off the lights and locked the car! Spooky for all of us...reminding me of stories of "The Hook" (anyone remember THAT?!) A few years back, we returned to Freda, where we spoke with the people who ran the restaurant. He had taken over from his brother, who had recently died, and hoped to keep it going. Great place to be to feel time stand still.

Great to hear the story again Char, I tried to remember the details to tell friends and when I saw this picture I just about called you. Guess emailing works...see you soon