Taking to the big lake for a unique experience.

Historically, the Keweenaw holds many of the Upper Peninsula "holy grails" of overlanding in Michigan. We ditched the 4WD for a different kind of exploration.

By Cindy Pope

As the 24' cabin cruiser left the dock and trolled out into the water, the rugged beauty of the landscape unfolded before my eyes The shoreline of Lac La Belle revealed a mesmerizing tapestry of cottages and pine forest stretching into the distance The dense forests that bordered the coast hid a deep mystery, whispering tales of ancient secrets and hidden wonders With each passing moment, I found myself in awe of the boreal beauty that surrounded us

We set out for our journey along the southern Keweenaw shore guided by Captain Jason Swain of Keweenaw Boat Tours A returning UP native with 20 years of Coast Guard experience, we knew we were in good hands Captain Swain's expertise and passion for the Keweenaw shore were evident His knowledge of the area's geological wonders and the diverse wildlife enriched the experience, making every moment that more meaningful

The untamed beauty of this remarkable stretch of the shoreline, guided by a captain who understood its essence, created a truly unforgettable adventure

We passed through the channel leading out into the Keweenaw Bay with its wild inlets and coves (note to self, come back and explore by kayak) and passed by the Mendota Lighthouse A small fishing boat was headed inbound as we left the canal and we smiled and waved as boaters do The expanse of the southern shore lay before us in the brilliant sun, wild and inviting us to come closer

The experience of seeing key features of the landscape from the water is a real treat Here we could see Mount Houghton popping up from the forest, the rock face of Bare Bluff and could that white area farther out on the shore be Montreal Falls? It surely was, rushing full and boisterous with spring runoff as we floated nearer We went as far as Keystone Bay, with its sandy beach and old camper tucked into the woods on the private land next to the public area.

Possibly my favorite view was that of Fish Cove. I have visited a few times, and even floated on my paddle board from the small cobble beach on the eastern side where the sea stacks loom; it was so good to see those views again

We set course to return and found ourselves passing by the singing sands of Bete Brise beach and back into the Mendota Canal Captain Jason pointed out an old fishing boat, abandoned on shore which set our minds to wondering why and how it met its fate there Surely there was a story hidden in the waters

This expedition was a testament to the untamed spirit of nature

From the towering cliffs to the endless sandy beaches and the vibrant wildlife that called this place home, every element spoke of the raw power and captivating allure of the southern Keweenaw shore The memories forged during this extraordinary journey will forever be etched in my mind, a constant reminder of the boundless wonders that await those who seek to explore the untamed wilderness.