• Martha SleutelLake Superior LoopMartha Sleutel
    Sandhill cranes
    Sandhill cranesSandhill craneTrumpeter swansIdyllic setting!Jane's picView of Lake Superior from our hotel roomJane and Charlie on the boatGrand Island East Channel Lighthouse, built in 1868Sea caves and colorful cliffsLover's Leap Sandstone ArchKayakers, arch and sea caves in backgroundLittle boat and colorful cliff formationsVibrant cliff pigmentsGrand Portal Point - ships could pass through before partial collapse in 1906Turquoise water and vibrant cliffsUnique inlet into sandstone cliffsBridleveil Falls at Pictured Rocks National LakeshoreSea Caves, arches, and kaleidescope of natureArches and sea caves amidst the cliffsFinal view of arch

    Newberry to Munising, Michigan

    August 20 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    Under a dazzling blue sky, we explored Seney National Wildlife Refuge. On this marshland wildlife drive, we saw loons, sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans, and not one other human! We heard at least 10 other bird species (identified on our Merlin phone apps), but, of course, those birds cheerfully twittered and sang, while hiding in the trees.

    We drove on to Grand Marais for a tasty lunch on the coast, then took stock of the likely rain tomorrow, when we have a sightseeing boat ride scheduled. Charlie hastily found availability at the 4 PM boat tour for today. We checked into our hotel, then hustled to the marina.

    Pictured Rock National Lakehore is a coast of dramatically colorful cliffs and unusual rock formations. Streaks of minerals stain the rock, painting it red (iron), black (manganese), green and blue (copper), and white (limonite). Despite gray skies, the cliffs and coast showed off their vibrant colors as we enjoyed a lovely 2-hour excursion.    Read more