Kayaking is great fun, good exercise and a terrific way to explore the waterways of the U.P. That is unless you're a dog! Aladino Mandoli captured this koira swimming for all he's worth, trying to catch up to one of his favorite kansa. So I guess you could say the pup is getting plenty of exercise and probably having fun doing it too - - so there you go - - my observations about kayaking stand, even for the domesticated canid species (as Mr. Wheatman would say). Still though doesn't it make you wonder if a kayak trailer for the canines and felines in your life to tag along, might be a good invention?

Bridgefest in Houghton this weekend, and Pasty Fest is getting closer and closer -- better make your plans to show up among the first 400, thus earning yourself a free pasty! Only 2 weeks+1 day left!

Good Morning!

What a cute picture! Thanks for sharing!

Good morning from the sunny south....wish I was home under that frequent gentle cloud cover! Loved the pictures yesterday....'specially the lilies....I swear I could smell them!

How cool and relaxing... !! G'morning (howdy y'all) !!

The heck with the trailer, how's about a harness so's the dog can do all the work .............

Sittin' here sippin' on a hot cup of coffee, made fresh with water from Wahzoo Spring, brewed over an open fire (made with dried maple and white birch branches gathered this morning), and listening to the birds and other critters chattering away (must be talking about Pasty Central), and wondering why its still a bit chilly in the Keweenaw for this time of year? 49 degrees inside! A bit warmer outside by the fire . . . but not much. Still I can't help thinkin' . . . it really doesn't get any better than this. Ahhhhh. . . the good life.

Enjoyed the pic from Bruce Crossing yesterday A good taste of home Formerly from Rockland!!

Greg: Then you've seen the awesome view from South Bluff, and lookout point over Vicoria Dam?

Make that Victoria. Either way, a wonderful place, eh?

Been there quite a few times definetly want to go bring my kids there this year they will enjoy it being city kids.

The pictures are great!
I grew up in Hubbell and still call it 'home'. The pics bring back wonderful memories.

Is that Lac La Belle - Bete Grise Channel in the photo or somewhere else just as cool?

From Toivo: Still though doesn't it make you wonder if a kayak trailer for the canines and felines in your life to tag along, might be a good invention?

I think you've hit on something Toivo...the "Toivo Trailer"...sounds like a business opportunity...poor lil pooch....that water is cold!! Hasn't warmed up yet!

It looks like two dogs to me.

Toivo sezs: I think Lori may be right. If you have a high speed connection or don't mind waiting for it to load -- check out the full size version

One more week and we head back to God's country. Well, Wyoming is God's country but it's not home. I would like this to be a WOW, it looks like my dog!

Looks like 2 dogs to me, too!
I think they're racing- "Last one there is a rotten egg!"
Great picture!

Toivo,

Is it true that you will be arriving in Agassiz Park in a parachute in 2 weeks + 1 day?

I will have my pasty cam aimed at the sky if the rumor is true.

Don't need a bigger version to see that it is either two dogs or a quad-colored, two headed single dog.

Yes side by side canines, nice picture. It looks like the fella is wearing a jacket...brrr! You keep mentioning Toivo, who is Toivo and what does this person do? Is it a person or thing?

As you can guess ---I'm not a yooper, but I'm originally from down state Madison Heights area. Love all the cam shots of the Lighthouses! Thanks for giving me the chance to view such beauty that I can't enjoy personally. Texas is a big state and haven't had the chance to explore it yet. Would love to drive the coastline and check out their Lights.

I thought it was a St. Bernard, but realized it must be a
retriever and maybe a Springer...? our dogs follow us,
too. We need to stick near the shore, 'cause they tire
out.

Colleen,Nocona Hills-Tx.
as to your questions of Toivo--could it be HOPE.
Toivo means hope in FINNISH. Hah.

To Colleen, Nocona Hills, Tx. From my experience as Winter Texan in Rockport, Tx. I know of 4 coastal lighthouses personaly. 1) near Garveston is the Port Bolivar Lighthouse. 2) Port Lavaca's in town now near Chamber of Commerce office. 3) Port Aransas's you can approch by a cruise boat. This is near where I stay. Then 4) is Port Isable at the approach to South Padre Island. Have you tried boatnerd.com? There's all kinds of lighthouse pictures and info. Check it out :)

WHO SAID THAT THE UP HAS NO SUMMER. JUST LOOK AT THE 9.40 PM PICTURE OF THE BRIDGE WHERE THE SUN IS STILL SHINING ON THE SUPERSTRUCTURE. THEY JUST HAVE TWICE AS MUCH SUMMER IN THE SUMMER. GUT ALAS IN WINTER THE SAME IS TRUE.

Great pic today, I think the dogs need their own boat, too. Ten o'clock and still day light in the U.P., can't wait to get up there. Wonder how the black flies are?

RnR, I think you hit it right on. Looks like the Lac La Belle/ Bete Grise channel to me as well. If so, that some cold cold h2o this time of year.
I'll have the ol Sea Ray blasting thru there in August, wish I was there now.

It was a little chilly here in Cornell this am, too. Only 42F. The TOIVO TRAILER sounds good to us. :>)

Colleen--Toivo is an old-fashioned man's name and our Toivo may or may not really be named Toivo and may or may not be a hermit-y type. He does the Cam on weekends and other stuff and likes to maintain his seductive air of mystery.


Charlie--We will be at Keweenaw Mtn Lodge on July 5 and my city boy husband wants to know if the wifi is fully operational. I get the UP, he gets his high-speed connection. Yay for PastyNet!

To all Thank you... Mystry may never be solve, but question was answered (Clf. Mi., Ms. Katie, Catherine--Holland MI,)

Ms. Katie---Thank you on the Lights in Texas. I could only find 2 in the book.

Maybe Toivo uses the community of Toivola to maintain his seductive air of mystery. Several years ago my sister and I were walking along Old Rink Road when a vehicle slowly pulled up. The driver asked us where "Taivola" is. We looked at each other,shrugged, and raised our eyebrows. Didn't know what to say! Huh! The post office is in "downtown" Toivola, the church and fire hall are in the "suburbs", The rest is "rural" Toivola. We were in one of the many rural areas.We sent him to "downtown Toivola". Easy directions. Just turn left and keep going til you see the STOP sign!

Too rocky to be Lac La Belle channel-all sand there except at the irons. I'd guess Central Lake or somewhere on Isle Royale.

Forget the Isle Royale guess - dogs wouldn't be running around there.

Don't laugh, but you can get lifejackets for your dogs. I think they're a good idea for a loyal companion who will follow you till they expire. (Or could fall off a boat and be saved by the extra minutes a lifejacket will allow)

This picture was taken at the Greenwood Resorvoir near Ishpeming, Mi. The two dogs are ten year old Nala (tan) and eleven year old Junebug. They are lifetime explorers and companions to us and seem to prefer the water and shoreline to the kayaks! They are mixed breed mutts with hearts as big as the great outdoors and personalities to boot. Can't imagine camping, hiking or kayaking without these girls. Tune in for future adventures of the girls...