Switching to September Mode

Yesterday, around 6 pm, I walked down the main drag to tend to my garden.  Suddenly, I was stopped in my tracks.  I couldn't believe what I saw.

Or perhaps it was what I didn't see.

Cars and people.  Bikes and dogs.  Gone, gone, gone.  I could have stood on the yellow lines of U.S. Highway 41 without a passing car for quite sometime.  Even the parking lots were empty and sparse.  What a contrast from the weekend.

Labor Day Weekend.  The big shebang.  The final final for this little town.  And it's over.

Sunday, for the Bell's Beer Copper Harbor Trails Fest, I was in charge of (among many other things) hauling coolers, cups and tables to the aid station up at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge.  To accomplish such a task, I had to drive my car -- something no local wants to do on such a day.

Putting through town in second gear, I felt like I was in a parade.  Speed was slow, cars were bumper to bumper and kids were running across the road.  I just took deep breaths and enjoyed the chaos for what it was.

On the way back down, the cruisin' was pretty smooth until the last 1/4 mile before the blinking light.  Keweenaw County's sheriff's officers were orchestrating traffic as the racers crossed the highway there.  I was in no big hurry, so, once again, I just enjoyed the hubbub and watched the racers pedal vigorously.  

Once I parked my car in my driveway, I wiped my brow, grateful not to drive for the rest of the weekend.  My traveling from then on would be by foot... and my feet were sore by the end of it all.

Sunday's weather was surprisingly spectacular.  The sun dried some slick spots on the trails and kept people's spirits up throughout the day.  The event went well.  Again, a HUGE thank you goes out to our dozens of volunteers, donors, racers and everyone who helped make this event successful.  It's a big undertaking, but it seems to be worth it.

So now what do I do with myself?  Take a nap.

But first, I'll share a couple pics my hubby took of the downhill event.

Racer launching over The Flow

Crowds cheering on the riders

Did I take any pictures?  Nope.  I was too stressed out running here and there to make sure this and that were ready to go.  And I couldn't even reward myself with a Bell's Black Note Bourbon Barrel Stout.  I suppose the smell of it was rewarding enough.

Before I exit this topic, I should inform you that if you are interested in seeing more pictures and stats from this weekend, go to CopperHarborTrails.org or visit them on facebook.

So I'm not working full-time right now.  I have plenty of little jobs to keep me busy and lots of volunteer work to do, but I'm not "tied down" six days a week for 10 hours a day like usual.  You would think that I have plenty of time to pick berries.

Sadly, that is a farce.

Picking berries with a lead-filled basket ball on my tummy is no easy task.  I pretty much gave up at the end of July.  But here is the kicker: people look at me and say, "I can't believe the bilberries this year.  They are like nickels, and there's so many of them!"

Yeah, yeah rub it in.  My picking days are done for the summer.  I got what I could already.  And besides, the berries give me instant acid reflux.  But I eat them anyway.  Ah yes, life it is a-changin'.  But it's a good change, and I am excited for it.

Well, Happy September.  This month brings different clientele to the area: older couples, couples without kids and the like.  Table occupancy in the restaurants goes from a "party of 12, no wait, 11 and a booster seat" to "just the two of us... can we sit on the main floor?"  But nonetheless, the weekends will be busy.  Especially when the leaves turn more.

Color Report

I would say the Covered Drive is still only 1% color.  It's beautiful color too.  I'll let you know more as the weeks go by!

A Final Burst of Summer

Let me start by saying thank you to you sweet people who either commented or let me know some other way that you still appreciate my writing even though the bold adventures have slowed way down.  That really means a lot!

Okay.  Let me summarize this week chronologically, so I at least have somewhat of a thread.

Early last week my friend Natalie and I went to visit our trail-building men in Duluth.  Both unfamiliar (and slightly afraid) to travel into the actual city, we stuck to the outskirts and hiked the trails the boys were building.  We had to make our move between rain storms, but I guess that's just how it is there this summer!

Here are some naturey shots from the trip.

Snake in the mud!

  

Mushrooms and moss everywhere

Indian Pipes

I got to see my sweet puppy doggy and my handsome husband while they labored intensely in the mud.  We saw seven sweaty boys out there on the Rock Solid Trail Contracting crew. Better them than me!

Before I exit Duluth, I have to tell you about the most amazing place to eat there: the Duluth Grill.  Aaron always talked about it, but Nat and I got to go try it for ourselves.  They grow their own veggies and flowers on the property, use local meat and eggs, cater to people's allergy needs and make everything taste amazing!  I told Natalie, "I could just sit here all day and eat!"  So kudos to them for becoming the change they want to see.  That place is always slammin' busy, by the way.

We each walked out with two to-go boxes because we kept ordering more food.

I wanted to congratulate the Isle Royal Queen IV for being chosen by the readers of Lake Superior Magazine as having the "Best Boat Ride" on the lake!  The picture didn't take well reflecting off the glass, but you get the idea.

Isle Royale Line has the "Best Boat Ride"

So Friday was another one of Copper Harbor's Art Crawls.  I should have told you before it happened because our rock band performed at our first outdoor venue.  It was great echoing toward Brockway Mountain from the porch of North One Gallery.  People stopped by on mountain bikes, with ice cream from The Berry Patch and with the intention to look at the art inside.

I guess we gave a show to the people at Into the Woods Mini Golf and other residents as well.  At least there were no complaints!  If you are interested in keeping up with our performances, like us on facebook.  Powers of Air, baby.  

Sunday the wind was up.  So gusty and swirly in town that I couldn't really figure out which direction it was coming from.  But it was a lovely day to take pictures of the current wildflowers!

Touch-me-not flowers

Climbing bindweed on the goldenrod

Tansy blooming in the mint (and me with a smudged lens)

Even burdock can be eye-catching

Then Sunday night we had an incredible storm.  If you live in the midwest, you probably got it too.  It was so isolated -- it came in waves with calm air in between the lightening, thunder and deluge of rain.  I enjoyed it.  It's nice to feel that energy.

And the next day was so stinkin' hot that I went swimming in Lake Superior for the first time this summer.  I think my little pumpkin liked it okay.  The temp was refreshing, and the feeling of bobbing through the waves was one I forgot how much I missed.  That was much needed and appreciated.  I'm glad I did it then because, who knows if I'll get to hop in the big lake again this year when it's actually enjoyable?

Also yesterday, a couple from the Keweenaw set out to paddle around "Copper Island" which is the whole Keweenaw Peninsula separated by the Portage Canal from the mainland.  Check out their blog during their 120-mile adventure in a kayak.  They are raising money for the Keweenaw Land Trust.  I hope to make this trek someday myself.  I'll keep it on my bucket list!

Other than that, this is a busy week as I prepare all my duties for the 21st annual Bell's Beer Copper Harbor Trails Fest.  It's a big to-do and a lot of fun for the racers and their families.  For me and the rest of the CHTC, it's a big undertaking, but we make it happen each year.  It's so helpful that the rest of the community pitches in to assist where they can as well.

I can't believe it... last big weekend, here we go!

Shades of Pink

Sorry it's Tuesday already.  And why did I miss Monday this time?  I had to go to town.  The following excerpt describes how a Copper Harbor resident feels during and after one of these excursions.  This was originally published in the Fall 2012 edition of the Copper UP.  I particularly enjoy this humorous piece.

Going To Town

By Amanda Wais

Living at the “end of the road” in Copper Harbor certainly has its perks.  You get to stare at Lake Superior.  You don’t have to see anyone except your neighbors four months out of the year.  Nature supplies you with yearlong beauty in wildlife, vegetation and scenery.

            But then you run out of milk.  Whew, the Gas Lite general store sells it.  Then your exotic muffin recipe calls for fenugreek (what the heck is fenugreek anyway?).  Luckily, your wacky neighbor has some.  Soon you realize you need to stock up on toilet paper, vegetables and that herbal smelling shampoo you like so much.  Oh, crap.  Now you have to go to town.

            Going to town.  It most often involves traveling to Calumet or all the way to Houghton.  It’s the dreaded phrase for most Harborites because it sucks two hours of your day just driving there and back.  It turns your hair gray maneuvering through cars and traffic lights.  And the fluorescent lights in the stores soon start a dull buzzing in your brain.

            If you are going to town, you usually ask other residents if they need anything because they don’t want to go either.  Often their first response is, “Well, how far are you going?”  Then they’ll name a couple items they need.  Otherwise you might get, “Nope, I have to go on Friday anyway.” 

“Good,” you think to yourself.  “One less stop for me.”

       Going to town should be fun.  We should think, “Oh, wow.  I am going to experience a beautiful drive.  I am going to see a different part of society and the world I live in.  Perhaps I can go out to lunch or take a walk along the Portage Canal.  Maybe I will even hit a few gift shops.”  No, no you won’t.  You will be so exhausted that by the time you get home it’s hard to enjoy the rest of your day.  “Oh, cripes.  Now I have to put all these groceries away before I go to work, and I just want to take a nap!  Whimper whimper.”

            Why is going to town so difficult?  So stressful?  So draining?  My guess is that we are not used to the hustle.  Sure the summers are busy up here, and we become programmed to run around in a frenzy, but it’s a different kind of frenzy.  Town is a lot of driving in traffic.  Copper Harbor doesn’t have traffic with lights and lane changes and police officers.  You drive this way or that way and watch out for pedestrians and people on bikes (I suppose that is good practice for us).

            Town also involves a lot of planning.  “Okay, I need to get groceries in Calumet, but my appointment is in Houghton, and I have to stop in Dollar Bay on the way back, so I’ll take this route, or I’ll back track.”  You don’t want to back track in town.  You want to make a nice easy loop.  Most people make detailed lists that they follow, or they’ll go crazy.  “Shoot!  I forgot to get dog food at the top of the hill!  Now I have to go back through Houghton, and downtown is a one-way street, and the bridge might go up soon, so I might not make it back in time for work  Oh man, I need a drink!!!”

            See what I mean?  Town is stressful.

Most people in the USA live in a city.  They drive through traffic lights without a second thought.  They know short cuts around one-way streets.  They go out to eat and enjoy a beer because they don’t have to drive 50 miles to get home.  Their heads are already buzzing with fluorescent lights, so fresh air gives them a headache. 

What do they do when they come up to Copper Harbor?  They hold out their phone, and look for reception.   It takes them a while to adapt to our pace, just like it takes us a while to adapt to theirs.

            Going to town.  Some Harborites love it.  They get to go some place different.  They get to listen to their music on the drive.  They get some retail therapy.  Once in a while I remember to appreciate these silver linings.  But usually, going to town is a chore, and I simply don’t want to do it.

            If you see your Copper Harbor friends in town, just give them a little shoulder rub and say, “You can do it, buddy.  It’s all going to be okay.”  And you know what?  It just might be… until you have to go next month.

Fair enough?  Okay, then.

The weekend wore me out too.  I worked Friday, Saturday and Sunday taking photos and notes at Ladies Weekend's Copper Harbor Bike Clinic.  It was awesome.  Those women were so stoked to learn how to shred on their bikes with confidence and new skills.  Over 80 women participated and 16 coaches taught.  It seems like they preferred the coolness and sometimes rain over hot humid weather.  Here is the group shot.

Copper Harbor Ladies Weekend!

My goal is to publish some articles about that.  It was inspiring, energizing and just plain amazing to see these girls learning and having fun on their mountain bikes.

Know what else is awesome?  The berries!  I've picked just about 2 gallons of bilberries, and I'm not done yet.  Thimbles and rasps are just popping enough where you could start to pick.  Blueberries need a little more time to quanitify, but they are available to nibble along the trails.  The cherries are starting too, but I may have to skip them this year.  I'm sure people will yell at the pregnant lady on a ladder picking cherries.  More for you!

We may get a sweltering afternoon here and there, but for the most part, summer has been pretty cool lately.  Especially during the night time and early mornings.  But, quite honestly, we all complain when it gets really hot and humid, so it's probably better this way!

I found some friends who like that weather.

More pink water lilies!

So lovely.  And as I wander the edge of this pond, I always see frogs dunking under to avoid the human and her curious dog.

Upcoming Events

This weekend, on Saturday August 2nd is the annual Copperman Triathlon.  No I will not be riding in it this year.  It's getting harder to get my knees up to pedal a bike!

The following weekend is Eagle Harbor's Art in the Park.  Does it need an explanation?  I have never been able to attend myself, and this year, I am leading the kid's Creative Writing tour in nature (if I get any takers) that I posted about earlier.  The latter is Saturday, August 9th from 1-4 pm.

Also that weekend (it's going to be nuts), Copper Harbor is hosting Single Speed USA.  This is a traveling race for crazy people who will pedal over 40 miles on the CH trails with only one gear on their bikes and wear goofy outfits while they do it.  To each their own!  We are honored that they chose our town for their annual event.  I will take pictures and volunteer at a trail crossing... maybe in a goofy outfit too.

Oh, and Sunday August 10th, if it's not raining and cold, the Harbor Haus will be cooking Breakfast on the Flow!  It goes from 8-9 am that morning at the picnic tables on The Flow trail.  All for a donation to the CHTC.

Now let me leave you with this picture of a beetle I saw the other day.  I'm sure the features on its face are not really its face, but what a neat looking creature!

The buck-tooth beetle

(That's just what I call it)

Ooh.  I've also got news and photos of a rare plant species, but that will have to wait for next time.  See you then!

This and That

We now have fragrant blossoms of all sorts.  We have wildflowers spewing forth their vibrant colors.  We even have blackflies to the point that Aaron just came home to bring back bugnets for the trail crew.

What we don't have are people.  Yeah, there are a few here and there, but this town is still quiet and peaceful.  If potential visitors are watching the weather, they may just be put off by the 40 - 50 degree temperatures.

Don't take that as a complaint.  I know they will come and consume my energy in a couple weeks.  I am grateful for this time.  It's just a little different than past years.  And yes, we are blaming the weather because this place is awesome.

The Isle Royale Queen began her journeys to the rock.  I stood on the dock and snapped a shot of her maiden voyage three weeks ago.

The Queen IV's maiden voyage 2013

I have danced the cancan twice for her already on the Harbor Haus patio.

The sunsets have been quite stunning lately.  Monday's lit the sky a deep magenta.  I stood along the shore and watched it change colors (without my camera).  As I stood still, the mergansers and geese swam around me to dive and feed.  That was a moment of serenity for this girl.

The biking and hiking trails have been lovely.  Just a couple spots are still muddy, but I don't care.  The mud is a small price to pay for the joy of the experience!

I fear this post may seem a bit scattered, but I have no main idea besides current events.  

Speaking of events, BINGO is starting tonight in the Community Building.  The balls drop at 7 pm sharp each Wednesday, so get your cards before then!

You can see the progress of the Copper Harbor Playground Project at this site.  (Can you tell who writes those posts?)  We plan to build it August 24th of this year.  Yes, in one day.  Volunteers are needed.  Check that site for details on how to help!

Back to the grind for me.  Catch you next week!

Drying off with a Wet Towel

We made it.  Labor Day Weekend 2012 is behind us.  I am alive and loving life.  Whew!

After my nine day stretch of bartending at the Harbor Haus, I got Sunday and Monday off.  Sunday was the trail's clubs Bell's Beer Copper Harbor Trails Festival.  It was big.  You couldn't get a room in town.  Nearly 500 racers rode through the rocks and dust of the cross country race in addition to the kid's race and the enduro.

The party in the park was awesome.  We drank 26 kegs of Bell's beer (and some of it was 10% abv).  The band, Steppin' In It was fun to dance to even when the power went out on stage.  The weather made a gorgeous summer evening despite a few easterly gusts.  From what I could tell, people were having a good ol' time.  I tell you, that park sure is a great place for a party!

I have to say THANK YOU sooooo much to all the people who helped out before, during and after this event.  Oy, it is a doozy, and we couldn't have done it so well without such a community effort.  And it's over.  Now I just have to finish up the after math including mailing out the raffle prizes.

I have to apologize because I never told you about our raffle.  Shoot.  We had over $20,000 in prizes including CH vacation packages, Trek bikes, bike parts and a teardrop trailer from TC Teardrops.  Only two winners were present to win, so I got to call everybody else yesterday and tell them that they won.  I could do that as a job -- tell people they won something.  

The winner of the trailer was a special treat.  He called me back after he got my message, half shocked. And do you know what the first thing he told me was?  How much he loves my blog!  He really gets it.  I was flattered.  The next thing he told me struck me too: he didn't even mean to win the trailer.  He signed up so he could support the trails club.  I told him it was good karma.  He will find a good use for it, I'm sure.

I have another classic Amanda story for you.  Yesterday I took Duce down to the shore by the Harbor Haus to jump in Lake Superior.  I left my dress and towel on the side of a big rock where I carefully crawled in.  The temperature of Her Majesty took a little getting used to, but well worth the patience.  I swam around, calling Duce to come swimming with me.  He likes Fanny Hooe better, and didn't budge, but I treaded around while he pranced along the shore.

At 8 am that morning, I must have been sleeping deeply because I didn't hear the Queen IV go out to Isle Royale.  I just didn't think it went out that day (nor can I keep track of the days).  But I heard her diesel engines churning beyond Porter's Island during my swim, so I knew not to swim too far out.  She always cuts close to the Harbor Haus while the servers wave and dance the can can.

After the Queen cruised past us, I noticed her wake splashing over the big rock my towel and dress were on.  Now, I don't swim for speed, but when I envisioned my dry clothing being whisked out to sea, I front crawled like a shark was on my heels.  (You got to watch out for those Superior sharks anyway.)  Soon I saw my towel still in place, just brighter in hue.  Oh well, at least I don't have to find it!  The wake was so much fun to bounce with that I decided just to play in it while I had the chance.  I love bounding with the rollers.  It's as invigorating as mountain bike shuttle runs.

I went back to the shore to entice Duce in for a swim.  Finally he came in, but only for a couple minutes.  Maybe because it's shallower there and his paws hit the rocks... I don't know.  Soon enough, I crawled back onto the rock and laid out my dress, hoping it would dry a little before I had to put it on.  I rang a gallon of water out of my towel and sat for a moment in the sunshine.  Even though I would not be dry before I left, there was no place I would rather be.

Back to the Grind

Whew!  Today is my first day off since Saturday, opening day of the Harbor Haus.  But it is not really "off" since I am volunteering to man a booth for the Trails Club.  Welcome to summer!  At least I got my batch of thimble-raspberry wine started.  Yes!

Memorial Weekend was the busiest one this town can remember seeing.  That is great for all the businesses.  The Trails Club had their Ride the Keweenaw Event.  This brought up pro mountain bike riders, hundreds of other riders, press for the Keweenaw and the inauguration of the Copper Harbor Trails Club's Ride Center Status.  We are one of seven mountain bike destinations IN THE WORLD according to the International Mountain Bicycling Association.

Gosh, I don't think I even told you that yet.  Shame on me.  You could have been here for the chainsaw ribbon cutting!  Want to see it in action?  Check out this TV6 News Post.

During this week, the pace has slowed down a bit.  But here is another weekend with the Michigan Outdoor Writers Association in town (where I'm manning the booth).  It should be fun.  Maybe I'll even sell some books!

I hope you are doing well.  I just wanted to check in, but I have some interesting news and pictures on the way, so stay tuned!

Trail Busters!

For the last four days (and the next two) I am a trail buster.  My legs are my vehicle.  The Stihl BR 600 Magnum leaf-blower is my machine.  Once I pull that cord on the motor, I am a whirlwind. 

Trail Busters!

Since the mountain bike and hiking trails are clear of snow, Aaron, Duce and I have been out clearing them for the summer season.  Aaron, with his chainsaw, moves the fallen trees.  Duce, with his snout and paws, moves rocks.  I, with my Magnum, show those leaves a new place to go.  Not on the trails, leaves.  Not on the trails.

If I was raking the trails, which I have done in the past, I would be way more tired and cranky.  Plus, I wouldn’t be able to do nearly as good of a job moving all that organic matter.  This Magnum has taken clearing trails to the next level.  I wish I could make a professional video to show you examples of what this thing can do, and how much fun I’m having with it.  Instead, I’ll try with my words.

When I come across a thick mat of wet maple leaves, I aim the hose straight down the middle, and blow them as far away as possible at full blast.  Often, the whole mass peels up like a carpet.  I watch all the little worms (and sometimes big nightcrawlers) blow in my wind, and quickly shimmy down their holes.  Then I lighten up on the gas, and move the nozzle back and forth, clearing the main trail and the sides. 

At a low spot on a ridge, I stand up on the higher ground and full throttle all the pine needles and rocks down the decline, so I am not just blowing the same rocks down the trail.  When I say rocks, I mean this beast moves rocks up to three inches in diameter without a second thought.  The bigger ones I have to kick to the side.

When I come to a puddle or a runoff section, I blast out all the leaves I can, spraying myself with mud.  Heh heh heh.  Then I find the lowest spot, and make a groove for water to drain, so the puddle can move out of the way.   Problem solving at its finest.

Sometimes the trail is already pretty clear with the exception of some birch leaves or pine needles.  Then I really have to ease up because this thing seriously shoots out a laser of wind.  One shot too hard at the clear ground, and BOOM!  It just blows up!  Soil carnage!

Here’s my favorite part.  Squashed scat on a bridge is no problem for the Magnum.  It peels right off leaving no residue on the machine or my boot.  Bring it on, coyotes!

So far, I have not found anything this beast cannot handle.  I wear the motor on my back as a backpack, and angle the hose to where it is most needed.  I have never had so much fun clearing the trails.  In four days, we have cleared about 14 miles. 

Two more days, and we should be done.  But don’t hop on your bikes just yet!  Some of those low spots are still draining, and some of the rocks are slick.  The remedy for this?  Sunshine and warmer temps.  Come on, Mr. Sun!