Motorcycles, Castles and Brownies

"Go out on a limb--that's where the fruit is."--Jimmy Carter

My Saturday morning began with a motorcycle brigade. As I drove through the UP on this trip, a common sight was for groups of motorcycles, usually in groups of three or four, rolling down the highways. I think that would be a total blast. With the UP's winding, scenic roads, it's the perfect backdrop for a cruise. Anyway, as we loaded up the car in the morning, I saw about 10 of said cruising motorcycles (all Hondas, I feel compelled to note) parked outside with their owners wiping the remains of last night's rain from their rides. They were all men wearing sweatshirts presumably from their alma maters (Minnesota, South Dakota), while their wives and girlfriends brought them coffee. They seemed like a nice group of people. I really hope they had a great ride. 


Our first order of business was breakfast and this time, we actually had a destination: The Falling Rock Cafe and Bookstore in downtown Munising. I think the story behind Falling Rock really encompasses the rallying spirit of those who are staying put in Michigan, a hallmark of what Project Michigan is all about. 


The cafe was founded in 2006 and instantly became the unofficial community meeting place. In addition to those coming in for coffee or book browsing, the cafe also played host to classes, meetings, community events and even radio programs. But as with many vacation destinations in the state, the people traffic sharply drops as the fall colors turn into winter barren. The Falling Rock was no exception and they faced the reality of having to close their doors, at the very least for the winter season. Not wanting to lose their community center, the Friends of the Falling Rock was formed and as a result, almost $14,000 was raised, allowing the Falling Rock to stay open year round. Today, one can become a Friend of the Falling Rock with a one-time $25 fee, giving you your own mug on the wall of the cafe and 50 cent coffee for life. When I was there, I noted there were over 300 mugs on the wall. There was also a collection dish on the counter, asking for donations to keep the wireless free. I saw the dish was pretty full, proving that the people of Munising and beyond are willing to support things that matter the most. 

Photos by Samantha Franz

When we were there, we were treated to deliciously blended coffee and a breakfast sandwich. There was plenty to look at and combing through the bookshelves was an entertaining treasure trove. Proving what a small world it is, I even met gentleman who, sparked by my Oakland University hoodie, revealed that he grew up in Royal Oak and dated a girl from Center Line High School. Haha.


We then made a trip to Miners Falls, Miners Beach and Miners Castle, all beautiful landmarks showcasing the Pictured Rocks and the ocean-like Lake Superior. For your enjoyment, a visual highlight reel:

All photos by Samantha Franz

We made a stop in Marquette, home to Northern Michigan University, for a bite to eat and on our way out, we saw this:

How can you say no to that?

I gotta tell ya: the ganache-based brownie was pretty darn good. The suckers were filling, too. We bought two and actually made them last over the next three days!

Ever notice how sometimes life is like the movies when just at the right moment, a song will come on that totally encapsulates the moment? I had one of those moments en route from Marquette to Houghton. Driving amongst the fall foliage, the 70s station began to play "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald," a tribute to those who died in the 1975 shipwreck in none other than Lake Superior, along whose shores we were currently driving. Fitting, right?

Once we arrived in Houghton, another college town as the home of Michigan Tech, we checked in and decided to scope out part of the drive we would be making in the Keewenaw Peninsula the following day. We got as far as Calumet, a one-time ghost town that is being given new life thanks to a national takeover to restore the town to its former pre-mining drought days. While the streets were still fairly empty as it was later at night, it was nice to see the historic buildings full of businesses to help the slow and steady climb back to steady ground. 

When we returned to Houghton, we stopped for dinner at The Library, a brew pub with, as the name suggests, a library decor. Open to trying new things, I opted for an Oktoberfest Lager and was rewarded with a crisp and pleasant taste as I sipped. I also bought a pint glass from there, adding to my collection of wine glasses and beer glasses of the places I have visited. My parents collect shot glasses, my grandparents silver spoons. Me, I like my glasses. :)

Some additional randomness of the day:

???

"Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap..."

The bridge connecting Houghton to its sister city, Hancock. 

One thing about Project Michigan is that even though I pack a LOT into my short time in places, I have gotten without a doubt some of the best sleep on these trips and that night was no exception. The next day was to drive to Copper Harbor, the tip of the peninsula, and try to drive as close to home as we could, with the possible goal being Escanaba. See you then!