PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE EXPEDITION!

Although I am not a Numismatist, I have always been interested in the geographical locations depicted on various USA coins.  This blog is about visiting the place depicted on the state quarter of Michigan, which is a tree atop a bluff, surrounded by water, and a line leading the eye OFF the bluff, to the edge of the engraving.  I was delighted to get to see and photograph that very tree, and the bluff it grows on, this past summer, at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (www.nps.gov), in Munising, Michigan.  

 There is a poster on display at the park headquarters,  by a talented photographer, that had this famous tree lined up to coincide with the sunset, shown below.  I learned that "line" I was seeing in the artwork is actually a tree root, extending from the isolated pedestal bluff, over to the soil of the bluff on the mainland.  

 

To get to Pictured Rocks, go to Munising, Michigan,  (www.munising.org), and in the area near the dock, you will see a repurposed historical, building that has been turned into the National Park Service Interpretive Center:

Notice the sign as you enter, says "Welcome" in several different languages.  Even though I didn't see the language I grew up with (which would be Howdy y'all!), I found the exhibits there very informative.  

The large, framed map on the wall, helped me get some perspective on where I was, in terms of geographical location.  In addition to being the access point for cruises to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising is also an access point to the Grand Island National Recreation Area, and Hiawatha National Forest.  

Just below the NPS Interpretive Center, a visitor will see a large sign, showing the building where folks can purchase their tickets to take a sight-seeing cruise to the famous lakeshore.  The big blue building also has clean restrooms, and a huge gift shop.  

The building is located next to the dock on the south shore of Lake Superior, where boats such as this one, make numerous launches per day, to take the thousands of visitors they welcome, to get a "picture of the 'pictured rocks'!"

I noticed there was also a radar-equipped NPS boat for use by U.S. Park Rangers.  

My first visit to this area was in June, with a group of ladies who were on their way to do the International Bridge Walk at Soo Locks (see blog in archives titled "International Bridge Walk Expedition").  I wanted to include the photo below, to show that it is possible for a wheel chair to get onto the Pictured Rocks Boat Cruise.  A large area at the back of the boat is the only place where guests are allowed to stand up, so my friends Diana and Peggy, were able to have a fantastic viewpoint to see the shoreline, standing beside Helen in the wheelchair.

 

Another lady in our group (Diane, in pink jacket) took a position on the front row, of the top deck .

I stayed on the top deck some of the time, (where no standing is allowed), and also ventured down for part of the cruise to the standing area at the back of the boat.  Can you tell from my uplifted arms that I am thankful to be here!!?  ( My gratitude extends also to the fact that I was able to visit the site pictured on a DIFFERENT state quarter, which was Ohio.  You can read about that location in a blog in the archives called "Put-In-Bay Expedition"!)

Since Diane had commented about how much she enjoyed being on the top deck, on the very front, especially when the boat eased into the tiny cove, I made a point to head for that position, when I returned to do a second Pictured Rocks cruise, a few weeks later.  (Standing up was allowed as long as the boat was moored, so it gave me a chance to see some of the other watercraft docked at the marina which included sailboats and cabin cruisers.)  

One of the historic man-made structures the boat cruises by, is the East Chanel Light House, on Grand Island.   The wooden building was constructed of wood, and first opened for service around 1868, for the purpose of leading boats from the channel east of Grand Island, into the Munising Harbor.  However, the light was hard to see from Lake Superior, plus it was difficult to maintain, so it was removed from service in the early 1900's.  It's school-house/church-like structure reminded me of another NPS sight, with the appearance of a church, that is located on the Channel Islands (see blog in archives called "Anacapa Island Expedition!",  dated September 10, 2016).  

When we cruised beside sand beach, with its adjacent waterfall, we saw several folks enjoying both the water and the land.  Our guide told us this is one of the few places along the lakeshore, that is somewhat accessible by car.  Hence, it is the place where many hikers start their trek on the popular hiking trail, that is part of the North Country National Scenic Trail.  

Guided kayak tours are available, and popular during the summer months.  However, the information I read about kayaking, emphasized the "crumbly" nature of the sandstone cliffs, and that boaters must be cautious and aware of the possibility of rock falls.   In the early 2000's, one of the "turrets" of Miner's Castle crashed into the lake below.  Fortunately, no one was close by when this happened, but fishermen happened to observe the event from a distance.  

This natural arch is a very popular place for photographs.  

In addition to arches, the erosion caused by wind and water and the freeze/thaw cycle, also produces shallow caves with the cliffs.   The kayaks used for the guided tours, are the type where the paddler is enclosed in a rubber "apron" attached to the kayak.  The reason for this is to keep the kayak from filling with water, in the event of a large wave.   I published a story about my sea kayaking experience, where I was enclosed in a rubber "apron" snapped onto the kayak, in a blog titled "San Juan Islands Kayaking Expedition",dated July 4, 2020, that one can access in the blog archives.  

The National Lakeshore extends for about 13 miles, and with some of the cliffs reaching as high as 200 feet, the imagination can get very creative in trying to make recognizable "images" out of the various formations.  Our guide told us many people see an Indian head in this formation below: 

This arch shows the gigantic chunk of stone beneath it, that fell into the water, to create the arch.  

Our guide told us that the protection from harsh weather, provided by the blocking effect of Grand Island, is what accounted for the fact, that some parts of the cliffs, have trees growing from the vertical spaces.  

We passed by one area that had structures with roofs, that have been placed by the park service to provide overlooks for visitors, who are not coming by boat.  

 

Some of the people standing on this overlook platform, waved at us as we cruised below them.

There are several waterfalls within the National Park area, and this one is called Bridal Veil Falls.  The constant presence of falling water, (even though it was barely a trickle when I visited) is enough to give the appearance of a very long bridal veil:

These colorful rocks are one reason this place became the first National Lake Shore, in 1966.  Groundwater seeping through the sandstone leaves bright stripes of color---iron creates red and orange, copper creates blue and green, manganese creates black, and calcium creates white.  

I mentioned that one's imagination can create stories from what the eye sees.  The markings of the bluff in photo below, reminded me of black and white vertical striped "bar codes", that one sees on almost all packages these days, that will link to the product manufacturer.  

I imagined this bar code to be pointing to the "product manufacturer", with the message from the famous words of Jesus, when the Pharisees told him to quieten down his followers.  He said, "I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."  Luke 19:40.  

The photo I took this summer, of the tree growing on the pedestal, makes me concerned for its well-being, because its color is not a vibrant green, like those on the surrounding hillside.  However, even if it lost all its green branches, the resulting bare branches would still make it a good "perching" tree for the bald eagles that find dead trees to serve as their overlook for any prey they can use down below.  

There is a narrow opening in the cliffs called "Chapel Cove", which our boat captain very skillfully, maneuvered the entire length of our boat into.  

When the front of the boat was inches away from the end of the cove, two hikers who were on the trail above us, greeted us with a friendly yell.

 

As the boat was backing out of the cove, I snapped a photo of Helen sitting in her wheelchair in the stern area, and like the way the bluffs on either side of her head, illustrate what a narrow passage we were in!

The tour I went on in June with the Arkansas group, took place around mid-day.   When I went back with the Making Memories Tour group (www.MakingMemoriesTours.com) in August, we booked the sunset tour.  That sunset event was delightful, and completed our grand tour of each of the five Great Lakes, with the opportunity to cruise the waters of each of the lakes.   Now we were headed to our respective HOMES.  I learned that the word "HOMES" can be a mnemonic device to help one remember the names of the lakes, with the first letter of each name---Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior--spelling "homes".    These experiences "Up North" gave me "MILES OF SMILES"!  Tricia

SOO LOCKS ENGINEERS DAY EXPEDITION!

 Picture yourself as a member of the Corps of Engineers, participating in Engineers Day, at  SOO LOCKS, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan!   I first heard of Engineers Day when I contacted the Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Visitor's Bureau (www.saultstemarie.com), for information about the annual International Bridge Day Walk.  Their staff member advised me to secure lodging well in advance of the event, because it was also the weekend of Engineers Day.  I have family members that are electrical engineers, chemical engineers, and mechanical engineers, so that is what came to mind at the time.  It was not until months later, after reading through the material that the Visitors Bureau mailed me, that I realized their Engineers Day refers to the CORPS OF ENGINEERS (www.usace.army.mil), that manages the Soo Locks, in Sault Ste. Marie.  Even though I live among four separate lakes managed by the Corps of Engineers, locals here just use the phrase, "The Corps", and very seldom include the word, "engineers".   But isn't this one reason we travel--to broaden our horizons and vocabulary!   There were photo boards set up on the day of the event, so we could picture ourself as an engineer, doing marine work off the bow of a ship, and wearing a yellow hard hat.  They were even giving pretend,  "plastic" hard hats, and Helen is shown wearing one of the souvenir hard hats.    

On Engineers Day, the city street adjacent to the Soo Locks (West Portage Avenue), is closed to vehicle traffic, between Ferris Street and Osborn Blvd.  This turns the street into a avenue for vendors, community organizations, and various agencies, to have displays with information and give aways.  The photo shows that the street vendors are wheel-chair accessible.  

One very helpful items that a local skin care salon had provided, was a dispenser providing free sunscreen.  I have been to other events that were giving away sunscreen, but it was always in little plastic tubes.  The advantage of the bulk dispenser is it reduces the amount of discarded plastic,  going into landfills.  

One of the displays set up by a medical provider, included a life-size human skeleton!

Another booth, staffed by members of the Christian Motorcycle Association (www.cmausa.org), was giving out physical water, as well as Scripture tracts telling about the "Living Water".  I first became aware of this organization, when my husband and I rode our Harley-Davidson Motorcycle to the big biker event held every August, in Sturgis, South Dakota.  Since then, I see their logo often, because its headquarters are in Hatfield, Arkansas!

A local church was also there to greet visitors, and provide assistance as needed.

Just outside the high metal security fencing surrounding the locks, was a different kind of "fencing" .  There were two guys in full fencing gear, and fencing swords, giving a demonstration.  They stopped long enough to let me hold one of their swords, and get my photo made with them!

To get beyond the actual security fence, we had to go through a security check point.  I was told the small Northface backpack I was carrying was not allowed, and some of my companions were also carrying inappropriate bags.  So one person in our group gathered up the "contraband", and made a quick trip back to stow it in the car that was parked a few blocks away.  I later read on the information sheet about the event, only clear bags were allowed, and no diaper bags.  Also, only strapless wallets, with a maximum of 4.5" x 6.5".   Since the Soo Locks are such a vital "choke point" in the movement of freight through the Great Lakes, and beyond, to the Atlantic Ocean, it makes sense that keeping them secure, is very important. 

Once we got through security, the lady at the information booth for the International Bridge Walk, was very helpful in explaining what to expect the next day, when we did the walk.  She even assured us that she would look for us the next day, and sure enough, when she saw us on the bridge, pushing Helen in the wheel chair, and wearing our matching tee shirts, she remembered us, and reminded us of her promise to look for the Arkansas gals on Saturday!   It was probably easy for her to remember us, because she took our picture, and our Southern accents were very recognizable!

The Corps of Engineers had one of its newest vessels on the water, in front of the viewing platform.  In fact, the official christening of the H.J. Lawson, was held on the day we were there, in conjunction with the 2026 Engineers Day.  

The climate controlled visitors viewing building for the Soo Locks, has an upper and lower floor.

When I saw this photo another tourist took of our group, I noticed the white tent with people in it,  on the other side of the Corps boat, and I wondered if I had been wrong about not being able to walk across the locks in 2026  It was not until I saw the television news report later, that I learned that tent was for the officials and honorees, attending the official christening of the boat that day.  The television report reiterated the fact, that regular visitors could not cross the locks this year, because of on-going construction.   When I visited the historic locks in Ottowa, Canada, I got to walk across the locks at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as Rideau Canal (see blog dated October 24, 2024, in the archives), so if I can live until 2030, when the Soo Locks construction is said to be finished, maybe I can make a return visit, to walk across them, as well!

An anchor is the universal symbol for "boat life", so of course, we needed a photo with a big anchor!

Next stop on Engineers Day, was a short drive through town, which gave us a chance to see a public art sculpture at an intersection, depicting a large eagle's nest, along with two sculptures of America's national bird--the Bald Eagle.  It is not surprising that this waterway attracts waterfowl, and the sign alerts us that we are approaching the "Shore to Shore Birding Trail".  

The information sheet for Engineers Day, advertised that there was to be an Open House at the LSSU CFRE building, from 10 am - 4 pm (wwwlssu.edu).   The initials stand for Lake Superior State University, Center for Research and Education.  

We were especially eager to see this place, because we knew someone who had an office in this building, and she was there to open the door for her grandmother, when we arrived!

One of the CFRE Ambassadors was eager to show us a live lamprey, and explain their role in the marine ecosystems of this area.   The ambassador's actions demonstrated that the center is inclusive for those with visual impairments, and was encouraging the visually-impaired person, to add the  sense of touch, to the learning experience.  

I noticed the Coast Guard personnel that have offices in this building, were standing on the perimeter, to observe how we reacted to touching the lamprey.  Everything at the CFRE building is wheel-chair accessible, and their goal, is for the learning experience to be inclusive for all.   

 In the photo below, two of the Coast Guard staff are giving a demonstration of a device used to clean up foreign substance spills in the freshwater of the Great Lakes.  

This photo shows three generations of a water-loving family:  Coast Guard officer Tori, along with her grandmother and aunt.  

The CFRE center has a demonstration table, connected to a water spigot,  that is used to show how water flow causes changes in the landscape.  One can also see the effect of obstructions to flow and pollution effects.  

There is a large freshwater tank, and Diana took this photo of me pointing to a sturgeon, which the indigenous people called "The King of  Fish".  

The glass window wall connects to an open deck, and nature trail, adjacent to the St. Mary's River.  The buildings visible on the far shore, are on the Canadian side of St. Mary's River.  

It was interesting to see the microscope pointing into a water sample, with the view being projected onto a video screen above.  The tiny bit of water was full of little "critters" swiftly propelling themselves through the water.

I was curious to hear about the system used here to collect water samples, because I am part of an organization (www.ArkansasMasterNaturalists.org) that has a Stream Team, that routinely measures water quality on designated streams in our area, and reports the results to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.  What we do is called "Citizen Science", but these guys are REAL marine scientists!

The view from the balcony of the second story of the building, shows not only the exhibits below, but also the expansive scene beyond the glass wall.

 

One of the CFRE ambassadors wanted to demonstrate a robotic arm they had built that could perform designated tasks.  

 

Helen asked the robot to draw a fish, so it was fun watching the machine mark out a fish drawing, and put her initials on it!

The CFRE balcony also gave a great view of a group of kayakers on the St. Mary's River!

The reason we were able to visit the second story of the CFRE builing is because that is where Tori's Coast Guard office is located.  Her Master's Degree is in Environmental Science, so it makes sense that government personnel concerned with guarding the marine environment of the Great Lakes, would be in a building dedicated to environmental research and education.  

When I saw a plaque in her office related to the time she was stationed in Mobile, Alabama, it reminded me that this same group had visited her at her Mobile location, when we were on a kayaking trip to that area.  (See Pascagoula River Expedition, June 15, 2021, in the blog archives)

Tori has her own private balcony on the second story, just steps from her corner office.  She very kindly let me go out on it, and when I asked if I could take her picture on her balcony, she said "no", but she would take my photo.  So here it is!

When I was out on the second story balcony, I observed a fisherman walking by.  His net was so large, it could hold a small man, so I was reminded of one of my First Place 4 Health (www.FirstPlace4Health.com) memory verses from Matthew 4:19, that says, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men".  

The quarter-mile long building adjacent to the CFRE building is the Cloverland Electric Cooperative power house, also known as the Saint Marys Falls Hydropower Plant.  It is a historic civil engineering landmark, completed in 1902, and supplies power to the Easter Upper Peninsula of Michigan. 

Tori's balcony also gave a great view of the on-going construction at the Soo Locks, as well as the International Bridge beyond the locks.  

 

Although I did not notice it when we first entered the CFRE building, as we were leaving I saw they had a birch bark canoe hanging from the ceiling.  This was the main mode of transportation on the St. Mary's River to the indigenous people of long ago.  

The mascot for our Arkansas hiking group (WHO) and kayaking group (WHOyakers) is an owl, so I noticed there was an owl "trophy" at the front desk of the CFRE building.  It was awarded by the Michigan Alliance For Environmental and Outdoor Education, to CFRE to honor their impact by significantly enhancing the quality and availability of environmental and outdoor education. Based on all the information I learned at their Open House for Engineers Day, I would say it is a well-deserved award!  

Getting to be in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, for the 2026 Engineers Day gave me "MILES OF SMILES"!!  Tricia