It has been almost five (yeah five long) weeks since I lost (almost) all motivation to keep writing these entries but break from writing gave me plenty of time to learn new things, read (what others write), weekend travel (mostly local), play (mostly softball but some [American] football as well) hangout with friends and shoot tons of pictures - apart from Physics + Computers related work in school/home. As part of the weekend (local) travels, I had opportunities to see several waterfalls, venture into areas that I didn’t think existed before and met more than several wonderful people. It was my first time visiting many of these while it took more than one attempt either to find or get a good photograph of some others. In spite of being in this area for nearly five years, why did it take me so long to see these? Lack of information, proper photographical equipment, means of transportation and to some extent, procrastination … feel free to add more to this list! Following are a brief photographical description of the Summer so far:

Bob & Trisha … I Do

Two of my good friends, Bob Evans and Trisha Weyandt, got married in Hancock. I must have believed when Trisha once told me that they (her and Bob) were out to change the history of mankind: Juggling three tennis balls together, using only one hand each, was the awesome part of this wedding

Bridge Festival & Rotary Sea Food Festival - Houghton, MI

Quincy Falls - Dollar Bay, MI

While talking to Michelle B earlier in the Summer, she gave directions and explained what the falls (and its surroundings) looks like. I should have listened to her carefully, especially about getting there - that would have saved me a treacherous hike through recklessly disposed trash, some industrial waste products as well as climbing a 20+ feet incline - through the abandoned buildings just outside Dollar Bay on M26. There ought to be an easier access as my treacherous hike was intercepted by a well used ORV trail. It’s not a big drop by any means but the fact that it cannot be seen unless one ventures into the woods makes it a pleasant surprise.

Houghton-Dollar Bay Route Map (Courtesy: Google Maps)

Quincy Falls, Dollar Bay, MI

Abandoned Building near Quincy Falls, Dollar Bay, MI

Hungarian Falls - Tamarack City, MI

Probably the closest to Houghton and quite spectacular (at least in Spring and early Summer), Hungarian Falls (Lower, Middle and Upper, along with some other jump offs) offer pretty rewarding views along a cliff-side hike. While on M26 East in Tamarack City, turn left onto 6th Street and a block later, take the left fork to a seasonal road (popularly known as the Golf Course Road. Where is the Golf Course you ask? There is one, at the far end of this road, very close to Calumet!) uphill. Take the second left and one should find an unmarked parking area where the road ends. Hiking up the trail along the cliff leads first to Lower Falls - the biggest of all three but tree branches and canopy hide much of the view.

Dollar Bay-Tamarack City Route Map (Courtesy: Google Maps)

One could go down, like we (Kyle Schneider and myself) did last summer, to the bottom of Lower Falls - at the expense of couple more hours and burning lot of calories, but nevertheless for some bonus. Another waterfall, not known to too many people, hidden completely from the cliff trail, can only be seen from the bottom of the cliff But there are pretty big boulders that one will have to climb along the way and as such, most of these are unclimbable during Spring runoffs and by mid summer, there is hardly any flow

From the top of Lower Falls, one can hike along the river (during not so heavy runoffs at least) or take the normal trail to the Middle Falls. Procrastination as well as visiting waterfalls in other parts of the Upper Peninsular and lack of enough rain combined to give me this view of Middle Falls while Lower Falls was reduced to a trickle

Middle Hungarian Falls, Tamarack City, MI

Continuing the hike further up the trail, one gets to the reservoir and subsequently to the Upper Falls. Fortunately enough, there was quite a flow still left to get some pretty pictures. The trail ends very soon as both the land and the Hungarian Creek itself become part of a private property.

Upper Hungarian Falls, Tamarack City, MI

Mining Relics - Calumet, MI

Although one does not need driving directions to Calumet from Houghton (get on US41 N and keep driving), getting to these relics might be a bit trickier. Steam hoist can be clearly seen from US 41 and I just drive through the gas station that appears on left - to get there.

Houghton-Calumet Route Map (Courtesy: Google Maps; FYI, I am not too happy with the accuracy of this map - M203 goes through McLain State Park, unlike shown above)

Mine Relics, Calumet, MI

Mine Relics, Calumet, MI

Mine Relics, Calumet, MI

Gratiot River Park, MI

Located about 5 miles off of Five Mile Point Road near Ahmeek, this was the venue for a bon fire - celebrating Kyle’s 22nd birthday. While on the Five Mile Point road, starting from Ahmeek, turn left onto Gratiot River Road (there is a cemetery on the right and road takes a sharp curve). Following this seasonal road for a mile, one gets to a 4-way cross - bearing right and driving another 3 miles along an unmarked, narrowish ORV trail takes one to this place - a calm flowing Gratiot River merging with Lake Superior. Although I had been here before, never had stayed long enough to see the sunset and this is fast becoming one of my personal favorite getaways/hideouts in this area

Ahmeek-Gratiot River Route Map (Courtesy: Google Maps)

Gratiot River Park, MI

Gratiot River Park, MI

Haven Falls - Lac La Belle, MI

From Houghton, driving along M26 through Dollar Bay and Lake Linden, one can get to Gay, MI (about 20 miles from Houghton). Gay Bar, Mohawk Stamp Mill, Tobacco River Park (Sherman Township), Brunette Park, Point Isabelle, … are some of the stop-worhty places. Access to this waterfall is through a road side park, along Gay-Lac La Belle Road. Haven Creek takes a plunge before emptying itself into Lac La Belle (The Beautiful Lake in French) in Lac La Belle Township.

Houghton-Lac La Belle Route Map (Courtesy: Google Maps)

Haven Falls, Lac La Belle, MI

Manganese Falls - Copper Harbor, MI

After the usual US41 N drive to Copper Harbor from Houghton, continue along US41 N towards Fort Wilkins State Park and turn right onto second street, which soon becomes Manganese Road. Trail head is clearly marked but the trail itself can be quite challenging. Rock climbing skills can be quite useful and if one manages to get to the bottom, Manganese River offers some pretty views with canopy offers cooler shade.

Houghton-Copper Harbor Route Map (Courtesy: Google Maps; FYI, I am not too happy with the accuracy of this map - Eagle River, in between Houghton and Copper Harbor, is labeled as Houghton)

Copper Harbor-Manganese Falls Route Map (Courtesy: Google Maps)

Manganese Falls, Copper Harbor, MI

Manganese Falls, Copper Harbor, MI

Manganese Falls, Copper Harbor, MI

Jacob’s Creek Falls - Off M26, MI

Houghton-Eagle River Route Map (Courtesy: Google Maps; FYI, I am not too happy with the accuracy of this map - Eagle River, end point marked in Red, is labeled as Houghton)

Continuing along M26 from Eagle River towards Copper Harbor, one can find this waterfall on the right side - quite close to The Monks.

Jacob’s Creek Falls, MI

Falls River Falls (Unnamed Falls, Lower Falls, Power House Falls) - L’Anse, MI

Unnamed Falls - L’Anse, MI

Given its proximity to US 41 in L’Anse, this is probably one of the most frequently overlooked waterfall in the area. Found within hundred steps from the Burger King in L’Anse (cross the old railway tracks and descend down an unmarked trail), I loved the huge flat rock bed in the middle of the river - to sit and enjoy the beauty of this 50 feet crest waterfall. Ideal place to get something packed from the B K Lounge and enjoy it while surrounded by gushing sounds of the waterfall.

Houghton-L’Anse Route Map (Courtesy: Google Maps)

Unnamed Falls, L’Anse, MI

Unnamed Falls, L’Anse, MI

Lower Falls - L’Anse, MI

Downstream from the Unnamed Falls, an unmarked trail (on the opposite river bank) leads to this Lower Falls of the Falls River - these compose of at least three different jump offs but makes for a good hike. If unwilling to take the unmarked trail from US41, there is a much better and well marked trail from the L’Anse river front park.

Some part of Lower Falls, L’Anse, MI

Power House Falls - L’Anse, MI

Initial attempt was to find the Upper Falls of the Falls River but during a subsequent visit, I learnt that the Upper Falls (and probably Middle Falls too) are now part of private property and hence inaccessible by general public. About a mile South of L’Anse (follow US 41S and turn right onto Power House Road), an aptly named Falls River makes about 15 feet plunge, while spanning about 40 feet in crest. Although there are several small drops between here and the Burger King (yeah, the B K Lounge) in L’Anse, this is supposedly the biggest of all.

L’Anse-Power House Falls Route Map (Courtesy: Google Maps)

Power House Falls, L’Anse, MI

There is no restroom facility here and overnight camping is not allowed but this place does have a fire-ring - if you are thinking of having bon fire while watching waterfalls and still want to be closer to town, this could be your place

Silver Falls - L’Anse-Skanee Road, MI

Located about 6 miles North East of L’Anse on Skanee Road, first time I saw signs to this one was during my last year’s visit to The Aura Jamboree (popularly known as Aura Fiddlers’ Festival). A small, but clearly marked sign leads off the road into a mile long seasonal road. Parking area, with restroom facilities, is right along the river. About half a mile hike (back and forth) includes pretty views of Silver River gushing through the gorges, causing several jump offs along the way - of varying height (5-20 feet) and varying crest (3 - 10 feet).

L’Anse-Skanee Route Map (Courtesy: Google Maps)

Some part of Silver Falls, L’Anse-Skanee Road, MI

Some part of Silver Falls, L’Anse-Skanee Road, MI

Some part of Silver Falls, L’Anse-Skanee Road, MI

Canyon Falls - Alberta, MI

About 15 miles from L’Anse along US 41 S, a well marked trail (much of which it is flat and parts of it are board walks) starts in a rest area and leads one along the Sturgeon River. There are several stop-worthy spots to enjoy the gushing waters and smaller jump offs along this mile long trail, before the big one. River takes a 15 feet plunge to form Canyon Falls but like many people think/know, Trail Ends sign here does not necessarily mark the end of the trail. A bit of walking around, away from the river, and up a cliff leads one to a not so well used trail along the gorge. Drops here are not as impressive as the Canyon Falls but worth seeing nevertheless.

L’Anse-Alberta Route Map (Courtesy: Google Maps)

Sturgeon River, Alberta, MI

Canyon Falls, Alberta, MI

Agate Falls - Agate, MI

After about 40+ miles on US41 S from Houghton, one should turn right onto M28. Driving past Covington and Sidnaw and continuing on M28 towards Bruce Crossing, one will come to a rest area in Agate (there is a gift shop across M28). Trail starts from the rest area, passes under M28 and very soon leads one to a viewing platform. Although view from the top is good, the one from the very bottom is much better. Hiking down, often steep unmarked inclines, can be tricky but very much worth the effort. Middle Branch of Ontonagon River makes a 25 feet vertical drop with nearly 80 feet crest to form this Agate Falls - Duluth S Shore and Atlantic Railroad Tracks only add more aesthetics to an already beautiful drop

Houghton-Agate Route Map (Courtesy: Google Maps)

Agate Falls, Agate, MI

Bond Falls - Paulding, MI

After about 40+ miles on US41 S from Houghton, one should turn right onto M28. Driving past Covington and Sidnaw and continuing on M28 towards Bruce Crossing, one will come across a lesser known Calderwood Road (to the left, before Agate). Most tour guides suggest driving to Bruce Crossing, taking US45 S to Paulding and then taking Bond Falls Road from there. Calderwood Road, apparently, is the other end of this Bond Falls Road and offers much better scenic views all along the curvy stretch. There are two parking areas - one built recently to help the physically handicapped (with restroom facilities) but parking near the Visitor Center and walking down the trail provides views of many a jump offs of this Ontanagon River (Middle Branch).

Houghton-Calderwood Road Route Map (Courtesy: Google Maps)

Middle Branch of Ontanagon River, Paulding, MI

Bond Falls itself is in two parts - each about 25 feet in vertical drop and nearly 50 feet in crest. Well marked trail as well as well designated areas provide very good photo-opportunities Nearby reservoir, daytime recreational areas (with volleyball court) and camp sites offer further facilities for those who are interested.

Right Half of Bond Falls, Paulding, MI

Left Half of Bond Falls, Paulding, MI

Black River Falls (Potawatomi Falls, Sandstone Falls and Rainbow Falls) - Bessemer/Iron Wood, MI

From US2 W in Bessemer (about 100 miles from Houghton, see the route map below), turn right onto (Gogebic) County Road 513. First 12 miles of this 15 mile stretch are probably like any other while the last three are unlike any other - with Black River forming five (yes, five) gorgeous waterfalls before merging with the Lake Superior. The Black River journeys about 30 horizontal miles and 1000 vertical feet from its origin somewhere in Wisconsin. The river is almost as old as the hills it cuts through. It held its course through the centuries while the bed rock was gradually being raised and tilted - tilting being the part of mountain making process. Remnants of this process are the hills and valleys that have an East-West trend and make up the Gogebic range. Glaciers creeping down from the North helped wear down the mountains and the wasting away was accelerated by the work of water, ice, heat, cold, wind and rain.

River flows over the bed rock and gravel, wearing away being continued at a slow rate. Resistance of harder layers of rock to vigorous stream erosion caused many rapids and waterfalls. Bed rock here is composed of some of the oldest known rocks. Sedimentary beds, under heat and pressure, became the rocks that were gradually tilted to make mountains. Edges of the beds can be seen in many places, especially along the river - while Conglomerate is the major type of exposed rock near the Potawatomi Falls.

Houghton-Black River Harbor Route Map (Courtesy: Google Maps)

Potawatomi Falls, Bessemer/Iron Wood, MI

Slippery ground conditions and steep inclines prevented me from getting to the bottom of the gorge to get a better view of these falls. Wrong ISO setting coupled with a blown out cloud cover kept me away from shooting good pictures of the Great Conglomerate Falls. When I did get to a good view point and clouds had masked the Sun for a bit, a curled up snake just few inches away scared the crap out of me… Too bad that it was only in the later parts of the day (first from Joanne at the Concession Shop in harbor and later from buddy Kevin) that snakes in the UP are non-poisonous

Sandstone Falls, Bessemer/Iron Wood, MI

Sandstone Falls is probably the only one in this sequence that provides a full frontal, eye-level view with ease, although getting down and up the gorge itself can be quite tiresome. Rated as the best of the five in this stretch, drizzling rain (and my forgetfulness to carry the neutral density filters) did play some role in poor quality of shots of Rainbow Falls. The view point does not facilitate the full view but slippery surface (along with steep inclines) makes it too hazardous to get to the bottom Again, it was only later (from Joanne at the harbor) that I learnt of other ways to get the full view.

Rainbow Falls, Bessemer/Iron Wood, MI

Recently, we (Kevin, Kyle and yours-truly) set out to see the Rainbow Falls and keeping in mind Joanne’s advice, we crossed the Black River at the harbor, following a well marked trail to the waterfall. If only we had gone 10-15 steps further, descent to the view point would have been lot less exciting. Instead, we decided to get down to the river side and then hike along the river to the view point. Little did we know that the gorge is pretty deep and rocks are quite slippery. After a treacherous rock-climbing/hiking, we finally made it to the view point - walking bare foot (Kevin and myself) and each of us carrying nearly 20 lbs of camera equipment didn’t make this process any easier either.

In spite of this half-a-step at a time bear foot walk, weather wasn’t really co-operating - too much sunshine and lack of cloud cover spoiled our attempts to capture the waterfall and the one below is a result of using multiple filters (ND2, ND4 and Circular Polarizer). Having lost the touch of walking bare foot, it was really hard (harsh) on our feet but they (feet) did very much appreciate walking on grass as well as walking with boots on … reminding us of little things taken for granted

Rainbow Falls, Bessemer/Iron Wood, MI

Beauty (in the background) and the Beasts (in the foreground) - Rainbow Falls, Bessemer/Iron Wood, MI

If taking the North Country Trail along the river to see these five falls, it will be a good idea to keep the eyes wide open (for snakes & other reptiles and amphibians) and carry a first-aid kit (knowing how to use it will also be very handy);

Sunset - McLain State Park, MI

Not too far from Houghton (about 10 miles), this place has rarely failed me in terms of Sunsets - irrespective of the season and this time around, was not much different

Houghton-McLain State Park Route Map (Courtesy: Google Maps; FYI, I am not too happy with the accuracy of this map - M203 goes through McLain State Park, unlike shown above))

Sunset - McLain State Park, MI

First half of Summer has been quite hectic and very enjoyable at the same time. While the second half looks quite promising - at least in terms of being hectic - it will be hard to photograph anymore waterfalls as many streams/rivers have started to dry off and lack of rain (or snow) isn’t helping matters much either. Looking forward to staying busy and having (some) fun