Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Copper Harbor, the TRUE Gold at the End of the Rainbow

The Hubbs has the photography bug sometimes too! 

I submitted the following blog to Pure Michigan as a guest blogger regarding a "photography road trip" - and although the content and photos are almost a year old, I thought why not share on here. Despite my devotion and love to Summer, I have found myself craving a crisp breeze and Fall color lately. I know when it comes, I will miss Summer intensely, but why not at least dream about it as a little taste to cure the craving! :)

"I had been living in Marquette for seven years (a faux Yooper transplant from the other side of the Mason Dixon line) constantly hearing about Copper Harbor and the beautiful color there during the Fall season.  Last October,  I was finally able to convince my husband to embark with me on the three hour drive to the Keweenaw. It was a photogenic road trip well worth our time.

In Hancock, we were intrigued by the bones of what were once large brick buildings and pulled over at Quincy Mine to explore them.  A tour and tram ride while there…why not? We browsed the large gift shop and museum while we waited for our tram to depart down the mountain and to the mine entrance.  The color on the mountain, split by the tram tracks, was breath-taking!  From the tram, we boarded a wagon set-up and traveled underground into the mine (hard-hat included!) It is chilly underground, so a jacket is well worth it, but if you are without the mine supplies old mining coats (to coordinate with the hard-hat of course).

After the tour, we continued our drive from Hancock to the Keweenaw. At times the trees canopied over the twisting and turning road providing a tunnel of gold and orange.  Upon entering Copper Harbor, we pulled into the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge where we, again, had a beautiful view of color draped mountains.  Since it was getting late, we continued on straight to Brockway Mountain. The drive to the top was beautiful in and of itself, but the view from the top is really an experience best understood in person, and to this day one of the most memorable views I have been lucky enough to see. There was a faint rainbow visible only for a few seconds that made me laugh to myself and think we had found the “pot of gold” at the end of the rainbow.  We stayed for quite some time and enjoyed the sunset.  To complete our day, we enjoyed a dinner of German/American cuisine at Harbor Haus. What a delicious meal, and another great view to boot! Beat from exploring all day, we found an available room at Lake Fanny Hooe Resort that overlooked Lake Fanny Hooe.  Don’t assume that no one else has planned to visit during peak color and that there will be plenty of rooms available, it is NOT true.  But, in the end it all worked out well for a room with yet another great view.

 The following morning we awoke to a beautiful sunrise over the lake. We treated ourselves to another delicious meal with breakfast at Tamarack Inn.  Don’t be afraid to get up and get there early, as it was another great idea that many others seemed to also have!  After breakfast we visited the local shops and art vendors (all within walking distance of lodging and eating), and hiked nearby trails to a waterfall.  We even managed to fit in a visit to Fort Wilkins State Park prior to driving back home. It was a quick trip, but for what we did see it was a photography enthusiast’s dream and definitely worth the drive!"


Remains of old stone buildings in Hancock

Another of Hubby's photography skills!
Adult playground!
Copper
Remains  
A view from atop Brockway Mountain



Sunrise over Lake Fanny Hooe - seagulls in the distance bask in the steamy sunlight
Late morning on Lake Fanny Hooe

Sunday, August 21, 2011

"V" is for "VERY adorable"


Saturday morning I had the pleasure of not only meeting little Miss Vesper for the first time, but also capturing some of her cuteness on film. Such a happy and curious little thing! Safe travels to Japan Lane and V!!














Sunday, August 14, 2011

A Bee-autiful Wedding


One of my favorite little photography spots that I don't frequent as often as I'd like (because Marquette has spoiled me with close proximity to anything I need and the gardens seem like they are forever away) is Carp River Garden in Negaunee. There is no shortage of plant and flower varieties to ogle, in addition to little waterfalls, hummingbirds and bees buzzing around to enjoy. It is the perfect place for a late afternoon picnic or walk with a significant other, but I have also heard throughout the years that it makes a wonderful backdrop for weddings. I considered the idea when the hubbs and I were planning our big day, but Marquette's finicky and sometimes cruel weather ultimately squashed any outdoor wedding dreams of mine. I simply wasn't brave enough. However, I had the opportunity yesterday to attend my first wedding at Carp River Garden, and lucky are the brave ones who shun Marquette's weather reputation as it truly was such a beautiful thing.

I woke up yesterday morning worried for the couple due to the weather forecast. But, if you live here.. you know the saying "If you don't like the weather in Marquette...wait 5 minutes." Light rain drizzled over the car on the drive over for the ceremony, but the sun decided to be gracious with ultimately perfect timing. The bride looked stunning and the groom smitten and happy. It was a beautiful ceremony with a beautiful backdrop. Now, I'm not one to go to Carp River Garden without my camera on hand... so yesterday was no exception. Congratulations Meagan and Josh! We are so happy for you two!