4th of July Fireworks

For the second year in a row, I was lucky enough to find parking space in spite of starting late. Fog and overcast conditions played a bit of spoilsport but it was still a good show.

Lake Linden, MI

Sturgeon Falls

After following the Forest Highway 2200 (Prickett Dam Road) from M38 (near Houghton-Baraga County line) for 12+ miles, I was thoroughly disappointed with the trail markings. The parking area and trail head are very well marked but the trail itself disappeared after about 300 feet into the woods. Fortunately, I found some broken tree branches and bent plants (signs of human activity) and managed to get to a (not very useful) sign. It only said which way one should go but didn’t say how far one should go! Although the trail was quite wide (old logging road), but plant growth was in abundance hinting dearth of human activity in this area. After walking for nearly a mile and not knowing how far I had to go (I wasn’t hearing any water sound either), I decided to return back to the parking lot. Unfortunately, I was lost for about (what seemed like the longest) 30 minutes (of my life) before eventually finding the trail. But for my Swiss Army Knife, I probably would have been part of Upper Michigan’s wilderness forever!!

On the other side of the parking area (for Sturgeon Falls) is a very well marked trail that leads one to this Sturgeon River Gorge – albeit a 60 degree incline lasting over half a mile. The views and opportunities, however, are very much worth the calories burnt to get down. A nearly 25 feet drop by the Sturgeon River makes not only a very pleasant view (reward for hiking down the valley) but also causes a deep enough pool for people to do some cliff diving/jumping. Although I hadn’t done it in a long time (cliff diving/swimming), I just couldn’t resist the temptation. Following the popular saying, the best thing to do with a temptation is to yield to it, I too jumped off the cliff once into this pool and I swear, I felt like a teenager all over again

Sturgeon Falls

Douglass Houghton Falls

When Dave Bezotte took me for a Sunny Saturday morning breakfast to Victoria’s Kitchen way back in Summer of 2004, I knew I was hooked to the food but little did I know that it would eventually take me to this famed Douglass Houghton Falls. Having heard so much about it from so many different people over the past four+ years, it had become in more ways than one a final frontier during this Summer of Waterfalls. Thanks to Vicky and George, I finally got to see it with buddy Kyle. Although located not too far from Lake Linden (which is about 10 miles from Houghton along M26), fact that the surrounding land is private property makes it really hard to access this waterfall. From what I have heard, folks who own the surrounding land (yes, just the land – law is that no one can own a natural resource) used to allow general public but some of the general public did so many monkey acts (viz. climbing the cliff, falling off of it, entering the cave, and such) that they were forced to block the access.

Hike to the top of this waterfall isn’t too bad but hiking down to the bottom along a near 70 degree incline can be quite hazardous/deadly. Having George with us all the way down the to bottom was of great help and the view from bottom – of a 100+ feet drop of water (in three+ segments) surrounded by a horseshoe like canyon – is quite breathtaking. There is an easily noticeable cave used by bats and plenty of bones/skeletons lying around as well.

Douglass Houghton Falls

Presque Isle in Porcupine Mountains

One of the three waterfalls of the Presque Isle River, the access to this one (and the other two as well) is by following well marked trail starting from the Presque Isle parking area. During my previous visit, in April 2007, photographical attempts were marred by too much Sun shine. Approaching the waterfall was nearly impossible due to Spring snow melts and slippery rocks/slopes.

The Presque Isle is the largest river in the Porcupine Mountains, draining over 300 sq. miles of forest land in the Upper Michigan and northern Wisconsin. The amber-colored water of the river, and the persistent foam beneath the waterfalls, are largely the result of tannins and other water-soluble plant compounds that wash into the river as it journeys to meet Lake Superior. Lower water levels meant that I could actually sit midstream and shoot pictures. Although I would have wished to have a cloud cover, setting Sun did help get longer exposures. In the language of the native Ojibwa people, Manido means spirit or ghost. The largest falls rightfully take their name from the powerful Ojibwa spirit God Manabezho. The porcupine was known to the Ojibwa as kag and the Porcupine Mountains as Kagwadjiw.

Manido Falls

Manabezho Falls

The finely terraced rock over which the river flows is called the Nonesuch Shale. It is composed of sand and clay particles that were deposited in a shallow lake that covered this area almost a billion years ago. The round potholes in the riverbed form an eddy current continually swirls pebbles and sand grains in a circular path. Over time, the scouring action of these materials wear away the softer shale, forming the large smooth-sided potholes that can be seen here.

Having seen couple other bigger waterfalls earlier in the day and not having seen any of these rock formations previously (due to Spring snow melts and overflows), I almost did not shoot this picture. Returning from Presque Isle to the main land on a delicate suspension bridge (delicate because it shakes if wind blows a bit hard; it shakes if people walk around the bridge, let alone on it), these rock formations caught my attention, thanks mainly due to the lower levels of water. I did manage to get a pretty crisp 10 seconds exposure on a breezy evening and thankfully, no one was around the bridge to induce camera shake. Owing to Long Exposure Noise Reduction, I had to wait at least five more seconds to see the result and at the end of it all, it was very very satisfying and yes, 15 seconds – often a minuscule amount of time in our daily standards – did feel like eternity

Mystic River – undoubtedly my personal best and most satisfying effort from behind the camera…

Presque Isle Unit in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park can be accessed either by the South Boundary Road (from M107 near Silver City) or by County Road 519 (from M28 near Wakefield).

Aura Jamboree

Got introduced to this annual music festival by Dave Bezotte last year and there is something about this place/event that keeps drawing me back. There were plenty more known people and a variety of music on plate. Organizers have created a very aesthetically pleasant website, although it hasn’t seen any update since the event.

Rest of the pictures from this event are here.

Graduate League & Church League Softball

This was the 5th (yeah fifth) season playing in Michigan Tech Grad League and 3rd season in Church League. Although our respective teams had outstanding season, the end result could have been better. In Church League playoffs, we killed ourselves while in Grad League finals (yeah, 5th straight finals appearance), the other team outplayed us in every aspect. Thanks to all those who taught me this game, let me be part of it, I can boast of being part of the team(s) that have a 54-7-1 record through 5 years of Grad League (and one inside the park home run, in game # 61)

Good Shepard Softball Team, with not all of them present – after an epic 13 innings (that’s 6-extra) battle against Hope Fellowship. It should be pointed out that this was the second game of the double header and from the smile on our faces, needless to mention we won the game!

Team ITS – after finals loss to MSE

Industrial Ruins

Steven and Rebbie were in the UP during Alumni Weekend and I had the opportunity to roam around several of industrial ruins in our area. Although some were places that I had been/seen before, I did learn more about them during this visit – however, visit to the dredge near Dollar Bay, was my first time

An old photo of Calumet – showing the now fallen bigger tower

Dredge near Mason/Dollar Bay

Rest of the pictures from this trip are here.

Alumni ReUnion Basketball

Something that I had been waiting for a while – to see some of Tech’s All American Selections in action. And, they didn’t disappoint – displaying dunks, alley-oops, buzzer beaters and an overtime game

Black & Gold Teams – Alumni ReUnion

Rest of the pictures from this event are here.

Baltic Mine

My friends, Jill and Steve, had many of us over for a cook out at their place in Baltic and after all the eating (and throwing some football as well), Jill suggested that we go and see International Space Station (ISS). ISS wasn’t at its usual brightness but I did manage to get this nearly 30 minute long exposure of the night sky…

Week In East Coast

Much of what I did in this week long trip — covering Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey and New York — was classified but there were many things that were unclassified as well. Awesomely tasty, authentically prepared food was always there; learnt that my SB800 Speed light flash could be used as a remote flash (thanks to Nagesh); this technique came in very handy while in New Jersey and New York; hung out with my buddies from elementary school and undergraduate days… All in all, I had fun is an understatement.

Manhattan Skyline at night – something I had been wanting to do since March of 2006

Interstate Traffic – an uncommon sight in the UP

Out of Staters… In The UP

Two of my friends, Parag and Rupinder, are officially the first out of staters to visit UP Michigan. In about 2 days that they were here, I got to see Porcupine Mountains, Presque Isle, Estivant Pines in Copper Harbor (and more)….

Parag & Rupinder – with Lake of Clouds in the background

Rest of the pictures from their stay are here.

Eli & Karen … I Will

Two more of my friends, Eli and Karen, said I Will to each other, in what can be termed as a scientifically artistic wedding. Having known both of these and many of those who participated in the event, made it very very enjoyable and needless to say, I was one of the last to leave the party

Rest of the pictures from this event are here.

In a nutshell, this has been the best summer so far – for more reasons than one. Got to see plenty more than I had ever imagined and meet many more interesting personalities – some known and some hitherto unknown. Just started Fall semester seems quite promising as well – in more ways than one and so does life itself…

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