Lake Superior

So, now I've actually waded in two of the five Great Lakes. Having grown up in Florida, they're just too cold for me. Cold or not, though, they're still spectacular! See for yourself!

Here's a church-looking lighthouse on Lake Superior, just outside Munising.

Here are the Pictured Rocks from a distance. Just look at how blue the water is! Gorgeous!

After our cruise, Mike and I drove into the park to see Lake Superior from a different perspective. Here is Mike, with Lake Superior in the background, from a point very close to the Miner's Castle rock formation.

I'm having a good hair day, but man, that sun is so bright, I can hardly see!

Proof that we did indeed step into Lake Superior. BRRRR!!!!

"Awwww, honey, I'm so glad you suggested this UP trip!" :-)

The world's tiniest pine cones, found on Lake Superior's shore.

Pictured Rocks Formations

So, now, let's check out why these are called the Pictured Rocks.
Here is what is known as the Castle Rock, called as such due to the fact that it resembles a castle.

This rock formation is known as the Indian Head. Look at the profile and see whether you think it is aptly named.

I was amazed by every rock formation that we saw. In fact, during the entire 5-day trip, I took almost 400 photos (382, to be exact). Images such as this were just breathtaking.

Our tour guide gave us good explanations as to why the rocks have these various colors. Yeah....I can't remember those explanations off the top of my head. I guess that's what I get for waiting for so long to post these photos. All I kept thinking was ... PRETTY!

Pretty, no?

I have tons more photos, but I'll end it here. I definitely recommend seeing the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and I hope to get back there to spend a bit more time. If you want to find out more info, here's the National Park Service website: http://www.nps.gov/piro/index.htm.

Cruise to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

After going to the Keweenaw Peninsula, Mike and I then headed toward Munising to take a boat cruise to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, on Lake Superior. Here's a map of Michigan's Upper Peninsula so you can follow along.

Here we are, all slathered up with sunscreen, eager and ready to embark on our 2-1/2 hour cruise. During our entire trip, the weather was great -- sunny and in the 80s, which is unusual for the UP over the Labor Day weekend. We couldn't have asked for better weather.

Here I am, on the dock where we set off for our cruise.

And here's Mike at the same spot.