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Michigan |
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We speak to folks who live and work around our lake to hear their stories and their sentiments about this water that defines us. |
Leland VerBerkmoes
How long have you lived by Lake Superior? |
I love the gray-blue color, the rugged shorelines, and the powerful storms that we often experience.
Captain Ben Kipela
Co-owner of the Isle Royale Queen IV, Copper Harbor
How long have you lived by Lake Superior?
In summer, I have lived on the lakeshore since 1971. I was 15 years old when my parents bought the Isle Royale Queen II. We had spent vacations on Isle Royale for a couple years before my folks took a flying leap into the business unknown and bought a ferry. I worked as a deckhand on the Queen II in 1971.
Is there a reason that you choose to live here rather than elsewhere?
I fell in love with the north woods and the rocky lakeshore of the Keweenaw (Peninsula) and Isle Royale during my youth and longed to stay all my days. The cold, clear waters of the Big Lake are great, too. There is so much to do and see on her shores.
How did your occupation depend on the Lake?
Our family business is directly dependent not only on the Lake but on its size and pristine condition. Isle Royale is a wilderness national park that needs to be protected as well as enjoyed. Lake Superior is clean and provides the buffer that preserves the island as a great natural wonder. The Lake also gives the island remoteness, which gives it much of its mystique and its protection.
Can you remember an experience that defines your interaction with the Lake and why you feel as you do about it (something particularly inspiring, breathtaking or even a wee bit scary)?
As captains, we feel an intimate connection with the Lake that makes us feel as though she is a person with strange and great powers and even a consciousness. This spiritual sense or intuition gives us a deep respect for the Lake. Of course, as the owners of one of the longest (running) daily passenger ferry runs in the United States, we have seen some dangerous weather that has deeply sobered us. The Lake has incredible power, but it’s gentle and beautiful, too. One of the most meaningful moments on the Lake in recent years for me was my trip last year by canoe around Keweenaw Point. At the point itself, the Lake kicked up two- and three-foot waves that crashed into the rocky coast and forced me ashore for the afternoon. There, looking out to the east over the vast Lake, I deeply sensed her size and power. Later in the day, late on a golden late-summer evening, I was able to get paddling again in three-foot swells, but they were gentle enough for me to get off the shore and out into the Lake off the point. They gently pushed me north past High Rock Bay and on toward Copper Harbor. The Lake had shown me its power, but now it showed me that it can be kind and gorgeous as well.
How would you answer this simple question: why do you Love Lake Superior?
She is beautiful and powerful.
Linda Kermeen
Owner of Superior Shores Resort
and involved with The Friends of the Porcupine Mountains, the Porcupine
Mountains Music Festival, the Porcupine Mountains Convention &
Visitors Bureau and the Ontonagon County Economic Development
Corporation
How long have you lived by Lake Superior?7 years on 6-21-09.
Is there a reason that you choose to live here rather than elsewhere?
My husband and I were lucky enough to purchase a small resort, Superior Shores Resort on the south shore of Lake Superior in Ontonagon, Michigan. We are in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
How did your occupation depend on the Lake?
We purchased Superior Shores Resort seven years ago on Lake Superior. People visiting the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and the surrounding area are always asking to stay on the Lake. One of the most asked questions is “Can you see the Lake and how far is the unit (motel or cottage) from the Lake?”
Can you remember an experience that defines your interaction with the Lake and why you feel as you do about it (something particularly inspiring, breathtaking or even a wee bit scary)?
When my husband and I moved into our house 7 years ago and were putting our bed in our bedroom, I sat on my side of the bed and said to my husband, “I won!!” I get the view every morning when I wake up. I look out the window in our bedroom each and every day looking at the Lake seeing & experiencing the Lake’s daily changes along with incredible morning sunrises. I am fortunate enough to live on the Lake. I see the Lake when it is as smooth as glass, rough & stormy and frozen quiet.
How would you answer this simple question: Why do you Love Lake Superior?
“She” has a mind of her own. She creates her own weather. The Lake is ever changing and always beautiful.
Is there anything that you’d like to add?
I live on the south shore of Lake Superior with sandy beaches and many streams and rivers running to the Lake. Our area is remote and beautiful. The water is clear and clean as are the sandy beaches. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is 10 miles away with wonderful natural features and something for everyone whether it is a short walk to Lake of the Clouds or hiking for days in the wilderness along the Lake Superior Trail.
The Friends of the Porkies are a local, small and ambitious group of individuals. The Friends began an excellent Artist in Residence program, an up and coming Folk School and their main event a summer music festival. The Porcupine Mountains Music Festival brings musicians from near and far to an incredible venue. You can see Lake Superior while listening to a variety of quality artists. “The Friends of the Porkies is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of all users of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. We seek to provide a platform for ideas to improve the park.”
In our area, you can walk the shores of Lake Superior sometimes for miles collecting rocks, polished glass and driftwood. When you are on our stretch of the beach at Superior Shores Resort you can see the silhouette of the Porkies to the west. It makes for a beautiful backdrop during sunset. While in the area you can check out the local mining history and even tour a copper mine or two. Hike to your hearts content in the Porcupine Mountains, Ottawa National Forest or along the North Country National Scenic Trail. And don’t forget our waterfalls; they are everywhere, especially in the springtime.
John Kivela
Mayor, Marquette
How long have you lived by Lake Superior?My entire life, 40 years.
Is there a reason that you choose to live here rather than elsewhere?
Many reasons: Family ties, recreation, employment opportunities, and most importantly, quality of life.
Can you remember an experience that defines your interaction with the Lake and why you feel as you do about it (something particularly inspiring, breathtaking or even a wee bit scary)?
I recall about 20 years ago running out of gas on Au Train bay. We were water skiing and forgot to keep track of the fuel level. So two of us jumped in and swam the half mile into shore. Thank goodness it was a warm day.
How would you answer this simple question: Why do you Love Lake Superior?
It adds so many opportunities for our residents.
Ron Paquin
Artist, Sault Ste. Marie
How long have you lived by Lake Superior?
I have lived in the Eastern Upper Peninsula near Lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron for the better part of my life (66 years.)
Is there a reason that you choose to live here rather than elsewhere?
It is my home; I am not an academic person; I knew at a young age I had to work with my hands, so I did construction work of various kinds, but my deep love and both good and bad memories are of the three Great Lakes that I commercial fished on for several decades – working on fish tugs, fishing through the ice, and in my own small 16-foot boat. I fished on every commercial boat and worked at every fishery that existed at the time. When our Indian fishing rights came through (I was an activist to help get our rights) I then worked for myself. I didn't want to go to any cities – I had no money to move or buy a car. I knew nothing else and knew I could make a living here if I worked hard.
There is nothing more beautiful than the Great Lakes; I had some hard times but I loved the work and still love the lakes.
How did your occupation depend on the Lake?
For commercial fishing – my son still depends on commercial fishing sometimes to get by. It’s in our blood. Most jobs around the EUP (Eastern Upper Peninsula) somehow depend on the lakes - whether they be tourist-oriented, shipping and other transportation, etc. Now my occupation is building birchbark canoes and other items from natural materials; all of these depend on the natural environment of our area and the canoes used to be used as the only mode of transportation. I am dedicated to helping preserve some of the traditions of our Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
Can you remember an experience that defines your interaction with the Lake and why you feel as you do about it (something particularly inspiring, breathtaking or even a wee bit scary)?
There were many days when I launched my boat and it was calm and serene, and the seagulls were waiting for us to haul in our catch; we fishermen know and respect that there is a treacherous side to this – so opposite from the beauty. There are times that fishermen get caught in between the good and the bad. You have to respect Mother Nature because it is unpredictable. Johnny Alexander, now deceased, was fishing with me once and it had blown hard the day before. This particular day there were six- to 10-foot “rollers” and we were 12 miles out, ready to set nets before dark. All of a sudden all I could see were white caps coming our way. The wind had picked up and in no time we had 15-foot waves. We headed back to shore in the dark and we bucked the sea for four to five hours to get back in. I wasn’t sure we’d make it. Friends on shore burned fish boxes to help us find our way (we didn’t see the fire). But when we hit the shore, I kissed the beach. Johnny said, “I had an angel on one arm and a devil on the other, and I didn’t know which way we were going to go.” I’d like to fish again - I wouldn’t mind squeezing a whitefish (picking them from the nets) again, but my wife won’t let me, due to the dangers involved.
How would you answer this simple question: Why do you love Lake Superior?
I love the beauty of it. There are really no words to describe the beauty of it when it isn't angry. It can offer so much to so many assets of its greatness for us to respect and utilize in a non-harmful way.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Anybody who hasn’t seen our Great Lakes is really missing something awesome. We take our grandchildren to Paradise to look for rocks and walk along the beach. We hope they will develop a love and respect for the lakes like we have. As I said, it is in my blood and hopefully in the blood of my son and grandsons.
Chauncey Riverwalker
Activist with the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve, Marquette
How long have you lived by Lake Superior?15 years my ancestors came here in 1870 to harvest the tall timber white and jack pine, mostly.
Is there a reason that you choose to live here rather than elsewhere?
Largest source of fresh water in the world. Freedom to enjoy and share the numerous living resources that is created by the lakes existence. All months of the year. The two seasons - winter and the Fourth of July (although it has snowed on the Fourth on Isle Royale and Big Bay, Michigan).
How did your occupation depend on the Lake?
In my early years in the workforce, the iron ore from the mines in the U.P. supplied the raw materials that enabled finished metal products - from sheet metal to cast iron for the engine block and running gear (the industry in which I worked). Later, quality of the water in Great Lakes began to become a serious issue. I found myself investigating pollution of rivers in waters of the state, some of which flowed into Lake Superior. In 1994, I began taking water samples and recording water character. Now, years later, our work has made a difference in forming better regulations and enforcement. More important, attitudes and hearts are being change through on site education. And that changes the behavior of those working within those watersheds.
Can you remember an experience that defines your interaction with the Lake and why you feel as you do about it (something particularly inspiring, breathtaking or even a wee bit scary)?
About 15 years ago I paddled my canoe out unto Lake Superior about 6 a.m. the fog was lifting and mirror stillness of the surface reflected the gray clouds forming overhead. As I shoved off and begin paddling I remembered what Dad and Grandfather had said concerning the temperament of the Big Lake. I had clear visibility 50 to 60 feet as Lady, my Siberian husky, and I paddled along. Destination: Salmon Trout Bay some 1.5 miles away. As we passed a local landmark know as black rock - a great recreation spot - I was drawn to paddle to shore. As we approach, I noticed a fawn limping along the shore and a dead doe floating in the surf. With sheer cliffs greater than 50 feet overhead, the two deer must have just plummeted down, the mother not surviving. As we came near to the shore, the nearly new fawn began bleating and jumping about. It bounded off behind an enormous black rock. Suddenly Lady leaped from the canoe and began swimming to shore. Not wanting the dog to harm the fawn further, I paddled ahead of her; no easy task as the dog was an excellent swimmer. I got out of the canoe and joined the dog; we found that the deer had sought safety in a hollow in the rock pile. Without warning, a gust of wind blew the canoe off shore. … I ran down the shore and retrieved the canoe. Lady and I decided after looking at the now-building waves out in the Big Lake that we would head back.
As we were paddling back to Bay Cliff shore two mallards approached the canoe on the wing seeming to be talking to us, quacking wildly. They continued flying once around then to the rock where the fawn deer remained hidden; circled the rock at the shore and flew back and landed in front of the canoe. By now waves were building in the bay. The ducks quacked wildly, jump up and flew toward the shore. It seemed to be a sign not abandon the deer. Did we abandon the new fawn? Did we return and rescue it? What about the bad limping? What about the coming storm? Come to Big Bay and find out what happened. That is why we continue to stay here it seems to be the Creators plan for our lives….
(Editor’s note: For those who can’t visit with Chauncey, here’s the “nutshell” conclusion: with the help of a friend’s son, he returned in a borrowed boat with a motor and did rescue the fawn, which went to a wildlife rehabilitator. It lived for several years afterward and was returned to the wild. For the longer, better version … you need to visit the storyteller.)
How would you answer this simple question: Why do you Love Lake Superior?
It exemplifies what the Creator did in the beginning: the Heaven, Earth and Waters filling the void. The largest surface rock bowl and we are humbled by the opportunity to be nourished daily from it.
Jim Diem
Editor-publisher of the Newberry News, Newberry
How long have you lived by Lake Superior?I’ve been coming to the Upper Peninsula since my grandparents first brought me up in 1956. After I started college it became more difficult but I always wanted to live here.
Is there a reason that you choose to live here rather than elsewhere?
The opportunity to take over a small-town newspaper in the U.P. was just too hard to resist, and I’ve never regretted that decision since we made it in 1989.
How did your occupation depend on the Lake?
My occupation as a journalist does not depend on the Lake itself other than the occasional story about it (the grounded tugboat Seneca in December of 2006 was our last story).
Can you remember an experience that defines your interaction with the Lake and why you feel as you do about it (something particularly inspiring, breathtaking or even a wee bit scary)?
When you catch sight of Lake Superior, it is always breath taking. It is more breath taking when swimming in it. For several years during my life here, I took some Boy Scouts on hiking trips on Isle Royale. At the end of our day, the boys and I would jump in for a quick (very quick) swim. It was like jumping in with pins and needles sticking in your body. One of the boys once spent 10 minutes in the water on a dare; when he came out his skin was blue.
How would you answer this simple question: Why do you Love Lake Superior?
The clean, cold, big, and wild blue water. One can see 30 feet down.
Is there anything that you’d like to add?
Lake Superior is a very great place to visit, but also a very hard place to live. The winters are long, cold and dangerous, full of deep snow and shifting ice. The summers are short, full of wild hungry bugs. Those who do live here do not appreciate the “No Trespassing, Keep Out“ signs that keep popping up. More often than not they become target practice during hunting season.
Now you’ve read how others feel about Lake Superior, we invite you to look at the next section (just hit Next) then give us your own feelings via our Reader Survey. We’ll post the replies of those who respond.
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