Miner’s Castle

It’s 12:52 AM and I’m just getting to posting now. It’s been a long, albeit amazing day. We visited Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and it certainly didn’t disappoint. As a matter of fact, it blew both of us away with its beautiful waterfalls, gorgeous sandstone cliffs from which the park got its name, and impossibly blue water. Truly, it’s a place that deserves way more attention than it gets. How many of you have heard of this national park?

The day started with some sun and a magnificent view of Miner’s Castle, a sandstone formation attached to the coast. The cliff face glowed in the sun and Lake Superior’s almost other-worldly blue-green water sparkled and danced around it. The best way to see the cliffs (almost 15 miles of them) is apparently by boat, but the super-brisk breeze and threat of rain kept us from buying the $40 tickets. Maybe next time. For now…some photos of what we did see! (click on them to see larger editions)

We headed over to Miner’s Falls for a quick hike that had a great payoff. The torrential rain from the night before created a robust flow that roared into the canyon. The walk to and from the falls traversed through a lush lichen-rich forest that was a treat all by itself.

Upper Chapel Falls

Afterward, we decided to take a 10-mile hike to Chapel Falls and then the Cliff Trail. It started to rain on the way and we hoped that we wouldn’t have to don our rainwear. Luckily the rain stopped and we were able to hike without looking like Blinky and Inky in our ponchos (ten points to whomever gets that reference).

The falls were great, but the Chapel formation was incredible. Atop the ornately weathered cliff was a single tree, its roots bridging the gap between the formation and the mainland. As we walked the cliff trail, the views of the cliffs and beach were more and more breathtaking. Once on the beach, it was hard to believe were in Michigan and not next to the Mediterranean Sea or on a Caribbean Island. The water was so clear you could see straight to the bottom despite its 20+ foot depth.

Several windy hours later, we finished our hike, exhilarated (and exhausted). So, on that note, I’ll close and bid you all good night :-). Thanks for reading!

Pictured rocks!

Billy at the top of Chapel Falls