Pictured Rocks Weekend Adventure 

View of Miners Castle

To celebrate the ending of a successful first summer session at Au Sable - a small group of us decided to head north to the Upper Peninsula to enjoy Pictured Rocks.  Since, I did not have test to prepare for it was my assignment to plan for the trip.

With Paremila (2004 Subaru Impreza) packed to the max with camping supplies and people we departed at 6:30AM.  Immediately it was evident that the my "kiddos" for the weekend were quite tired, as they quickly fell asleep - until we reached the straights of Mackinaw.  Everyone was awake to experience the crossing of the worlds 5th longest suspension bridge that towers 200 feet above the straights that connect Lake Huron with Lake Michigan.  This bridge provides access to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Miners Castle 

Soon after crossing the bridge the "kiddos" were fast asleep.  The landscape of the Upper Pennisula is rather flat with low areas dominated by coniferous swamps.  To help myself stay awake on the long flat straight roads it was essential to watch for changing trees and plants.  Trembling aspen, Tamarack, Spruce, Balsam Fur, Red Maple, grasses, and the list could go on.  Two hours later we stopped for gas and an ice coffee in Shingleton - the destination was in sight. From this point on we enjoyed fellowship and anticipation of arriving to Pictured Rocks!

At the Munising Falls Visitor Center we gathered information about the park: a hiking trail map, learned about camping options, and saw a public service announcement not to touch wild parsnip - apparently it causes a skin rash much worse than poison ivy.

Off we went to see Miners falls and Castle. A few years back a portion of Miners Castle collapsed into Lake Superior.  The cliffs are made of several kinds of Sandstone, which in time are eroded away by the wave action of the lake and weather conditions inevitable result in dramatic crashing of cliffs into the lake. The contrast of colors from the tan, white, brown of the cliffs to the shades of blue of the lake to the sky blue - all combined to create a feast for eyes and soul.

From there we traveled along Rt 58 through the park to Little Beaver Lake to set up camp.  In the park - camping is a first come first serve.  Fortunately, Merriam noticed that one of the sites was available, since the take at the stations was dated for the 12th.  This meant we did not have to travel 15 more miles to the next camp site.  After setting up camp and having a PB and J Sandwiches with cheese and crackers were were off to hike along the Pictured Rock cliffs.

Chapel Falls

To access the cliffs there is a 3.2 mile trail to Chapel beach that meanders through a rich Northern Hardwood forest and passes Chapel falls.  The vegetation of the forest attests to it richness as we found a very vibrant community of Maidenhair Ferns! These are my favorite of the ferns, because of their unique shape.

Along Path Beyond Chapel Falls - a Patch of Maidenhair Ferns

Chapel Rock 

The key feature at Chapel beach is Chapel Rock.  It was named in 1840 by Douglas Houghton who was charged with exploring the southern shore of Lake Superior.  Today Chapel Rock is attached to the main land by a root from the Jack pine that is growing on top of the Sandstone Structure. Upon reaching the lake shore we explored the sandy beach and skipped rocks along the lake.  Since all the rocks are sandstone based there was a plethora of skipping stones.  Adam was the only one to complete go into the lake, the rest of us settled for touching the lake.

Drift Wood along Chapel Beach

Standing on the Point of Grand Portal 

At this point the team had to decide if we were up for hiking another 6 miles or if we wanted to return the way we had come.  Although it was cloudy and there was a heavy midst on the lake we decided to go for it and we were greatly rewarded for this choice.  From here the trail follows along the North Country Trail.  Our first glimpse of the Pictured Rocks  came from Grand Portal. When we first stepped out very little of the cliffs could be seen, but after a few minutes the midst was rolled back and it revealed this lovely view - we contemplated writing a new verse to How Great Thou Art!

View from Grand Portal 

View back towards Grand Portal 

Rock formation at Mosquito Beach

Along the NCT we traveled - every few minutes the trail would lead to more spectacular view spots.  Eventually, after much enjoyment of the sights we reached Mosquito Beach.  One thing to know before you visit the UP, Mosquitoes are very abundant - fortunately Sam was prepared and we were not eaten alive while hiking. Mosquito Beach has a wonderful sitting rock that allows you to look both to the east and west.  From this spot we headed back into the woods for a four mile trek to the car.  The trail was rather muddy and evidently provided pristine conditions for Mosquitoes.  This just made us keep the pace up - or maybe it was just that we were hungry and ready for dinner.

Upon reaching the car at 7:50 we headed for the general store to pick up some firewood.  Here in Michigan, as with other states, you cannot transport firewood because of the emerald ash borer.  As we pulled up we noticed the sign said open.  Upon jumping out of the car the light went off - "Oh no" said the group - I quickly ran to the door and knocked - the nice store owner opened up and we were able to obtain firewood for the evening!

The Campsite - and faithful Parmelia

Back at the site Merriam built a great fire, while the boys worked on splitting the wood for the evening - after a quick lesson. A light rain fell for most of the evening, but that did not deter us from enjoying the warmth of the fire.  We even had a rabbit visit us for the evening - when it divided to dart through our site!  

Sunday morning we awoke to clearing skies! Instant oatmeal, tea, and toast made for a great breakfast. We broke down camp and headed for Au Sable Light House.

 View of Little Beaver Lake - Just beyond our Campsite 

Au Sable Light House and Outbuildings 

This area is known as Shipwreck beach.  Before there was a light house many ships had their voyage end in disaster when they ran aground on the shallow sandstone lake bottom.  The water is only 6 feet deep.  To help decrease the chance of ship wrecks the Au Sable Light house was built in 1895.  It still functions today - but with a programmed LED light.  

Taking in the beauty of Lake Superior

Just beyond the Light House is an access point to the shore.  Here we explored and enjoyed a view of the Dunes!  Along the shore we found the carnivorous Sundew plants.  These small plants (about the size of a large pencil eraser) catch insects on their sticky hairs - slowly the plant closes in on the insect.      

Looking towards the Dunes from Au Sable Point

It was hard to leave Au Sable beach - the warmth of the sun, the vastness of the lake - it was all so inviting, but we all agreed it was time to head home to the Au Sable Institute!

Our Camping Exploring Team

If possible, you should definitely make the effort to visit Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore!