McClain State Park

Well here is yet another post. It's really hot here today. Supposed to get to 100 degrees tomorrow. This is the house where I'm staying with the ever growing garden. They just pulled up garlic plants the other day- 6 different kinds! Below are photos from McClain State Park. It is usually 10 degrees cooler up there. I was told today that the sand never used to be that dark grey color. Apparently, once the Mine across the way closed down, the coal somehow made it's way to the state park. Anyway- off for another ride at the Michigan Tech Trails. It's kids night so I'm helping set up a bit then go for a good ride.

I hate Canon!

So, remember i bought a brand new camera before i left for this venture? well, it decided to delete all my pictures that I took while in Marquette this weekend so you all can't see them. SORRY! but i can tell you that I had a great time at Art in the Park with Susan, Owen, and Owen's mother, Margaret. It was a beautiful day and i hiked out to the light house which got quite treacherous halfway through with big jagged rocks. I didnt' buy anything there...everything was quite expensive, but i chatted up photographer from Chicago who just returned from Ireland, so that was cool. It was Owen and Susan's wedding anniversary, so we all went to Red Lobster and devoured the cheesy biscuits and tasty seafood dishes! Then the cats got into the leftovers bag and had a feast of their own! At least they didnt' get into the cheesy biscuit bag, 'cause I would have been so ticked!

I rode for the first time on a mountain tandem bike on the Maato Hiito trails. It was scary at first, but I was told I did quite well. I saw some BEAUTIFUL country and bear doo-doo. That's all for now, but hopefully I'll have some more pics up this week for ya'll!

Hope everyone is doing well!

People

People can simply amaze you. I am amazed at the laid back, kind, and helpful individuals I have met up here. I have never felt so welcomed and appreciated by complete strangers. I am in awe. I just thought I would share my thought with you all.

Copper Harbor Music Festival

Northern Exposure Trail from Keweenaw Mountain Lodge heading toward Copper Harbor downtown area. This is a hiking/mountain biking trail. The puppy with me is Gromit, a border collie/black lab mix. She gave my arms quite the workout for being so small. The music festival was a blast; lots of bands playing anything from folk to jazz. It was a LONG day, but I had tons of fun. I'm planning on returning in a couple of weeks to go sea kayaking on Lake Superior with some people I have met up here.

Eagle Harbor Sunday

Waterfall in Eagle Harbor (top left), Host Family Owen and Susan (top right), Lake Superior from Eagle Harbor (bottom left), Eagle Harbor Lighthouse (bottom right). This was a fun trip out. We had a BBQ lunch which was so good at the house then headed up to Eagle Harbor for dinner with some of Owen and Susan's friends. I'm going to try to see the new Harry Potter movie this week, then try to head up to Copper Harbor for the weekend, depending on the weather. Ciao!

Out 'n' aboot!

This is Rosco, a hound and shepard mix. Mack is the other dog and Gus and Nicki are the two cats. I forgot how much i miss having a pet. I went out with my clinical instructor Sandy, and her husband to a friends place out in the woods for some good eats and good wine. It was nice meeting some new people. I'm going out for another mountain bike ride on monday...hopefully I'll be a bit better than last week. Apparently, I'm out of shape! I bought a membership to a local gym...a bit bigger than HealthStyles, so hopefully I will gain some strength and endurance. Well, I hope everyone is doing well. Miss you!

The Mighty Mac

The Mackinaw Bridge on the Mackinaw City side - This is how I spent 7/7/07. It was a hot drive up to St. Ignace and my forearm was sunburned! I enjoyed sleeping a REAL bed that night and treated myself the following morning to a wonderful breakfast compliments of Lorraine at the infamous Northern Lights restaurant in St. Ignance.

Lake Superior

Lake Superior on the West side of the Bunny Ear at Calumet Water Works Park. The water was crystal clear with quite a rocky terrain. The water didn't feel too cold... :) It was nice to have Monday off to explore a bit.

Portage lift bridge between Houghton-Hancock, MI.

Portage Lake/Canal taken from Houghton side.

Honorary yooper!

Well, i made it to Houghton on Sunday afternoon. My "host family" is very nice and fun to hang out with. They gave me a personal tour of the town Sunday evening and treated me to a nice dinner. Monday I headed out on my own since i didn't start my internship until Tuesday. I bummed around town and gathered some flyers for things to do while I'm here. I saw a posting for the Calumet Theatre in Calumet, where the Gaelic Storm will be performing, so i'm going to get tickets for Friday. Apparently they are very good.
I also drove north along the 203 (for those of you inclined to look on a map) and did a bit of hiking on the shoreline of Lake Superior. Lots of rocks and crystal clear water! I'm going to attempt to download the software on the computer here so i can show you all pictures, but probably not until this weekend.
Anyway- i'm having a blast so far and can't wait to show off pictures! Take care, eh!

Erin!