Where Did the Stamp Sand Go at the Breakers?
One of the first adventures I had in the Keweenaw was during orientation week as a freshman. Tons of us loaded into cars and headed out to the breakers. I had no idea what was there, but it sounded fun so I went.
We arrived after dark and fires were blazing all over. We got out of the car and started walking towards the lake. Wait a minute…the sand felt funny. It was very coarse. Lit by bonfire light, I could see that the sand wasn’t quite sand. I later found out it was stamp sand – a remnant of the copper mining activity in the area.
I went out to the breakers numerous times after that first trip. I even remember someone daring me to take my car out on the stamp sand but I wouldn’t do it. Trucks were venturing out there, but I wouldn’t dare take my car. I was fine with walking the distance.
I can’t remember the last time I have been out there. I want to say that I haven’t been out there in over six years. I knew the Environmental Protection Agency completed some rehab work to the breakers but I was not prepared to see what I saw last weekend.
I stopped…and stared. I was speechless. What was black was now green.
Heading to the water, we discovered that there is still stamp sand next to the lake. I ran my hand through the familiar texture. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying the EPA shouldn’t have done what they did. I’m also not saying they should have. It just really took me by surprise and I wish I took some pictures of it pre-EPA. I didn’t even think about it back then.
Discovering the Little Inhabitants of the Keweenaw
This weekend was a pretty boring weekend. I am currently nursing an injury that made going out and about exploring almost impossible. Thankfully, I am feeling better today.
For the next few days, I’m pulling from a trip we had last weekend to the breakers. I walked over to a dry grassy spot to take some pictures and all I could hear was some crackling noises coming from the ground. I looked down, and saw TONS of baby grasshoppers jumping every which way.
I called my husband and son over and told them to walk where I just was. Of course, they were wondering why (I tend to practical joke sometimes) but I kept quiet. Our son saw them right away, which led to some chasing of the grasshoppers. He finally caught one, but it got away. Then he caught another and begged me to take a pic:
He also begged to take it home with us, but that’s where mom drew the line :)
The Houghton School Forest Trail
We have lived in the area since 1995 and we continue to find neat things to do. We came across one last weekend, the Houghton School Forest hiking trail. We have heard about it, but we decided to finally check it out.
Wow. I’m not sure how else to put it. It’s not an elaborate trail, but the minute you start it you are greeted by a friendly bridge.
Continuing on, there is a complete loop of the trail that is barrier free. The trail alternates between wood and concrete surfaces. Scattered along the trail are interpretive signs and wooden seats.
There is another loop that is a foot trail. We didn’t go on that portion as it was threatening to rain. A few joggers and their friendly (and oh so happy to be on the trail) dog did venture out that way. Perhaps that will be an adventure for another day.
If interested in checking it out, make a turn from Sharon Avenue onto Gundlach Road (towards the fire station). Keep an eye out on your left for a little parking area and a sign. You don’t have to go too far at all.
Where in the Copper Country Wednesday – #2
Before we move on to today’s picture, here’s the answer to last week: Lac La Belle. Congrats to dcclark and Gordy for guessing correctly! (for more information on this series, please see the beginning of this post).
This week’s picture is from a beautiful newer building in the Keweenaw. It started raining while we were in the area, so we decided to check out this building to try to wait out the rain. I’m glad we did. It is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area – and it’s free!. There is an interactive kiosk inside, displays and an awesome mural on the wall. Because I am a big fan of bald eagles, I wish I could bundle up that mural and take it home with me :)
Where in the Copper Country is this picture taken?
A Visit to the Tamarack City Park
There used to be a field next to the stamp mill ruins in Tamarack City. The community worked to make it a park with some picnic tables and grills. The latest addition to the park included new playground equipment.
As their sign states, the park is becoming a reality:
It is amazing what Tamarack City was able to accomplish. They were able to raise enough for that playground equipment (which is not cheap!). The Daily Mining Gazette has a full article on the park and how they raised the funds.
I think the park is a great addition to the Copper Country. To me, the park sitting next to a huge piece of history is an interesting display of old vs. new. I wonder now if the stamp mill ruins will be demolished. I hope not.
