I keep singing the praises of the UP in every post I make on the subject, but I think my praises are justified because the impressions that give rise to them are reinforced each and every time I cross the bridge in the northbound lanes. There is just so much nifty stuff to see and explore up there; every time I go I am left looking forward to my next foray to the north.
This year's trip was an interesting development from last. Having the longer trip available to those who could make it was a definite plus. All told, Anna and I put on a hair over 1200 miles for the round-trip journey. We could easily have spent two or three times as long up there, exploring the various small towns, waterfalls, twisty roads (paved and not), and exploring the area's unique and varied geology and geography. Add in some paddling, cycling, and your winter sports...you might not ever need to go anywhere else!
And then there are the people. Without a doubt, folks in the UP are among the nicest that my wife and I have come across, easily rivaling southerners for hospitality and generosity - politely offering inside tips on what/where to eat, things to see, things to avoid, alternate scenic routes, and all that sort of stuff. The feel of the place, especially once you get beyond the touristy places, is truly unique - a mix of Midwest practicality, Canadian hardiness, and the laid-back attitude you see in the northwest. My wife commented on how similar the Marquette and Munising area felt to towns in Washington, where she lived while pursuing her Master's. Definitely different from the feel you get from the people and places of the Lower Peninsula. Being able to spend part of the day getting out into the communities we were visiting ended up being enjoyable, far more than I initially anticipated it would be.
This year's weather was also an interesting twist; places certainly take on a different character under different conditions. I've been up around the Tahquamenon Falls and Pictured Rocks areas before, but never when it was raining sideways and gusting in all directions. Working your way across the high dunes at Pictured Rocks, looking 300' down to the water while the wind ripped upwards towards you, propelling the rain with stinging force, was pretty incredible. Driving alongside beaver dams that were overflowing and about to burst, with a water level behind the dam easily a foot or two higher than the road grade, was a new twist for sure. And comfortably camping under these rainy conditions...an interesting challenge, made so much easier with a couple large tarps and some clothesline!!
It was suggested in another thread, as well as in camp one evening, that adding an educational component might be worthwhile. I would be keen on this, particularly someone who could provide a bit of information and perspective on some of the geology of the area and some of the history of a few notable parts. Perhaps working in a Calumet and Cliffs day? I know that the Nat'l Parks people at the center in Calumet were more than thrilled to talk about the town and its history. Couple that with a mine tour and a bit of geology info, and we could easily have a two day event up at the tip of the Keweenaw.
I look forward to hearing what sort of turn this event takes for 2010. Anna and I are definitely up for a return engagement, and would be more than pleased to assist with planning, scouting, or other incidents of organizing such an event.
-brandon