• Sunday-What'sUP May 3 - 10:31 pm

We had lot's of feedback on last week's Shoebox Memory about the ferry crossing at the Straits, including a number of old pictures. John Dienhart sent the first two snapshots of the old Forest Inn at Curtis on Manistique Lake. He relayed the following comments from his 87 year old mother, reminiscing about waiting to cross to the U.P.:

"That's exactly what it was like. We might even have been in that line, My dad loved it and my mother never left the car and was anxious until we got to the other side.

I can remember him telling the joke about the Scotsman seeing the birds over the lake and said to his friend 'thems fine pigeons out there'. and his friend said thems not pigeons thems gulls. And the Scotsman said 'gulls or boys, thems fine pigeons. I think I heard it the first time as we waited for the ferry. Neat picture!"

If I remember correctly, there's a bar someplace over that way, that serves breaded deep fried green pepper rings. Awesome!

Virgin timber! (On the first one.) I wonder if that still exists?

I can remember him telling the joke about the Scotsman....
Hey, what's wrong with us Scots??? ;-)

The only "virgin" stands of forest I know left in the state are the Estivant Pines near Copper Harbour and Hartwick Pines near Grayling. There may be other small stands around as well, just not as well known as those two mentioned.......

The Curtis area and Big Manistique Lake happen to be one of my most favorite places! My Aunt and Uncle started going up to Birch Shores Resort on Big Manistique Lake back in the early 50's -- and they are now in their mid 80's and are still able to make it up there. I went with my Uncle, Aunt and cousins when I was in my mid teens -- and I started going back up and getting a cabin of my own around 12 years ago. It's something I look forward to all year -- and have gotten a few of my nieces and their friends hooked on the area, and the U.P. in general. Such a peaceful, relaxing world up there!

And I've sat on the porch at Chamberlin's many a time....eating Shrimp Cocktail, sipping a cold drink, and gazing out at the lake. Mmmmmm -- can't wait!

Och aye...nice wee birdees!

Kitch Iti Kipi is a really cool to place to visit in the Manistique area. It's a state park, so you'll have to pay to get in, but well worth it.

I agree Cindy..."Big Spring" I stopped by there last year (again) and the water is still as clear as it was when I was a kid. I think the daily fee was $6 or $7, but well worth it and we are helping our State Parks. And if your in the area, head on down to Fayette State Park and you will get in with the same daily permit, another great place to visit.

I remember going to a church camp on Manistique Lake (Manikiki?) when I was growing up. Also, camping with my parents on weekends at a campground near Curtis (Emery Resort, I think).

WAKEY, WAKEY- PASTY CAMMERS. IT IS GOING TO BE A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD TODAY. ;O)