July 12-18, 2009 - Houghton, Michigan

Today, we traveled the short distance to Houghton, where we will dock for a week.


We passed by Michigan Technological University, Marty’s alma mater, where she will attend a board meeting later this week.











Other familiar sights included the University’s ski hill, Mount Ripley, sporting its summertime greenery.











Marty made lines ready as we approached the marina and the lift bridge spanning the Portage Canal. This is the largest lift bridge on Lake Superior, and is said to be the heaviest lift bridge in the world. The lower level was originally constructed for railway transport, and is now used in the winter as part of an extensive snowmobile trail way.







The waterfront bears signs of the now-defunct mining industry.












We docked at the Houghton County – Hancock Marina, on the north side of the canal.












As we enjoyed our stay here, we frequently looked out to see the lift bridge opening for vessels, like this tug and barge combination –











-- and the Ranger, the National Park Service vessel which takes visitors to Isle Royale, some 54 nautical miles north across Lake Superior.












We enjoyed entertaining many friends while at the marina, like these MTU board members appreciating the sun on our aft deck.