The U.P. is a great location to get away from the oppressive heat our country is experiencing. My heart goes out to all those affected by this continued heat pattern.
Dave and I decided to return to a location we visited during the Great Loop – Fayette Historic State Park. It is on the southern side of the U.P., on Big Bay de Noc (adjacent to Lake Michigan). The State of Michigan bought the land in 1959 and partially restored what once was a bustling industrial community, manufacturing charcoal pig iron from 1867 to 1891. The building housing the furnace is the largest structure on the site with many other buildings that were in the community to tour. The area has lots of beaches for Murphy to swim to his hearts content and over 5 miles of hiking trails in beautiful beech and maple hardwood forests. On Murphy and my morning walks, we were greeted by deer. There was one that would just stand and stare; most would run away.
Nearby we visited the Kitch-iti-kipi or Big Spring. Over 10,000 gallons of water per minute erupts from the limestone rocks in the spring’s floor. The water temperature is a constant 45-degrees and is crystal clear. There is a self-propelled raft to view the spring and see large lake trout swimming around. Dave and I have visited lots of Florida springs, and this one is very cool (yep, pun intended, Florida’s springs stay at a constant 72-degrees).
Also nearby is the town of Manistique. This was another stop on the Great Loop for Slo Pace. I am convinced Murphy remembers these stops as with Fayette, he knew exactly where to go to swim.
We have arrived in Sault St. Marie, MI and will share more next week. Thanks for following along.
I saw lots of deer (but no Moose) Brenda, The U.P. is cool, eh? Dave, Can’t get enough swimming Murphy.