Wednesday, we made a much needed laundry and grocery run. Grocery stores in this area are scarce, have limited stock, and are very expensive. The nearest market of any size is in Newberry, 30 miles away. While there, we visited the Logging Museum, a collection of restored buildings in tribute to the industry that has been the lifeblood of the UP. The displays are not well labeled but interesting. The best was the CCC building, complete with a video about the camps in the area that fought forest fires.
When we returned, we opted for supper at Camp 33, a brew pub/restaurant near the Upper Falls. The land around the falls was purchased mid-twentieth century by Jack and Mimi Barrett and later given to the state of Michigan with the stipulation that roads and parking lots would end no closer than 3/4 of a mile from the falls and visitors would approach on foot. Jack's family retained concession rights and built Camp 33 in honor of the logging camps. Great food!
We had been told a couple of nights before by a couple camped near us that their favorite activity in the park was a boat trip to and hike around the island that separates the Lower Falls. That would be a rowboat--not an excursion boat. Visitors rent a boat below the falls and row across the river to the island where a boardwalk and trail circle the island with views of all five lower falls.
It is a beautiful, easy hike and the only way to view the larger east falls. The copper color comes from the tannins in the nearby cedar and pine forests. The views are spectacular and human intrusion on the island is kept to a minimum--no concessions, small viewing platforms and not even a bench! Fall color is just beginning and we have been very lucky to have wonderful weather to see it all.
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