Pictured Rocks at Sunset

Today was the second day of my parents’ visit. I had to spend the morning getting recertified in CPR and first aid. But I was able to take the rest of the day off! We had lunch at my house, then drove west of Munising to check out the Bay Furnace site in Hiawatha National Forest. I’d been there during training but hadn’t gotten any photos of the massive stone smelting furnace on the lakeshore.

We walked down onto the beach there and just stood watching the water for a while. Dad tossed a stick in and pointed out how even as the waves moved it in and out, it kept moving along the shore at a steady rate, showing there was a current there. It really is a lovely spot.

From there, we kept driving west. We ended up driving a big loop, heading inland along the Au Train River and then back to Munising from there. We got back with just enough time to grab a quick supper, and then we had to go wait for the boat tour! We were going on the Sunset Cruise, and I was very excited to see the cliffs in that late-day golden light. We lucked out on the light – the weather was perfect, with a clear sky! We also lucked out in getting some of the last seats on the top deck, out in the open. I hadn’t realized how good a spot I had when I went on the tour during training – this time I had a harder time framing shots without peoples’ hands or the boat railing blocking the view!

The person doing the narration over the speakers was definitely the same as before – I recognized the jokes! The ride was a little different though – the lake was kind of choppy, and the boat was really bumping along, up and down, up and down, as it cut through the waves. Dad had taken dramamine but I didn’t think it would be a problem. I was feeling a little queasy at one point, but made it through the tour all right.

The sun on the cliffs was perfect. It was amazing how the colors looked so different in that light. I didn’t take quite as many pictures as the first time, but I still took a lot! I also took a lot near the end, trying to capture the spectacular sunset. I couldn’t have asked for a better cruise.

It wasn’t quite as cold as the cruise I did in May, but all that wind in the face really does wear you out! We were ready to crash in front of the TV by the time it was done.

 Patterns in the sand where the waves washed up.

As we stood waiting, seagulls kept coming to land on the posts. 

Sometimes one would push another off the post in order to land there! 

Seagulls on the sandbar near Sand Point. 

That's Bridal Veil Falls on the right. There's a lot less water coming down in summer, because it's being diverted by beavers upstream!