Keuvelaar Fall Color Trip to Tahquamenon Falls (MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Fall Color Tour - A Keuvelaar Family Tradition
October 16, 2011
2 Comments
By: John Keuvelaar
Recently my daughter called from college wanting to know when we were going on our Color Tour. She shared how surprised she was that so many of her classmates had never been on a color tour let alone traveled as far as the bridge. For our family, every year we find time to step away from the same routine of weekend games and household chores to just enjoy the beauty and splendor our state offers. And too, as parents it is another excuse to spend time with my family just enjoying life and the wonders it has to offer.
Our family color tour tradition started when our kids were young as we traveled to the nearby state park or other wooded areas. Collecting leaves and sending wax paper momentous to out-of-state relatives just added additional fun to the youngsters. As they got older, so did our appetite for wooded trails and scenic areas to experience the color and smells of a beautiful fall day. Rifle River Recreational Area soon fit our bill as the lakes and leaves created memorable impressions in our mind. Last year we ventured to our favorite vacation area of Elk Lake near Traverse City. The Sand Lake Quiet Area along M 72 gave spectacular places of secluded lakes and unique trail adventures that were easily accessible. We watched as a hawk snatched a trout out of these hidden gems while we strolled along the shoreline gazing at the brilliant colors of yellow, green and red. You can almost hear the Pure Michigan jingle can't you.
This year we wanted to due something grander. We wanted to see for ourselves if the colors of the UP are really as great as advertised. To coin the "Mythbuster" phrase: "Anything that is worth doing, is worth over doing", so we decided to see the Tahquamenon Falls in all their glory then catch a Superior Sunset at Pictured Rocks, all in one day.
The red and yellow leaves glow as morning sun hits them.
The reds blaze to start the trip.
I rose at 5am eager to get on the road. Soon we were all up and out the door being greeted by the bright stars against a still black sky. Our first break came at the Gaylord Rest Area and a surprising wondrous start to the day. The rising sun was peaking through the trees lighting up a blaze red maple tree that stood branch to branch with an all yellow tree. It was hard to leave this area as we wanted to drink in the foliage around us.
Heading toward the bridge we topped several hills that overlooked a full color valley. Unlike the beginning of the trip, we could actually see the trees in light, magnificent. Soon after crossing over The Bridge, we were on M 123 which will take us to the Falls. The colors started to really showcase themselves as we approached the stretch of road that runs along Whitefish Bay heading into Paradise. This was a mere appetizer as we turned at Paradise and headed toward the falls. This section of road was filled with Oohs and Aahs at every turn. As the asphalt road cut through the forest, it was lined with brilliant yellows, reds, greens and brownish hues of each. Then we arrived at the Falls.
The trail to the falls is wheelchair friendly.
One of the turn offs on the trail to get a glimpse of the Falls.
A view from the second overlook as the colored leaves frame the Falls.
If you have never been to the Falls, or not recently, this is a must see. The receiving area is built of dark stained siding with plank floors and an open fire place. Adirondack chairs and picnic tables support the fire place with they have one of the best gift shops. There is also a micro-brewery for your enjoyment. The paved path leads you down to the top of the ridge that lines the river. Two overlooks wet your appetite before you come to falls.
View from the top of the falls. You can just see the mist on the left of the picture.
Enjoying the day with my wife, Amy. Priceless.
Looking down the river from the top of the falls.
The wide angle view. Looks great from any angle.
Traveling the 94 steps to the top of the falls, we were greeted with nothing short of spectacular colors. The brilliant mixtures of colors are complemented by the dark but clear waters that roar over the rocky ledges. The viewing platform allows you to view the falls either from where they break over the top or you can move just down river but equal to the top of the falls. This allows you to take in the breathtaking width of the entire falls.
View of the left side of the lower falls from the starting point. While we could just stand there and enjoy the scenery, we headed down the road to the lower falls knowing the treat that they are. Four miles down from the falls, the Tahquamenon River is split by an island. This creates various cascading falls and rapids on either side that in many ways are more enjoyable than the main attraction. You can rent a row boat and oar to the island for an all access to the falls as the surround the island. This includes wading into the river at certain times of the year.
A view of the lower falls on the right side of the island as you walk down the trail.
Forgoing the island, you can follow the wooden trail along the side of the river to a platform that puts you right in the action. While in August we enjoyed the island as we had ventured out into the river, today we opted for the journey along the banks.
The blank board path was covered with a canopy of cedar trees.
The water raced by giving off a slight mist.
The sun hit the hills surrounding the rapids filling the backdrop with stunning arrays of yellow, red and green colors. This made the colors really pop, much to the delight of the large number of visitors that made their way to the falls. The trail to the viewing platform was a sturdy wooden walkway with a canopy above formed by cedar trees crossing over the top like ceremonial swords lining the way. At the platform, the river roars at your feet with the mist kissing your face. Under the warm cloudless sky, the river sparkled like diamonds. While we stood there enjoying the moment, it was getting time to get moving as we had one more spot to experience: 12 Mile Beach at Pictured Rocks National Forest.
12 Mile Beach. No salt water here.
We drove a route that runs along Lake Superior to Grand Marias. My thought was in years past, this was a narrow dirt road through the woods with views of Lake Superior. I thought this would be another treat of spectacular colors and beauty. Instead we found a rough road that is in the process of being expanded and naturally, I had to have someone in front of me on the desolate road kicking up dust making it almost impossible to see. Three weeks later, well it seemed that way, we arrived in Grand Marias. This is a quaint harbor with a New England flavor. Here we grabbed dinner which was a loaf of bread with peanut butter and jelly. Time was now our enemy and there was a beach to comb and a sunset to catch. With dinner in hand it was off to the beach.
Caitlyn taking a moment to enjoy the beauty of life.
Playing with Mya on the beach.
John getting all these great shots.
The Grand Finale of a great day. Sunset over Lake Superior.
If you have never seen 12 Mile Beach, it is incredible. The National Forest campground sits on a bluff overlooking Lake Superior. It's like sitting on top of a sand dune.
Our golden retriever took one look at the calm waters and went crazy.
We raced down the sandy bluff to the waters edge and into Lake Superior. With the almost tropical breezes lightly blowing across the shore, we momentarily lost our senses. But the now "chilly", yah, that's the word, waters reminded us it is October. We strolled up and down the beach picking up various uniquely colored stones polished smooth from centuries of the pounding surf.
As the sun blazed reddish orange just above the water's edge, the colors flowed across the sky in a fitting conclusion of a purely sensory day. As the sky darkened to night and the stars came out, we sat on the bluff eating PB and J sandwiches . . . vowing that next year, we will bring out tents and spend the night counting shooting starts.
Viewing Lake Superior from the bluffs. Now waiting for the stars.
Thanks for joining us on our Keuvelaar family fall color tour. Hope you enjoyed the pictures.
"The BUZZ" - Read Feedback From Readers!
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sillykelly2000 Says:
On October 17, 2011
at 09:35 AM
Great pictures of our beautiful "Up North"!
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cjm1257 Says:
On October 17, 2011
at 10:06 AM
I just wanted to say how beautiful your pictures are and to thank you for sharing them with the people that don't get a chance to get out and see the beautiful fall colors of Michigan.
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John Keuvelaar
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John Keuvelaar is a college student at Midwest Photography Workshops and Delta College.
More from John Keuvelaar
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