You just never know where Laurie Bashaw and her hubby, Edward Korpi are going to take us on their next adventure. This one is a half mile from Munising in Lake Superior...Grand Island, which is part of the Hiawatha National Forest. Grand Island is a wild, yet scenic place with beautiful views, sandy beaches, inland lakes and fascinating history, all ready to explore.

The Island was first settled in the early 1800’s when the fur trading industry was at it’s peak. It’s noted that the first permanent settlers arrived in 1846, establishing a trading post to trade with the local Ojibway Indians. Jump ahead to 1990, when the U.S. Forest Service purchased Grand Island from the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company and it then officially became a part of the Hiawatha National Forest. The Forest Service has made many improvements, including camping sites and mountain bike trails. There are no cars allowed on the Island for the general public. Only DNR vehicles and a few local residents are permitted to use vehicles on the unpaved roads there. The remaining homes on the Southern coast of the Island are over 100 years old and maintained by summer residents. If you’d like to read more in-depth history about the Island, click here: Grand Island
I wonder where in the U.P., Laurie and Ed will take us on their next adventure?

Have you ever dreamed about going up on the top of the Mackinac Bridge? Well, that’s been a dream for Nick and Andy Behling, from MI Playground, until recently when they got to experience amazing views from the top of the Mackinac Bridge. Check it out in today’s video.

Hi
My parents went to Grand Island once but I haven't.
I'll put it on my list of things to try. Laurie and
Ed, good that you are out having adventures.

The views from the top of the Mackinac Bridge were
spectacular. I was struck by the way you can see the
water, far below, through the grates in the inner
lanes of the bridge. One thing, though; Nick breezily
described the trip to the top as "...a brief climb".
I think those towers are around 300 ft above the
road. I wouldn't think it would be brief, or easy.

I would have left fingerprints in the railing.
Needless to say I have a thing about high places.

Cool pictures, that's got to be an awesome place to
visit!

And, NO to the top of the bridge...holy wha! Mary,
remember when Brenda Leigh went up there?

I've never been there. Nice pictures. You guys are
lucky to be able to get out there and explore so
much.

Wow! That video gave me anxiety! I do not like
heights at all. What a beautiful view, though. I'll
settle for crossing it in my vehicle.

Donna...
I sure do remember Brenda Leigh's adventure to the top of the Mackinac Bridge! It was a Bucket List moment for our beautiful friend...may she rest in peace. Here's a link to that day on the Pasty Cam, when we shared her video: September 6, 2017

I wish she would have given the camera to someone
to take her picture! Charley worked it out for her
to go up there, of course he knows folks that work
there! Who doesn't he know?

RIP, indeed!

It isn’t more light we need, it’s putting into
practice what light we already have. When we do
that, wonderful things will happen within our lives
and within our world.

Peace Pilgrim

Wonderful pics from Grand Island! We have
admired the Island from Sand Point and various
boat rides. The one I recommend if you are up
for some adventure (and getting wet!) is the
Riptide. The captain takes you all the way around
Grand Island, with numerous 360 degree spins
plus stops to take in the stunning cliffs. For me,
the most memorable sight was the North Lighthouse.
It is a private residence now, perched atop a 175
foot Sandstone cliff. With Lake Superior already at
600 feet above sea level, that makes it the highest
lighthouse above sea level IN THE WORLD!! And at
the North end of the Island, it feels like you are WAY
out there on Superior. Pure UP, such a blessed place.
And kudos to all souls brave enough to stand atop
the Big Mac, don’t think we could do it, but what a
view! Thanks so much for sharing :)

And Kathyrn, I read that there is a “claustrophobic
elevator” that gets you MOST of the way to the top,
but there’s still a final climb. Personally, I wouldn’t
attempt it. At least on the Riptide Ride, you are all
strapped in lol!

Cindy, yet again some great info. Thanks.

Hi
Mary, thanks for adding the link to Brenda Leigh's
trip to the top. It showed the elevator trip, so I
agree calling the final ladder trip a brief climb is
accurate. That video really made me feel like I was
there.

Donna, amen. And little acts of kindness can spread a
bit of light.

Cindy, I think I'd prefer being on the bridge tower
on a calm sunny day with experienced guides to being
spun around in a boat.

Omgosh! Brenda was so brave. I seriously had a hard
time to breathe just watching her. She was amazing!