We woke this morning to an unexpected cold snap – a high in the very low 50s, with intermittent rain. Clearly, we wouldn't be kayaking today, which was our hope, but we had an alternate plan to get out on the water. So we booked a scenic cruise for 2:00 this afternoon with Pictured Rocks Cruises. Initially, we were going to book the 5:00 tour, but we were warned of a forecast of high winds and rough water as the afternoon progressed that might cause the later cruise to be canceled.
In the meantime, we did a 1.2-mile hike to Miners Falls. We got rained on, but it was still worth it. The waterfall was flowing nicely! We met another couple also hiking in the rain and struck up a conversation. The rain stopped by the time we returned to the car, but we were a little wet and had to return to the hotel to dry off before our cruise. It's gonna be cold out on the water!
Along Miners Falls Trail
Miners Falls
By the time of our 2:00 cruise, it was dry and mostly sunny, if still quite chilly. We snagged our preferred seats on the upper, outside deck, and the cruise commenced. Tom and I knew to expect the temperature to be about 15 degrees colder out on Lake Superior, with a bitter wind, and we'd dressed accordingly. But many passengers were caught by surprise, and soon the upper deck was largely vacated and the inside deck below must have been crowded!
The cruise begins
Bridal Veil Falls
Caves of All Colors
Tom bundled against the cold
The views of colorful Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore from the water were amazing! Most of the points of interest can't be seen from land, so I'm glad we got out there. It was a little hard taking photos from the rocking boat, especially as the wind and waves began to build, but we did our best.
Lover's Leap
Rainbow Cave
Indian Head Rock
The further we got from Munising's protected harbor, the rougher the water became. It was fun but a little unnerving. We'd made it about two-thirds of the way to our turnaround point when the captain announced that for safety's sake, we'd be heading back immediately, and half of the $54 ticket price would be refunded. I didn't hear anyone complaining. In the end, Pictured Rocks Cruises gave us a full refund, making our truncated tour completely free. What a deal!
Jana enjoys the chilly tour
Heading back to port
Bridal Veil Falls revisited
Back to calm water
East Channel Lighthouse
After the shortened cruise, there was enough day left to see more sights by land, so off we went. First, a half-mile walk to some amazing overlooks of Miners Castle Rock. We'd seen this formation from the water, but it's also accessible by land, with an even more magnificent view!
Miners Castle Scenic Overlook
Miners Castle Rock
Next, we headed over to Sand Point Beach and then across the road to the half-mile Sand Point Marsh Trail, both of which we had to ourselves. Sand Point Beach is a popular kayak launch point, but no one was kayaking today.
Sand Point Beach
Sand bars and shallow water
Sand Point Marsh Trail
Photogenic ducks
Dinner: Take-out from Muldoon's Pasties, a local must-have meal. We ordered the beef pasty, a hand-held savory pie filled with ground beef, potatoes, onion, and rutabaga. Good and hearty!
U.P. essential
Brewery: We washed down our pasties at ByGeorge Brewing Company. Good beer and a friendly crowd. One couple with a Nashville connection recognized the TriStar on my shirt and chatted us up, and then we ran into the couple we met hiking this morning, Dan and Kathy, from Madison, WI, and they joined us for a beer. By the time we left, I felt like we knew everybody in the place!
Beer and pasties