4 Lessons from My First Year in the Upper Peninsula
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- Опубликовано: 22 июл 2024
- I moved from Metro Detroit to Michigan's Upper Peninsula almost exactly one year ago. From how to deal with flies to how to thrive in the winter, here's what I've learned in year one.
If you're planning to visit or travel through the UP (or move here yourself someday!), hopefully some of these things will come in handy.
Language Note: In this video, I refer to myself as "able-bodied." Since uploading, I've learned there are better ways to say what I meant: "I don't have trouble getting around in snowy and/or icy conditions." Such as, "I don't have trouble getting around in snowy and/or icy conditions!"
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🪰 More info on UP insects/flies, courtesy of the National Park Service:
www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisi...
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Music Credit from the opening clip:
"I'm Letting Go" by Josh Woodward. Free Download: joshwoodward.com
#Michigan #UpperPeninsula #traveltips
Fun fact. Copper harbor is the furthest town from an interstate in the lower 48
Whoa, fascinating! That doesn't surprise me at all, ha ha, but I didn't know that. Love it!
Wow I didn't know that! I've been to copper harbor 5 times and with that drive I know your right! Great articles Alexis!
*Copper*
As a pretty much lifelong resident of WI, I have been to the UP more since my sister bought a cabin near Wells Park. I just visited Marquette and I just loved being on lake Superior. I am very seriously considering selling my home and moving to the UP.
Must See Pictured Rocks !
Your enthusiasm is infectious
I'm from Oklahoma, my wife from Watervliet, Coloma area.
My first contact with those biting black flies at the beach. HOLY COW ! Those things are the Devil!
I love it here, I live in Negaunee. It’s wonderful
I was an MTU student in the mid 90's. There wasn't a Taco Bell up there yet. So when the roads weren't too bad, people in the dorms would occasionally joke a bout a "run to the border" and drive all the way to Marquette for Taco Bell. I wasn't a big enough fan to partake, but your mention of going to the "next town over" for something made me laugh at the memory. Also this winter (Dec '22) all the videos of icy roads in Seattle remind me of all the steep sloping roads in Houghton that lead to the canal that get icy and snow covered every year! Good luck up there and I'm glad you're enjoying it so far.
One tip from living up there. Carry safety gear, leave detailed notes on where you are going and when you will be back, spare blankets, fire starters, food, water, come-alongs, chains, ropes, sleep bags in the winter etc. are all a good idea.
I lived in the u.p. for over 20 years and never did anything you mentioned
Please don’t take this the wrong way but I think you would be an amazing teacher in elementary to middle school ages and could spark a much needed flame of curiosity into children today.
I've lived her almost a quarter century now (Paradise and now Marquette), and you're spot on. The 2020/2021 winter was extremely mild, but there's plenty of fun to be had even in rough winters. You've only just begun to scratch the surface of how magical a place it is up here, can't wait to see more. Thanks for showing us off!
You don't need a map for the Keweenaw. We just don't have that many roads.😁
Ha ha, that is a very fair point. All roads lead to the bridge in the end!
Lived in the UP back in the 70s while stationed KI Sawyer AFB. What I remembered most and found to be a treasure was, everywhere I walked in the forest lands was carpeted with Blueberries. Just found your channel and enjoying revisiting old familiar sites. Thanks
Last summer I showed My parent, KI Sawyer. Now We are all well versed in the "UP", but I had to show them something I'd discovered on my own. It was late July, and there were locals everywhere, picking Blueberries on the sides of the road!
I despise horse flies. They definitely want a piece of you and aren't at all shy about it. I've never encountered them outside of northern MN either.
Once, while I lived in northern MN, and sadly only once, Lake Superior froze over in the middle of a big storm. It left the most amazing ice sculptures on the shore. That would be sometime between 1975 and 1979, remembering my age at the time.
And, not infrequently, there's been a sleet storm that has left the trees coated in a thin layer of crystalline ice, which is kind of like living in a fantasy wonderland of leafless crystal trees.
It's true! "Shy" is definitely not a word I'd use to describe them.
Also, both the frozen lake and the frozen trees sound beautiful! I love seeing ice formations along the lakeshore, so can only imagine what the world would look like with everything covered in ice!
In my 55 years I lived here all but the 2 years in North Dakota and 8 years in the navy in Virginia my biggest advice for adventuring is besides a general map of the UP is a plat book I carry 2 for every county the reason is the new ones don’t have the logging roads on them but the old ones pre 1980’s do and if you go of the beaten path the new one will tell you if it’s federal, state or private and growing up I’ve got turned around many times and to stumble on a old logging road that’s all grown over and hard to see and having a old plat book can mean the difference between going that day and having to spend the night or worse. I’ve seen to many people that have died only a 100-200 feet from a gravel road and that’s a shame this is one of the first things I’ve taught my son when he was very young. Not trying to scare anyone off. I just want everyone to get the most out of there time here and be able to go home and share there experience. As the legend of the Ojibwa say they where told to leave there homes and travel west till they found the land of milk and honey by there creator when they came to the U.P. They claimed they found that place.
Enjoy your time in gods country
Florida resident here, and horse flies were the bane of my life!...
While traveling in Da UP, get the smoked salmon!
Smoked whitefish too! 👍🏼
Fresh lake Superior whitefish in paradise.
I’d say if you haven’t visited the country’s only natural luge track in Negaunee, you’re missing one component of being a Yooper. One half mile long with a descent of 288 feet, it shouldn’t be missed.
Think spring! You might want to plan ahead for a trip to Houghton-Douglass Falls - Michigan's tallest waterfall. In spring all the falls will be really roaring. Houghton-Douglass Falls has (along with a confusing name) an interesting history including an old mine at its base and being named after *two* men who were important to Copper Country history. They were Douglass Houghton and his cousin C.C. Douglass. Some people call it Douglass Houghton Falls, an obvious temptation. Doing a video might help people understand why it has a confusing name. Also, it is an awesome place that is about to become an awesome park.
Thanks, Jim! I have a project in the works right now about Houghton-Douglass Falls, so I've got you covered. 🙂 It's going to be a fun one!
You mean it's open to the public again? It had to be closed off because it was private land and people were causing damage to the area. I always loved going there as a child with my family.
1:44 "Winter was not as hard as I thought it would be" Stick around Alexis and you'll encounter a hard one at some point. The winter of 78/79 was the record snowfall for the Keweenaw Peninsula I believe measured at the the Houghton County Airport with a snowfall of, you ready?.....................................................390.4 inches. That was the last hard winter for me, I joined the Army in 1980. I did make a lot of beer money that winter cleaning peoples walk ways and drive ways. Once again Alexis thank you for the great content and a great video.
That is a fair point! From what I've heard, my one winter here was a mild one - so maybe I'll eat my words down the road. Also, oh, boy! That sounds like quite the winter. Thanks for sharing that story! I love hearing things like this, and really appreciate it.
I was at Tech that winter, too. We lived in the married student housing behind the dorms. By the end of winter, my husband could not throw the snow in our parking spot high enough to get it up on top of the pile. There was a big snow measurement sign north of Tech, going up to Copper Harbor. There, they said it was 400” that winter.
In Houghton, they used sand on the roads, not salt. I think it was the stamp sand that they used. It was dark colored and especially “grippy” to drive on. But they then had to shovel the roads and roadsides at the end of winter to collect it all up again. It is smart to use a dark color sand on roads, as they absorb the sun’s heat better than the light colors do, melting the snow better. In the late 70s, people may not have been as concerned about the minerals the stamp sand could leach out on the roadsides. It would be interesting to know if I remember correctly that it was stamp sand they used on the ice, and if so, do they still use it?
As Lake Michigan water levels drop, shorelines in the UP turn into dense weeds and wetlands causing the fly population to explode. I love the UP. Been vacationing at the summer cabin all my life.
If you seek a beautiful peninsula, look about you!!
We are from Pennsylvania. We were in Florida for my mother-in-law's funeral. We encountered a trio of ladies from Michigan. Of course, we had to tell them about your channel!
History and Geology of Michigan ... that is why I subscribed! There are a lot of us. Your channel will do well.
I moved up here in June 2022 from the Grand Rapids area. Wife got a job and I followed. We bought a farm in the Baraga area and have loved everything to do. We camped quite a few times up here in years past but living here is a completely different story. Snow removal is not something to scoff at. If you havnt already Id recommend getting a 4wheeler or jeep. Makes so much more stuff accessible. I see you do videos on the cool things up here. Have any of the locals given you a copy of the Keweenaw bible? It has hundred of places to visit with good real world directions. Like how to access the copper mines on the corner of 38/28. We got it in July when we first moved up here and my goal is to cross every location off by the time we are 30.
I'm a 4th generation Yooper. My parents lived in the U.P. their entire life, I went to college and moved away. It's fun in the winter when you're young, it's very difficult when you're old. I watched my parents struggle through the long hard winters when they were in their 80's. I won't be moving back to the U.P., especially during winter. It's not an easy life.
I've lived in hancock for 21 years and I'll never turn down or not be excited for the 100mi treck to Marquette to go shopping at menards or target and get Wendy's for lunch!
We used to go down to NMU to see the girls 50 years ago.
The last time I was in the UP, the big box stores had not availed themselves, which is a good thing in my opinion.
My son hopes to start at Michigan tech fall 2023. I am enjoying learning about the area through your fun, informative, happy videos.
I moved to Western Mackinac County just over 5 years ago. I will never move back. Winter isn't that bad except in the Western half. The month of May can be in the 60s with zero bugs.
files like different colors, like stable flies love the color blue, ( like in blue jeans). the info can be found on the net. Best bet is to wear colors close to or same as the enviorment you're in. consider a head net for bad times, cause bug spray at times seems to only just make them mad, long everything, pants shirt, good hat smotherd in bug spray. I even wear a pair of light gloves sometimes, the bugs here are no joke, but go prepaired and you'll be fine. this comes from a life long resident of the U.P. but if by the beaches don't forget about the sand flees and tuck in the pants or even duck tape around the cuffs, also ticks can be bad here too. They all have a season, yes they slow a bit in late summer, but unless there is snow on the ground there is always something trying to use you for a meal, all part of the charm
Welcome to the 906!! Look into getting a stormy kromer or yooper chook hat to keep you warm...Have a great and wonderful day!
Thanks, Kevin! I've actually been looking into a Stormy Kromer, ha. This might be a naive question, but are they really useful in the winter, or more of a fall/spring hat? Since the classic design doesn't (seem to) have earflaps, I've been wondering!
Some are good for winter and some are not, however you will be styling none the less..Enjoy your day in the copper country!!
@@AlexisDahl the flaps (or sides? I'm not sure what to call them, tbh) on a Kromer are designed to slide down over your ears. They're surprisingly warm.
The Yooper Chook hats are great! I have several and they are comfy and warm. Made in Newberry, I believe.
P.S. 906 is God’s area code, I heard. I’m stuck down here in the 313. ✋🏽↙️
@@philbritton7296 That's my experience also.
The 2 seasons in the UP. Snow shoveling and fly swatting!!..But it's a beautify area I like to snowmobile in . Worth the drive from Chicago.
Very good introduction to living in the UP. The flies, yes there are times when it is just not a good idea to step out of your Jeep...Like you want to take a hike, and so you drive to the trail, and before you can even turn the engine off your windshield turns black. Change of plans! As to the beach, go on windy days. Keeps the flies down, and on the shores of Superior there are plenty of windy days. Winter, and snow? Simple if you do not enjoy...Love... Snow, just don't do it, you will be miserable here. But if you love snow, you will be in heaven here, for at least 6 months of the year anyway. You state living here puts one in a state of wonder. I call it magical. In the UP one is never more than a 10 minute drive to a place so wild that it looks like man is just another species passing through. But if you dig around, there is history everywhere. And drive? Yes, one is going to do some driving up here... Like the nearest Wal-Mart to where I live is an hour drive on a good day...Which if you don't already have a good reason to never shop there that would be one...Shop local, eat local, drink local...You will be surprised, in a good way. Finally, I knew, that you knew what you were talking about when you mentioned snow tires.... Snow tires, and rims are essential here. Not 4 season compromises, no actual snow tires. Have them on by Halloween!
I love the munising waterfall hikes and search for the out of the way ones was fun
Yep. Just like the Adirondack Mountains in NY. Camping isn't fun until late July.
My Parents were from the UP , they moved to the lower peninsula mainly because back in the 50's... it truly was a wilderness , and jobs were slim to none... logging or the paper mill was about it...
We travelled to this really cool beach south of Houghton, I got the directions on my phone and turned my brain off like usual. There were lots of crazy turns on county roads and when we got back in the car to drive back to Houghton there was no cell service. We found our way back eventually, but Alexis is right - having a map is a great idea.
I’ve heard about the flies…. We plan on heading up there this next season to ride mountain bikes in Copper Harbor but plan on doing some other sight seeing while we’re up there. I’ve only been to the U.P. Once before and it was to change an alternator on the side of the road on a friends car who was stranded in Grand Marais. We drove up, changed the alternator and battery in the dark. I took a picture of me doing the “karate kid” pose on that giant anchor there when the sun came up and then we drove back home .
A tip that I could definitely offer is that if you’re driving along up there, make sure that you always fill your gas tank whenever you’re at around a half tank or so because once you get on some of those long roads, it’s hard to tell where and when the next gas station will be and if they will even be open for that matter. We were sweating bullets when the low fuel light came on during our drive up there in the middle of the night.
I once spent a couple of winter months on the coast of Cape Breton Island and one day we woke up to see what looked like the entire mouth of the St. Lawrence River frozen solid. One warm day in January, however, the wind changed and I realized that what had appeared to be solid ice actually consisted of floes that had been pressed up against the cliffs. I was flabbergasted. By evening, the ice appeared solid once again and stayed that way until I left in February. By the way, I too escaped from the stultifying sprawl of metro-Detroit suburbia in my youth and can well imagine how the wonderland of the UP must have been a very heartening contrast for you.
That's so interesting! Seeing the ice change like that sounds so cool. What a view!
(Also, that's a fun similarity! Metro Detroit has a lot going for it, for sure, but this change has definitely suited me!)
Did the bay make sounds?
Say aye to Upper Dan when you cross paths ...
Thanks for the info!!
My daughter and her husband live in Lake Linden and it's so much fun watching your show with geology segments and history of the UP, hearing about places I too have visited the myriad times I've been up there and all the beauty! The UP is magical in its own right, and it's refreshing hearing your endearing stories. Keep up the great work!
Invol
Involved in a house party at the lake linden fire hall a lot of years ago. Also went tromping around Hungarian falls a few times.
Welcome to Upper Wisconsin! 😁(stupid toledo war) I came across your videos a week or so ago and have been watching them when I can, Brings back memories of growing un in the area. Bugs are a way of life. Wait to so see the spring mosquito swarms in the evenings.
I've been there a couple of times and loved it. Beautiful country.
Your videos are just so happy! Thank you! My husband and I purchased land in the Keweenaw within the past couple years and being summer transplants has been delight. I too have been fascinated by the geology and appreciate the ways you share it. Thanks so much for doing what you're doing!
Okay, I'm officially jealous, lol! I have wanted to move to the UP since we first went up in 2005! Great video, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!😁
My wife and I enjoy your work. Please keep up with as much content as you can. I will try to work in support for your channel in my new annual budget.
Having been raised in NE Minnesota, I am intimately familiar with the flies you speak of. Floating on an air mattress or an inner tube on a calm day whilst clad only in a bathing suit makes one an easy target. I now live in the Pacific Northwest and the people who are native to that area don't believe me when I tell them that these flies actually excise a tiny bit of flesh and leave behind a little, blood filled crater...
I've always been interested in the upper peninsula, that area of the US and north up into Canada, has such beautiful landscapes, amazing wildlife, and fascinating history. Your videos have been a magical window to a place I've wanted to visit for a long time and just haven't had the opportunity. And it's looking like I won't have the opportunity for awhile yet, so I'm more and more grateful that you take the time to share these stories with us each time you post them. Thank you very much for all your hard work, and for your boundless enthusiasm, it has made these last two VERY hard years that much easier to bear. May your holidays be full of cheer and joy, and may the coming year be twice as good as the last and half as good as the next.
Oh, man. Thank you so much! This is such a kind note and really means a lot. I appreciate you sticking around for so many of these videos! 💛 I'm genuinely grateful for it. I hope you have a surprisingly wonderful rest of the year and start to the next! Until next time!
Yooper = Somebody from the UP
Troll = Somebody who lives below the bridge
Trooper = A Troll who now lives in the UP
I know this is a year late, but welcome!!! I love that you have embraced the Yoop so well; sometimes yoopers are hesitant to welcome outsiders because they don't appreciate what we have going on up here, but you embody what it takes to become a yooper😁 I'm sure you've heard of the winter carnival at Tech but make sure you also check out the Munising Ice Climbing Festival/the Eben Ice Caves &the UP 400 Dog Sled Races! There are some lantern lit snow shoe hikes in a couple of state parks as well
I am honestly amazed that there are "resources om the flies". It's so fascinating that it's a needed resource and also that it exists already!!
Oh, absolutely! There is so much wisdom about fly season that I'm only beginning to learn, too. People who've lived here much longer than I have know their stuff!
The UP gets more snow that we do in my part of the NE MN, but we get colder temps, typically. MN's long winters kicks my SAD into high gear. I love your inquisitive and positive attitude. I travel solo by motorcycle, a lot. (twice to Eagle Harbor, so far.) I've learned that in solo travel, I talk to strangers, strike up conversations in cafe's, etc that wouldn't happen if I were riding with a buddy. I also like little 'mom and pop' places in small towns. If you've not already, stop at the Jam Lady's for some thimbleberry jam in Eagle Harbor. You'll like not meet her, her shop is self-serve in her porch, you make your own change from a coffee can, and her jams, while not cheap are exceptional. Also, the "Community Church" in Phoenix is decorated quite nicely around Christmas, though it is no longer functions as a church. Finally, the way you research and present, I'd love for you to do a video in the Keweenaw Rocket Range..
Kinda relate to you cause I came from a small community, where you knew everyone. And met my wife who came from a much larger town, to which after a year I talked her into building a house in the country. Which has grown, to be in the center of 6 towns around it! Can't stop progress!! LOL
cant stop looking at that painting of the college of winterhold behind ya!
Ha ha, thank you! 🙂 It's one of my favorite projects!
Yes - wonder. Sometimes we wonder why we live here. However, seeking out and appreciating the many wonderful things up here far outweigh the inconveniences. It's been interesting to see your videos and your journey so far of discovering the U.P. Keep up the good work.
PS- Thanks for the Christmas Card.
PSS - Go Blue and Beat Georgia!
Thanks, Jim! 🙂 I know there's a lot left for me to learn, but it's been a lot of fun finding bits and pieces.
Also, I'm glad the card made its way to you! It was a joy to send. And Go Blue indeed! 🙂
Sounds like a pretty cool place to live! I love sledding, tomorrow might be our day, white Christmas forecasted ☺️ I've always wanted to go ice fishing, looks like it might be possible there!
It is! Also, ice fishing is definitely a thing up here! I've seen a ton of people out on the ice recently, on various inland lakes and rivers. 🙂 (Fingers crossed you get a white Christmas, too! ☺️)
I went to a summer youth sports camp for three years in a row in Magnetawan, Ontario for four weeks at a time when I was in my early to mid teens. Very similar to the upper peninsula in my experience. Some of the flies there were pretty big, and diving under the water to escape them only worked as a temporary measure.
Thanks for the videos! And yes, my family loves the UP, too! So much to do! If we moved up there, we'd be looking between Munising and Marquette as those are some of our favorite areas! And if my daughter didn't have some health problems that limited her being in such a far away location, Northern Michigan University was one of her pics! And as a tip for the maps and GPS, getting the trips set in google maps and then downloading it to your phone is a great tip I learned! That way, the data is on your phone and will still work with GPS when your phone doesn't have cell service! :)
Agreed! I'm constantly surprised at how much there is up here. Both Munising and Marquette are such gems, too! 🙂 (Also, wishing your daughter all the best, health-wise!)
Thanks for the tip, too! I don't know if I realized that was an option, but I'm going to add that to my list of travel to-dos now!
I'd like to see some lighthouses in the winter up there. I'll do it someday. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
It's a fun time, for sure! And thanks, Rae! Same to you! ☺️
I've lived in the western end of the upper peninsula of Michigan for around 28 years and in my opinion the best place to visit mainly in the fall when the leaves are in full color is the copper peak ski flying facility it's also called wolverine hill. There you will find the world's tallest ski flying hill in the northern hemisphere I would say ski jump but it's technically not a jump. During summer and fall you can pay a fee to ride the chair lift to the top of the hill and then take another ride in an elevator to the observation platform on the jump not jump itself. If you are brave enough and the swaying structure you are standing on doesn't bother you or heights you can walk up some steps to go up to the tippy top where it's swaying even more and you will be 24 story's from bottom of hill to top of the structure. The view is so magical there the colors of the leaves in fall are the best but you can also see Canada and a couple of states that surrounds Michigan's upper peninsulas western end . Highly recommend 😁
Toni’s Country Kitchen in Laurium, and Jim’s Pizza in Calumet are two great options for restaurants.
Life moves a lot slower in the Upper Peninsula that’s for sure. Maps are definitely a good idea for travelers and it’s nice to get away from technology.
But with that being said cell service still is a must for some and you can usually get by pretty well with a booster in the car. I carry both ATT and Verizon when I go and where one doesn’t work the other usually does.
Try to get a hold of the book "Superior Heartland" so much UP history in that book.
I remember people driving their pickup trucks on the frozen lake, doing donuts. Me and a friend, when I was like 5 years old, walked to the boarder to Wisconsin, but we got stopped by the police I think on the bridge. Her kitchen sink was broken, and we went to get some help... Luckily it was only about a 5 mile walk, and we walked to school every day about a mile or two, so it wasn't too big a distance.
Ha ha, people doing donuts on the lake doesn't surprise me at all! Also, what a story!
You are an absolute gem. Your husband is a very fortunate man.
During our several trips west we would go through Duluth. We finally stopped about three years ago and enjoyed our stay and the Railroad museum. We had planned to visit the Keweenaw area on our next trip. As Anne became sick and died a year and a half ago that next trip was not made. I do not know if it will ever be made but I hope so.
This spring I will be visiting a couple of friends in Virginia. I am not certain about Summer but Baltic Europe is a possibility. In the Fall I plan an extensive trip to Newfoundland and the Canadian Maritimes. I really want to watch sunrise from Cape Spear the easternmost point in North America.
In the meantime I will watch your wonderful presentations of the geology and the historical industrial sights of the UP. I will make suggestions about other areas you may find interesting. FWIW - DEET slows the flies down enough that you can swat the little carnivores.
Picaridin based bug spray seems to work better than deet. I think the ankle bitting flies at the beach just lick the deet for dessert.
Repel brand tick defense contains Picaridin. Look for a red label.
Horse flies are big and scary but I’ve never been bit by one. The black flies have chased my wife and I out of Copper Harbor before.
You've been lucky if you've never been bitten by one. Don't even get me started on the "no-see-ums"...when I was a kid, I had bites all over my neck (under my long hair). To me, they were way worse than the flies.
The cannons at the fort are there to help chase the flies away.
@@erbewayne6868 The flies load the cannons
You keep coming up as the top RUclips video. Not complaining it's all good. Just letting you know that I'm not a stalker.
I've lived in Michigan my whole life, and the UP for most of it. I'm never going to leave. I'd rather go see a new town, than to go see a different state or country.
Nice videos.
Those winter clothes are thick enough to keep the mosquitoes from reaching your skin.
The UP is a great place.
The best way to deal with them flies is pyrethrin. It's fly spray for horses. Slows them up so you can smack em!
Yes! Maps are a wonderful thing to have up there! Carry about 3 map books when I go up prospecting. If you're union, the local union miners will help you prospect!
First off, I love your white top Alexis - very pretty!
But most importantly, I love your dedication and passion for science and learning - it is inspirational and motivating! Also, as a Canadian, I can relate to much of what you have said!
Keep being awesome girl! ;)
Shucks, thanks! I came across it in some old things recently and was happy to put it back in the regular closet rotation! :)
Also, thank you so much! I really appreciate it, as always. Take care!
@@AlexisDahl Hahahaha my best friend wears a top like that and it looks so perfect on her in my opinion!
And thanks Alexis! You as well! :) Keep it up!
Your exuberance is great you would make a trip to the dentist look like an adventure
Don't forget mayflies. They will plaster the sides of lakeside buildings in the UP every July.
❤
Took my brother out for his first time fishing on lake Superior, he had been living in the south for the last 30 years. It was unusually warm on the lake that day so he pulled off his socks and rolled up his pants, I said I wouldn't do that if I were you , why not he exclaimed, ankle biters I said. What the hell are ankle biters, you'll find out in a minute, then I saw him slap his leg and yell ouch, suddenly they were everywhere. He is now an expert on stable flies.
I never ever heard of cluster flies
No dislikes. Very nice.
i noticed mosquitoes were not included in your list. oversight or are they really not a problem? they certainly are on the north shore.
You forgot to put don't pet the bears!
My Sister lives in the U.P she's only 120 miles from Duluth, MN but 300 miles from the Mackinac Bridge. If it wasn't for Chicago and the tolls I'd go up through Wisconsin to visit from Metro Detroit.
If you take the trip across Lake Michigan on the car ferry Badger (from Ludington to Manitowoc, I believe) you can avoid the drive through Chicagoland and the tolls, etc. It’s a fun trip that takes the stress out of getting from lower Michigan to the Wisconsin side of the lake. ✋🏼🚢
@Ron Samborski I've thought about doing that, I have to admit though I enjoy passing all the kid stops ( Sea Shell city, and those places ) going up 75 and then crossing the bridge. Brings back many childhood memories. I do plan on taking the ferry at least once.
Many years ago I made a on-line friend in the Upper PI. Her name was Tracy, I always wondered what happened to her. Tea Tree essential oil will help keep biting bugs off you. The WAZE app could help get where you want to go.
have you been to hungaran falls.
I love the UP. Now that it's almost May of 2023, has any of the "endearing magic" worn off or do you still find it fascinating and fun?
Thanks for asking! I am still very fascinated by this place, ha ha. 🙂 I have a lot to learn still!
So *this* winter (2021-22) is more of a typical winter in the Keweenaw compared to your first winter here. What do you think so far?
I've been loving it so far! 🥳 In part, I've fully committed to dressing like a marshmallow any time I go outside, ha ha, which has made playing in the snow completely bearable.
If you go in the woods alone carry the following
Water, three means of carrying the same.
Waterproof matches, a zippo, a fire striker, plus any other means of fire making you can think of.
A gun. I would apologize to Detroit but that place doesn’t rate apologies.
A tarp makes great shelter. A can of spam makes a great soup pot and water sterilizer once the spam is consumed. And weighs considerably less once the nasty nitrate gell meat has been consumed.
The ticks are worse than the flies IMO.
What we’ve found is that T-Mobile and AT&T are pretty good, Verizon is almost non existent.
I was bitten by mosquitoes last time I was at UP.
Y’all? From a youpper?
Ha ha, you can thank my college friends from Texas for that one. 🙂
Travel tip....roll the maps...don't fold the maps...lol...makes me crazy
I really hate stable flies, they go for your legs, then the deer flies go for the top of your head LOL pro tip deer flies love the color blue for some reason, so don't wear the color blue LOL
And black flies with bite through white clothing when they have a choice between that and bare skin.
The fly's are awfully. Absolutely awful. As dorky as it looks, I believe wearing a head net is a must when outdoors.
SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.....
did i send you this before? ruclips.net/video/2_i5_rcpIpY/видео.html Discovering is on channel (charter) 6 on Mondays at 7:30..there's a pack of us Yoopers that just love you, and we want you to stay! We take Implants. lol
Aw, shucks, thank you! 🙂 Also, I'm not sure if you specifically sent me the video, but it's definitely been on my to-watch list for a while! I might finally get a chance to watch it over my Christmas break!
@@AlexisDahl DO IT...it's on your list!
U.P.? I. P. TOO!
So I love the U.P. but I'm kind of an the feminine redneck, right? I had black nail polish on from a festival I was at in the mitten and went to a tiny Town 20 miles from any highway up there the next morning and at a gas station the dude behind the counter saw my nail polish and started laughing uncontrollably, what he thought was laughing with me because they're so excluded from the world they can't imagine a man would have nail polish unless he lost a bet. Lol. He wasn't a bad guy, I love it up there, people definitely have similar issues like that on a lot of things up there though lol 🥴🤙🤷🏼