Traveling from Bemidji to Marquette takes us through a very familiar area, Duluth/Superior, where we have spent much time. There is something about that first view of Lake Superior. I remember the first time we came down this hill to Duluth.
Basically, to quote Gordon Lightfoot, "the big lake they call Gitchi Gumii" is truly unique. Containing enough water to fill the Grand Canyon with enough water remaining to cover the US with 5 feet of water, Superior is really an inland sea. You can stand on the shore, looking out across the water, and see no other shore.
We visited Marquette for ten days last year, enjoying it so much we came back for a month this year. This year, instead of the RV, we are staying in a three-bedroom house in a quiet neighborhood on a lot with lots of trees and a large backyard deck.
Marquette, firmly in iron country, was one of the major hubs for iron ore back in the day. Today, two ore docks remain, one active and one abandoned. Hiking trails abound in Marquette and we particularly enjoy those along Lake Superior.
We have a few events we want to attend plus enjoying the environment.
Marquette has two art events on the same weekend: Art on the Rocks, a juried art competition/show/sale, and Outback Art for those who didn't make the cut at the Art on the Rocks. Both showcased local and national artists on a beautiful day along Lake Superior.
The Blueberry Festival occurred downtown in Marquette the day before the Art events. There were plenty of blueberry-themed foods (blueberry pizza), blueberry drinks, and arts/crafts. No, I have not opened a roadside refreshment stand!
The lower ore dock park had its first car show while we were in Marquette. There was a variety of cars.
Just outside of Marquette is Lakenenland. The best way to describe this area is a description of the person, Mr. Lakenen. He was an ironworker who seemed to have had a lot of spare time on the job and gathered lots of spare parts. That said, how creative the fellow must be. Here are a few examples of his art.
The area of Lakenenland also includes an old ore mine with a few remaining relics.
Lake Superior is the home of at least 350 shipwrecks, half of which are undiscovered. Off the point where the lighthouse is located, are shipwrecks popular with divers. Since neither Leo nor I are into diving, we took the Shipwreck Tour at Munising.
The glass-bottom boat hovers over two Lake Superior shipwrecks, the Bermuda and the Herman H. Hettler. The narrated tour describes the type of ships, their cargo, and what caused their demise. One look at the rocks and it is easy to understand how the wrecks occurred. We also got a great view of the East Channel Lighthouse, constructed in 1867, Grand Island, and the beauty of Pictured Rocks.
There were four sections like the one below. As we entered the boat, we were given a number, 1 or 2. Each group was given time at the section to see the shipwreck and hear the narration.
The view was amazing clear. Some of the wreck was less than 10 feet below the boat.
While on the cruise, we also saw many beautiful sights. I was drawn to the back of the boat where the air was so clean and cool.
Comments