Today we plan to visit the Keweenaw Peninsula. Unfortunately, Dan is ill and asks us to leave him behind today for a day of rest.
Our day begins by driving 41 North to the Houghton/Hancock area to tour the Quincy Copper Mine. I was again pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this opportunity.
Our tour guide, James, made it all very interesting. We took a cog wheel train down the side of the hill and then entered the mine shaft. For the next hour we listened as James brought the history of the mine alive in facts, detail, and personal stories of the miners.
This mine operated from the mid 1800’s through the civil war, and even beyond WWI. It was named “Old Reliable” because of its ability to turn a profit year after year. As James walked us through the progression of the mine and its equipment changes, it became very apparent that the backbreaking work that these pioneers did helped us have the communication systems we have enjoyed throughout my lifetime. Copper has been instrumental in the processes.
This was time well spent. Doesn’t seem right that the engineer of the group (Dan) had to miss the opportunity.
In search of Agates …
After the mine tour, we spent some time on the beach looking for Agates. Ed is trying desperately to find one but no luck so far. He is also looking for Yooper rocks along the shore of Lake Superior. So far…no luck.
We finish our day by driving into Copper Harbor. We pass the snowfall report that resides on the side of the road. Rhonda, being from Florida/Virginia just cannot fathom how these Yoopers function in so much snow! At the end of US 41 in Michigan is the sign showing the miles this US highway extends back into its southern finish at Miami.
