Aug 11, 2010 - Waterfalls

Behind Munising Falls

Today was threatening rain, but we decided to hike to more of the waterfalls in the area early in the day. We managed to hike to Munising Falls and Miner’s Falls before the humidity and heat wrung the last drops of moisture from our nearly mummified bodies. Holy Man⁶! Enough of that sitt⁷! Back in the air conditioned truck we go, and give ‘er tarpaper⁸for Munising.

Once back in town we stopped at the Fuzzy Boyak Welcome Center to pick up some info, and look at some great pottery and photos by local artists. I was especially taken by one photo of a twisted metal sculpture, but the location wasn’t identified, so I asked the friendly lady behind the desk if she knew. She did not, but she picked up the phone and called the photographer. After a brief conversation, she told us the picture was taken in Shagago⁹. We also visited a local pottery shop and had a nice conversation with the folks that created all the art there, and ended up buying 3 pieces.



Almost starved trying to light the fire



Stopped at the grocery store and headed back to the campground by mid-afternoon. We wanted to grill some steaks over the fire, but we figured we’d be lucky to get that fireproof firewood lit and get any decent coals before dark unless we got started ASAP. By making a huge pile of chips, and using several fire starter sticks, and blowing on the embers until we both nearly passed out, and drinking several jummies¹⁰ in the process, we did manage to finally get a nice fire going.

The steaks were succulent, the fire was going like a, ah, uh, house afire, and dusk was falling fast. We’d heard lots of horror stories about the UP’s huge chiquitos¹¹ that come out at night,  so big that they can only eradicated with a flamethrower or 12 GA shotgun, but this entire trip we’ve not been bothered at all. Must be they don’t like the taste of us fudgies¹².

6. The A-bomb of Yooper expletives, used when a mere Holyowha does not suffice.
7. Do I really need to explain this one? C’mon!
8. To work feverishly, or move with great speed.
9. Chicago
10. Plural of “jumbo”, or a quart of beerage.
11. A cross between a mosquito and a chicken.
12. Trolls that buy lots of fudge while on Mackinaw Island, or at the locks in Sault Ste. Marie. Referred to as "Da Locks" and "Da Soo" by locals.

Miner's Falls