The Keweenaw Peninsula is as far from Detroit as you can drive and still be in Michigan. At the tip of the Keweenaw is the tiny town of Copper Harbor (year round population 75). The town sits on Gitchigumi (Lake Superior) and is the gateway to Isla Royale National Park. We spent some time there in 2006 and I got some very nice “lakescape” shots while hiking along the town maintained trail on Hunter’s Point.
Nikon D200, Tamron 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 @ 78mm, ISO 100, 1/640 @ f/5.6
As we got out to the lake the rocky beach was still shrouded by fog, presenting us with the opportunity for this eerie picture.
Nikon D200, Tamron 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 @ 65mm, ISO 100, 1/1000 @ f/5.6
Turning 180 degrees dished up this classic beach scene. The brown pebble beach, deep blue sky and lake and the dense forest is quintessentially Upper Peninsula.
Nikon D200, Tamron 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 @ 60mm, ISO 100, 1/30 @ f/13
Just up from the beach the large rock formations were made up of many minerals including quartz, iron and, surprise, copper.
Nikon D200, Tamron 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 @ 200mm, ISO 100, 1/750 @ f/6.3
As we hiked, the wind kicked up and confronted us with this view. I think the waves add a dynamic element to the image. By the way, these are very small waves for Lake Superior. The power of the lake is legendary as recounted in the Gordon Lightfoot hit song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.”
Nikon D200, Tamron 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 @ 32mm, ISO 100, 1/13 @ f/4
After a post hike dinner at one of the
local restaurants, we returned to our 1950s style motel and were blessed with
the scene above. I can’t think of a
better way to spend a day.
© Tim Marks all rights reserved





All these photos we've posted lately of Copper Harbor make me want to go up there again!
Posted by: Dominique | August 04, 2009 at 01:43 AM