We're heading East soon, I promise.
On the subtle delights of staying in one place. 1/2
August 30, 2020
If you get the chance to drive CR550 north out of Marquette to Big Bay, you should take it. Hopefully you’ll find yourself in a low, zoomy sports car like a Viper (‘93 Honda Del Sol, but really what’s the difference) when you find yourself presented with this opportunity. Axles Rose is a sufficient steed for the task, given a modern lack of Viper.
Phil’s 550 store is a Mecca for NMU students and many who have inherited the Yooper moniker. I was lucky enough to patronize Phil’s while Phil was still alive. I came in to purchases a couple refreshments and only had a credit card. He gruffly let me know that next time I should bring cash. Not that I shouldn’t buy things this time, but just be more considerate to a small business-owner in the future. Those credit card processing fees add up, ya know. Unfortunately Phil died in 2018 from brain cancer. The area is brighter from his presence and I’m glad to have crossed his path. If you visit, make sure to buy one of the infamous “Have you had your Phil today?” t-shirts. They’re an iconic conversation starter wherever you are, and are an easy way for Yoopers to identify each other in the wild. Drink Beer, Get Naked.
I got to watch Great Lake freighter, the Honorable Kaye E. Barker come into the still-in-operation ore dock at Presque Isle where she was filled with taconite pellets from local mines. You can find live updates on which ships are near Marquette here! Feel free to nerd out and start a new hobby like my old English professor! Her nerdy horizon shots of the freighters coming in and when there are “freighter parties” are a delight. Also, make sure to remember the old trick where you can hold your cell phone camera up to the binoculars you are obviously carrying.
September 1, 2020
Got some smoked whitefish at Thill’s, the family-owned fish house, prominently placed next to Lower Harbor in downtown. It’s a protein packed snack that will keep you satiated and topped up for adventure. Beautiful place to watch a sunrise come up, too.
Today was also laundry day; spending some time reading a book while waiting for the washing machines to finish with a couple of loads of clothes dirtied with road dust. While the rest of the nation apparently suffered from a coin-shortage due to COVID slowing down the migration of legal tender through coffers, the quarter machine at the King Koin was in generous and giving spirit. I made sure to load up on quarters for the rest of the trip, just in case.
September 2, 2020
My friend Kerry and I camped out overnight with meager sleeping bags and blankets at Wetmore Landing on Lake Superior. This was a bold move due to the poor cell signal and the 24/7 on-call nature of my job, but to make memories with great people, it’s worth it. Plus my job was a habitual line-stepper when it came to boundaries. One night wouldn’t kill them.
Second half of my week in Marquette coming soon-ish! (I’m getting better, I promise)