We are off to Kitch-iti-kipi this morning. This is Michigan’s largest natural freshwater spring. The water is unbelievably clear, and has a depth of up to 40 feet.
The unique method for viewing the spring is to load onto a floating platform, then the tourists get to power across the spring by turning a huge wheel that moves the platform along a cable.
There were probably 20 – 25 people on the floating platform when we embarked. There is an open area in the middle of the platform, along with a couple informational signs. Then of course, you can stand along the perimeter to see in all directions. There were very large fish, mainly trout, swimming around the spring. We could also see disturbances on the bottom where “the water squirts into the pool through a dancing layer of sand”. (quote courtesy of the informational sign!).
After the excursion, Peyton & Scarlett drove back to the house to make mealtime and naptime a bit more regular. The remainder of us drove into Manistique for lunch.
Following lunch, Mallory, Stephanie and I took a stroll on the Manistique Boardwalk. The trail/boardwalk had great views of Lake Michigan, and we ultimately ended up at the Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse.
After dinner, it was time to buckle down and make our plan for tomorrow, our last full day in the U.P., and the one day this week that Miles will be taking off work and spending with us. We had identified the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore as Friday’s activity, but there was much debate about how we would go about experiencing it.
At the end of the day, Scott & Erin drove into Escanaba to do some shopping, while Stephanie, Mallory and I drove into Rapid River for a date at the Dairy-Flo. Americana Alert!
Once back at the house, we spent some time on the back deck soaking up the atmosphere before bedtime. With dusk not hitting until 10pm, there is the opportunity for a lot of quality time outdoors at the Rapid River Lodge!
