Spooks and a Moose!

Saturday was... wow.  As I walked around to do my normal Harbor life business, I marveled at all the cars and people and bikes and such.  Is there an event going on in town?  I wondered as vehicles lined the main street and all possible parking areas.

What was odd was that it wasn't even a very nice day.  It was gray and chilly.  But it wasn't raining.  What else is odd is that I'm telling you about this and I still have no idea if there really was an event.  Perhaps a small one, but I just chalk it up to a Saturday in September.  I forgot how busy they can be.  That's a good thing for now.

Speaking of Saturdays in September, I may as well add on to the Chili Cook-off event with the Fort Wilkins Spoo-tacular.  They are decking out the Fort in a haunting fashion, and their annual geocaching event is going on as well.  Schedule follows below.

Spoo-tacular events

Ah yes, another one of my pictures with reflections off someone's glass door.  This one happens to be the general store.  They always have the most posters.

And as we approach this cooling weather and fall-like atmosphere, the wild edibles are changing.  

When I wander through Clyde's field, I try all the different apples that have dropped to the ground.  I try to memorize which ones are my favorite, and which ones the deer can have.  I'm not harvesting, just grabbing a snack as I meander.

The choke cherries are out too.  Man it's a great year for them.  If I wasn't so darn lazy right now, I would pick and pick those suckers.  But nope.  Sure seems like a lot of work.  I don't feel too guilty though.  I have lots of choke cherry wine aging in my cellar.  I think it will be ready to sample sometime after this little one comes out of my belly.

Plums too.  The plums are ripening.

We are lucky to have escaped the chances of frost so far.  The community garden is still producing, though some plants are a bit shocked, I'm sure.  It's interesting to hear that Houghton may get a frost overnight, but "along the shore" we are still 5-10 degrees warmer.  Oh, that lake.  She certainly has her perks.

So get this.  There is a moose in Copper Harbor.

A what???

A moose!  Yes!  It's been sighted at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge trying to play golf without a cart.  Here is a picture I found on the KML's facebook page.

The KML moose

That is definitely a moose, and definitely the lodge's golf course.  What a beauty.  If I get ambitious, maybe I'll sit up there and wait for it to come.  I'm kind of a jinx for moose though.  I would probably just end up getting eaten by squirrels.

But, it looks like a good fall tourist attraction!

Color Report

On my drive to town Friday, I would say that the Covered Stretch is less than 10% changed. The maples that have transitioned sure are beautiful, but it's still mostly green.  The lakeshore M-26 is green too.  Even closer to Houghton, I would say there is no significant change.  And just a handful of trees are actually brown.

Okay, okay.  Enough for now.  I'll see you next week on whichever day I have the energy!  Thanks for your patience with me.

Luckily I Took Pictures...

Power went out a couple times today.  Then it was on a couple times, and who knows what will happen anytime soon?

Come on, Brain.  Come on.  The people want a post here.

So, yeah.  Today is one of those days they write songs about.  I even hope to write a poem about it (once my brain is capable of going beyond everyday tasks).  

In an effort to celebrate the high winds, big waves, bone-chilling rain and lack of electricity, my little bun and I went out to Hunter's Point.  

It was definitely windy and cold and wet.  The video I took proved my timing to be a bit anti-climactic.  Not even worth the bandwidth to upload.  But I thoroughly enjoyed the lush hike to the tip of the Point.  Here is the best wave picture I got.

Waves at Hunter's Point 9/10/14

The lake was (and still is) really agitated.  She can be such a beast at times.  It's a good thing the Queen IV wasn't scheduled for Isle Royale today.

On the way back, I found some little friends.  I've been seeing mushrooms everywhere lately because it's been so wet and cool.  If I had my normal level of curiosity, I would start learning mushrooms this fall.  They have been quite spectacular.

Fungi in the woods

On Monday, I sought out to capture the full moonrise because I knew it would come up near the lighthouse if I sat on the Harbor Haus dock.  While the sun sank and I got chilly, the geese came around.

Geese and The Gap

I also got swarmed by a flock of seagulls.  It was really something as they came around from all directions.  I didn't have any food, and I'm not really sure what stirred them up.  Neat experience, though.

Then I got chillier and chillier as I waited for the moon.  I didn't think the clouds would hide it because the horizon was somewhat clear.  Just at the moment when I thought, I bet it's gonna be really cool, I saw a glow ascend from a low strip of clouds.  The moon!  I watched in awe as it crowned.

And then it hid behind a cloud in the layer just above.

So here's a picture of the middle of the full moon.

Moonrise 9/8/14

That's East Bluff in the far background on the right side of the shot.  It was a beautiful night.  And the clouds looked all purdy too, so here's one more of the evening.

Facing north during the sunset

Earlier in the week, I took some other pictures from around town.  Boy, am I glad I took pictures.  I don't know if my words can create them as well right now!

Gladiolas in front of the Gas Lite

Though they don't have a scent, I LOVE gladiolas.  I remember, growing up, that my parents always had a rainbow of these beauties around their garden.  This is one of the few domestic flowers I would actually go through the effort of planting.  It could be a nice project for the little one and I in the spring!  Remind me I said that, will you?

And at the Brickside Brewery, Project 49918 is exhibiting the Beginning of the Road collection.  It gets some cool comments when visitors realize that they have met some of those people on the wall.  I am just glad that snow is gone now....

"Beginning of the Road" Exhibit

Yes, I know it's a bit blurry, but that's how things usually look in the Brickside.  Ha!  Unless you can't drink beer!

I also wanted to show you this because I am proud.  This is my first professional book review done by Charlie Eshbach.  He is a long-time Keweenaw resident, naturalist and author himself, so his opinion holds some weight around here!  Thank you, Charlie and the Keweenaw Traveler!

Book review by the Keweenaw Traveler

Having trouble reading it?  Try clicking on the image.  Still having trouble?  Pick up your printed copy of the publication around the UP for free!  It's great for visitors and locals alike.

Wait.  I have to put a different hat on.

Our band, Powers of Air, is scheduled to play the outdoor gig at the Chili Cookoff September 20th!  We are sharing the stage with Frank an' da Beans -- one of my favorite funky dance bands in the area.  Music starts around 4pm, and I think we're on around 5:30pm.  Please view the poster below for more details.  

And for heaven's sake, make some chili to bring!

Chili Cook-off time again, baby!

Color Report

Well, I haven't been down the Covered Stretch lately, but I'll go on Friday.  Whatever leaves are still hanging on the branches that haven't blown off the trees are mostly green, I would imagine.  But this cold snap could change things.  Stay tuned!

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!

Shifting Focus

"Finally.  A cool, rainy, gray day," I said last time.  And I think that day marked the end of summer.  I haven't shaved my legs or touched up my toenails since then because those parts need to stay warm and covered.  Well, plus those tasks are getting a bit cumbersome.

So, yeah.  The days and nights are staying fairly cool.  I can't get (well, nobody can seem to get) a red tomato on the vine.  But it is what it is.  Maybe we already had our summer.  It was lovely while it lasted!

Some people say, "Did you see the leaves on the Covered Stretch???  They are already starting to change!!!"  While that's true, I feel like that happens more often than not.  If it's too cool or dry up here, those maples turn brilliant pinks and reds.  

But don't plan your fall trip around the leaves just yet.

99% of the trees are still green.  And I like the red patches in the leaves.  It helps remind us that nature does her own thing.  All the time.

I am pleased that you are sticking it out with me through these less adventurous times and posts.  My treks, sightings and reporting are not what they used to be.  My energy, curiosity and focus have turned inward toward the little pumpkin in my belly.  It is due to arrive in the fresh air two months from today!  Then the adventures will really cease for a while.  Ha!

Actually, I can't predict that.  But I would assume.  I just wanted to thank you for keeping up with this blog even though it is less exciting than it has been in the past.  But judging from the comments I get from you in person, perhaps you appreciate my tameness for a while.

On Sunday I had a few fine folks inform me that they are avid readers of this blog.  Awesome.  I was signing books at Grandpa's Barn.  It was a great time sitting on the porch talking to other local authors and readers.  I would do that again for sure.

That event piggy-backed off the main one in town: Art in the Park.

The event sign before all the people came

Town was really busy this last weekend.  My mom was up for it, and she noted, "Gosh, Manda.  I've never been here in August before.  There are really a lot of people around!"

Yes.  Yes there were.

The vendors and visitors waded through the mist and damp, cool weather.  We sold a lot of coffee at the bake sale just so people could stay warm!  And we sold out of all the baked goods as well -- just in time.  Thanks to everyone who took part in the efforts to make Art in the Park another success.  It really takes a lot.

Speaking of lots, the Isle Royale Ferry Line parking lot is fun to walk through if you are wandering the town.  The license plates are from all over the country!  Well, I haven't seen Hawaii plates yet, but pretty much every other state.  Even Minnesota, and they have their own ferry service.  It's neat to see how this wonderful National Park captivates people from all over.

And here is a picture of the Queen IV getting ready for departure last week.

Isle Royale Queen IV crew pulling the ropes

As I watched that vessel cart off toward the sunrise that morning, I said out loud, "I'm going there again."  I miss my Isle Royale trips -- two years in a row now.  But I won't fret it.  The next time will just be that much more special.  

Just wait, you beautiful rock, you.  I'll be back someday....

Shenanigans

Finally.  A Monday without having to go to town.

Finally.  A cool, rainy, gray day.  I suppose this particularly pleases me because the garden, all plants and I need it.  I got sunburned this weekend, and a break from the sun is essential.

How did I get sunburned?  Was I at the beach?  Was I sipping margaritas on a friend's porch?  Was I reroofing a house?

No, no and no.

I was on Brockway Mountain Drive for 4 hours in the blazing, breezeless heat of the afternoon.  But I had a job: to give water and Gatorade to over 300 grateful, wildly costumed single speed bike riders. They were indeed grateful.  I have volunteered at many types of races in this town, and I have never heard so much "thank you for being here," and "thanks for the water," and "thank you" in general.  It was as refreshing as the sugary red liquid must have tasted to the riders.

And they were indeed wildly costumed.  Again, I have never been to an event where the participants are so free-spirited.  It's almost a competition of flamboyance or a statement of alter-ego.  Here are examples of what I mean.

An afro over the helmet = extra safety

Even the bikes are flashy

I've got some other shots of superheroes and neon boas and men in dresses, but I'm saving those for other publications.  I'll let you know!

But the shenanigans were only beginning during the race.  This is a family blog, so I won't get too detailed, but Single Speed USA is the most interesting culture that's come to Copper Harbor in a while.  "Interesting" and "shenanigans" were two of the words I heard most from people and in my own mind.

I knew the sunburn would be worth it.

Like I told you before, Art in the Park is this weekend in Copper Harbor.  One extra to-do for me (besides running the bake sale.  How did the pregnant lady get in charge of a bake sale???) is that I am signing books at Grandpa's Barn on Sunday the 17th from 2-4 pm.  Check out what other local writers will be there on the poster below!

Pretty cool, eh?  Maybe I'll see you there!  If you come, make sure to tell me that you read this blog.  It keeps me believing.

Also, the Copper Harbor Improvement Association holds BINGO every Wednesday night during the summer from 7-9 pm, but players must purchase their cards before 6:50 pm.  Why am I telling you this?  For one, it's fun.  For two, you can win some moola.  For three, I am the number caller for most of the nights!  That's right.  I will B12 and N41 you until someone shouts "BINGO!"

See all the fun I get to make for myself these days?

Boy, oh boy.  What else can I say?  If you have any requests, please let me know.  I guess this whole nesting thing is more instinctual than I realized.  But it's not forever!

See you next week.  Get out and pick some berries, if you can!

Little Gifts

Oh, boy.  I must have been tired this week.  I feel like not much happened, and I can't even remember it.  Good thing this is a free blog; you can't have high expectations!

But I do remember that I have to tell you about the rare plant species that was found.  It's the same one I found this past winter while descending one of Brockway's cliffs.  And it's the same one my wildflower enthusiast friend, Harvey Desnick, and I rescaled one of Brockway's cliffs to find -- only to find no new growth.  

Well then a friend was walking her dog along the Fort Wilkins trails, and she found it, asking out of curiosity.  Pinedrops.  Pterospora andromedea.  It's a parasitic plant that doesn't make its own chlorophyll.  Here are a couple shots I took of it.

Pinedrops

Up close and personal

My wildflower friends and I were geeked.  I'm so glad that I am among others who thoroughly enjoy this sort of thing.  And now we don't have to scale the mountain side while being eaten by mosquitos again!

Way back in the 1800's, Fort Wilkins had a garden behind what is now the Grant Township Park and Copper Harbor Trailhead.  This plot, that used to grow potatoes and probably other roots, is now the community garden whereupon you have watched me groom my plot.

I am pleased to say that section of fertile soil is treating us quite well.  I just picked my first ripe and delicious cherry tomatoes yesterday.  I've been eating cucumbers for weeks.  The bell peppers and heirloom tomatoes are waiting for some midnight warmth so they can turn red.  The zucchini is blossoming.  And the salad greens are more than I can eat -- even eating for two.

Yesterday, as I stepped back with the watering can after giving the plants a good dousing, I just took a moment to be grateful.  Grateful that I was gifted this plot to work, the seeds to sow, the plants to tend and the food to take back home with me.  I didn't realize how much I missed having a garden.  It is truly a blessing.

Okay, sorry for getting all sentimental on you.  But it is a magical part of da Harbor!

I had some friends visit me this weekend.  One thing we did that I haven't done in years was play mini golf at Into the Woods.  It was fun.  Lots of laughter both at ourselves and each other.  If you are up, and have some time to bide, I recommend it.  Staci, the owner, is always trying to keep things fresh and progressive.  It's a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon.

I could go on about the events in town, but do you know what?  CopperHarbor.org  already does a darn good job of that.  So if you are curious, click that link or the one above in the left column (if you don't read this on a mobile device).

Honestly, I wish I had an adventure to share with you.  It's just getting harder for me to think of one and then actually execute it.  Incubating another person is hard work enough.  

So contrary to my usual pictures, here is one of me with that little energy-stealing bundle of joy in my belly.

The Little One and me, 6 1/2 months along

That baby is getting a good taste of the wild berries.  I'll have to pick some blues, thimbles and a few more bils this week.  Just a some more little gifts in my life.

See you next week!