The Big Lake they call Gitchigumee

The upper peninsula of Michigan is comparable in size to the lower Peninsula as Alaska is to the lower 48. It is big up there! The western 3 counties are in the central time zone too. At the far western end, you are as far west as St. Louis.

For those that aren't fortunate enough to be from here, the residents of the lower Peninsula are called "Trolls" because we have to cross the bridge to get to the upper peninsula. There is some fairly tale like that.

Twill, the wife and I made that trip with friends a few years ago. The boat tour of Pictured Rocks was a real pleasure. Taquamenon Falls is a favorite also. We trolls and fudgies who live "down state" often forget this beautiful country just a few short hours north . . .

Here's a beach shot.

Woody, 4o yards to the east of the large cliff, there is a mile long beach that is nice for swimming, IF you have a wet suit on. Even when it is 85 degrees in the summer, that lake is not much more than 50 degrees. That little river or creek that forms the water fall runs into the lake about 100 yards from the cliff, and it is "warm" compared to the lake. You can swim in the mouth of that and it is not too bad. That is quite a place up there.

Scenic shoreline, for sure. But when I kayak, I like a nice beach I can swim to and flop on if I capsize. If I had to swim with a gear bag to break out climbing gear when I got to the shore, and then scale a cliff, I'd expect a race bike at the top to complete my triathalon.

I am trying to remember the name of the creek, but it flows into the lake right at the end of the beach right by the rocks. You can walk out to the end of the rocks, but if the waves are up, they will wash you away if you are not careful. Very pretty, and a very "tall" waters. that is one big lake.

Went there last Aug. OS. We were going to the Shipwreck museum, I caught wind of this place the day before we left and changed plans. Glad I did.

My 1st trip to the UP. Been wanting to go for a long time and see L. Superior.

After spending a lot of the boat tour taking pics, I found the picture book in the gift shop had all the same photos......I could've enjoyed more, instead of taking pics.

If we go back, I'll take the land route out and rent a kayak. There at least 100 people out there kayaking and a couple of nice beaches too

I'm a big fan of waterfalls too!

Now that is one small section of Lake Superior. Pictured rock national park. I have been out on the boat and it is very pretty: cold but pretty!