Marquette

 August 16 - 18, 2023 Marquette

Spent the day catching up on things at the library and then headed to the shore to pick a park to cook dinner.  This old ore dock dominated the harbor scene. Initially, it would have had rails on a trestle that came from the hills of Marquette and trains would dump their loads of iron ore into chutes at the top which would then be funneled into the side chutes to load ships pulled alongside.

Turns out there was a gale-force wind advisory posted for the area for the next 36 hours. Keeping items on the table and trying to cook was definitely a challenge.

Connected with our friend Jeremy Vore and he took us to a brew pub with a great selection and a pretentious name. Had a great evening catching up.

It was still blustery, although not quite gale force, so we headed to Presque Isle and the Black Rocks the next day to watch the waves.

Another ore dock, this one with its rail line intact and is still in use today.

We are always captivated by trees and plants that grow in adverse situations. This tree has been like this for a very long time based on the angle at the top of it

Rocks and rock formations also captivate us

This guy was very experienced - still, no wetsuit and surfing towards the rocks had us waiting until he was d

one so we could know he was out safely

These folks were also hoping to catch waves. All told we saw 14 surfers out this day.

On Friday we drove to the City campground to take nice hot showers and refill our water supplies, then to the laundromat to take care of that chore. We went back to the same park to cook a late lunch and then walked around town. I love to explore the different architecture and materials used in different parts of the country.

Its a small town when you can walk into their courthouse without any security to be seen

Booths in the 124 year old Donckers

Marquette allows drinking in the streets within a certain "Social District"

Signs Matthew enjoyed

Stopped at BlackRocks Brewery and, finding the balcony seating full, continued toward the back where we lucked upon this talented trio playing a sea shanty, Irish jigs and others. 

Even better luck, turns out Jeremy was there with some friends so we got to have another delightful visit. Unfortunately, his wife was caring for the kids and wasn't able to make it - so I have yet to meet the lovely Cassandra.