Every city in every state owes its existence to a resource discovery and economic boom. Mining and timber attracted prospectors, investors, and hordes of eager workers and their families to the Upper Peninsula.  Most were migrants from European countries. When copper was discovered on the Keweenaw in the early 1800’s, experienced miners from Cornwall were first to arrive. The mines in Cornwall had played out and they were looking for new opportunities. 

We arrived at the Quincey Mine mid-afternoon for a 2-hour tour deep below the surface north of Hancock, Michigan. 

During the early years of copper mine, the Keweenaw, work was done solely by hand and explosives. Using all their own equipment, men worked for $1 per day, pounding holes into the rock walls. Explosives were then placed and detonated, and men loaded the copper ore chunks into heavy iron carts to the surface. Later on, as modern technology added power drills (watch the video), fewer men were needed, and more deadly dust was created. You’ll have to visit to learn the whole story

Next, we headed up to Copper Harbor. Even pulling a trailer, I enjoyed the drive over a curvy, rolling highway. Kathy and Jim hosted a yummy dinner at their campsite. We spent the evening getting settled in and planning the next days outings.  In the morning we explored the  Mary McDonald Nature Preserve out near the end of the peninsula, poked around town, explored the fort, and looked for agates.  Our stomachs led us next to the Harbor Haus restaurant. German food, yum!  We thoroughly enjoyed the setting and the food. Halfway through our meal the ferry from Isle Royale National Park glided into the harbor and past the restaurant.  The entire waitstaff went out to greet the weary travelers with a rousing line dance and song. (see the short video)

After dinner we headed up along Brockway Mountain drive to catch the sunset over Lake Superior. Truly one of the most stunning places to watch the sun set. The forest fire smoke did not ruin the sunset, it made it unique. 

“The Jampot sold its first jar of Poorrock Abbey™ preserves, made from wild berries picked near our shop, in 1986. Since that time, we’ve been selling our wild berry preserves and other gourmet jams and jellies to customers from around the world. As the years progressed, we’ve added moist and flavorful fruitcakes, scrumptious muffins and cookies, handmade chocolates and candies, tasty pancake and fruit-and-nut mixes, and speciality grade coffees to our offerings. All of our products are made with the finest local, regional, and organic ingredients we can find.

Our storefront is open seasonally Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, from May though mid-October.  The Jampot is located near Jacob’s Falls, three mile east of Eagle River and five miles west of Eagle Harbor on Scenic Highway M26 in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula.

Proceeds from the Jampot, support the vision and works of Holy Protection Monastery, a Byzantine Catholic Monastery.  Learn more by visiting our website societystjohn.com “

 

We have now, and understand why people kept asking that question. Because of outside events beyond our control we spend only one night at the Presque Isle River campground. We made the best of it, and it was awesome. 

“At roughly 60,000 acres, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Michigan’s largest state park and one of the few remaining large wilderness areas in the Midwest. It’s home to a 35,000-acre old-growth forest, roaring waterfalls, miles of rivers and streams, more than 90 miles of hiking trails, a modern and rustic campground, backcountry camping, the Lake Superior shoreline and unrivaled vistas.” MDNR