Touring in the  North Country

Porcupine Wilderness State Park

 

Potholes  and  Waterfalls
   
Potholes                                                                           Waterfalls

 The finely terraced rock over which the Presque Isle River flows is composed of sand and clay particles deposited in a shallow lake. The round potholes form where an eddy current continually swirls pebbles and sand grains in a circular path forming these large, smooth sided potholes.

 
In addition to hiking along both sides of the stream, many visitors enjoy the stream itself.

   
A gap carved by water                                             Photographer – Fisherman – Painter

 

North Country Trail

 

For a real hiking challenge try the North Country National Scenic Trail, a 4,600 mile adventure from New York to North Dakota. The trail crosses rugged mountains, rural landscapes, vast prairies and follows historic towpaths. Although, like the Appalachian Trail, we have hiked short, beautiful sections of this trail, we are not interested in the full challenge.

    
Along the North Country Trail

 

Exploring the Apostle Island in Lake Superior

The  Apostle Island National Lakeshore is comprised of 21 islands located at the northern tip of Wisconsin. In addition, on the mainland,  the Lakeshore Trail winds past cliffs and sea caves.
 

Departing from Bayfield, Wis, sightseeing cruises offer a glimpse of cliffs, beaches and historic lighthouses. Although the wind was strong when we departed causing for rough waters, the captain was able to venture to the farthest lighthouse at Devils Island.

    
Historic Manitou fish camp                                         Devils Island Light and Caves

   
Our campsite at Chippawa Indian Casino                                                             Caves for kayakers

 For more interesting information about Devils Island Lighthouse, see: 
https://www.nps.gov/apis/learn/historyculture/devils-light.htm

 

Due to the very rough water conditions for fishing in the Great Lakes, a unique type of enclosed boat is used.  The outboard motor is for much smaller boats.

    

Great Lakes fishing boat                                                   Seahorse Outboard Motor 1943

 

 Skiing in Wisconsin

One of the first ski area in North America opened in 1937 on Rib Mountain near Wausau, Wis. With six runs and a half-mile long T-bar, at the time, it was possibly the longest ski lift in the nation.

    
Hiking on Rib Mountain                                                                     Parking restrictions

 

Lighthouses

 Along Lake Superior, 200 active lighthouse along 11,000 miles of coastline have help protect the shipping lanes since the mid 1800s. Each has a unique and interesting history. All now have automated lights and continue to be closely monitored by the US Coast Guard.

    
Storm protected lighthouse                                                      Coast Guard Station

Click this link to go directly to our next posting
Return to HOME page