You hit that nail on the head Kent.
Doug, I never got back to you on Isle Royal. I seen someone did though. I have never been there, so I can't speak of it. Been to Sugar Island and almost bought some water front property there 20 or so years ago. Now, I kick myself for not. My husband has bear hunted there. Its just a 5 min, 10 tops ferry ride over there from Soo St. Marie ferry.
Then theres Drummond Island. My brother in law and wife go over there and ride dirt bikes alot and camp. Its very rocky. Some great views and hiking I would think. Then theres Mackinaw Island. Very touristy, but interesting if you walk the island and get out of town a bits. Then you have the Sleeping Bear Dunes which Mr. Melon made us walk up the tallest dune that ever was when I was in 4th grade and thought I was going to die. Been there once many years ago. But really need to go back and rediscover it this summer. Then theres Ludington, Mi. where I live. Beautiful state park they have. I think its rated best in the state. We are the 3rd tourist destination in the state in the summer time. First Mackinaw, second Traverse City and then us Ludington. Beautiful miles of beaches right on Lake Michigan. And some hiking in the state park. The Pere Marquete River in my back yard that has awsome Salmon fishing in the fall. And right now the Steelhead are running. We have the Badger Carferry for what we are known for. Just google us and you will see our beautiful light house, carferry and beaches. So, when I go on vacation I love to go to the mountains. I'm a little spoiled with the beaches and can see that everyday. Not that I don't love it. But the things I don't get everyday, is what I want most at times. Sorry, got a little side tracked and had to put a little plug in for my town. Its Doug's fault, he asked and got me going. lol. Awsome picture today JP, do you have any snow left up there? My how it melts so fast. Sure do wish ours did, as its snowing, again!!

deedee, no problem. I haven't been there, so I am glad some one could tell him something. What part of Michigan are you from?

Therer are 26 national parks at here and a few UNESCO World Heritage Sites that one of national park.

I like to for presentation on here at there it need a long time for get data and prepare a paper of without with worths slides it must be have too and much too.

Thank you I read your write about the black Bears.

We are like together and can editing a handbook of 4 editions for tourists section of geology by I and section of cultural and wildlife by you.

tom k: I believe that some of the photos you referenced were ones I use as a desktop background, which I change almost daily; One thing I enjoy when the lodge is open and operating is the list of "Guest Sightings"; It's interesting to see and read about the many different people that are guests up there, and I wonder how many of the readers here, those who also post their comments, also have had their photo taken and placed under that category ? Might be interesting to see them ! The Knoxville news reported another tragic accident today in the Smokies, this one at the "Sinks" where someone drowned I believe. That is a dangerous spot; I remember once diving off a cliff into the water there; of course, that was some years ago when I was young and foolish. Well, I'm still foolish sometimes; but taking chances like that is something I think I've grown out of. Afterall, even though my body was blessed by Mother Nature, then cursed by Father Time, I certainly don't want to inflict any pain or injury needlessly ! G'day

Judy, I've never been on the ferry. I tend to get sea sick. I like to stand on the pier and wave to everyone. Its a monkey see monkey do. Watch this kids I would always say. I wave they wave. I'm just the local greeter. Theres alot of us that do that. That old boat just amazes me everytime it comes in our little harbor, just how big it is..

In the nation park of ths province , wild goat 1900,wild seep1600,deers 480 , year of 2012.

Wow. todays pic could be of an enchanted forest. I kinda get that feeling when Im up there. thax for the pics JP

Fantastic. Thanks for posting.

Does anyone know the day of the air lift for supplies? I would like to witness that one time. Almost got to see it last nov. a few days after the big snow.

I'm guessing they will be able to use the usual spot as it is above the faliure. The question is where to watch from. Myrtle Point? The LZ? Easiest might be on the AT, perhaps at Icewater Springs.

tomk: I was thinking that, too, as their usual staging location is just a wee bit below Newfound Gap. As for where to observe it from, there are several advantageous spots from which to do that, I would believe. If I was up on the mountain I'd want to be right at the lodge for all the action. From Cliff Tops, or Myrtle Point as you mentioned, one could watch nearly the entire "lift" from each point. I'll probably be at Newfound Gap where the only part I won't be able to see is the unloading at the lodge. Of course, between now and then I could very well change my mind and hike up n the mountain. probably the day before and stay at the shelter for the night, but I probably wouldn't have my 'big' camera with me. It's a matter of choice. Someone was rather criticizing me recently for hiking alone, which is what I've done for more years than this person has been alive ! I must necessarily submit to my advancing age. although my mind is lagging far behind that !! At the time I was pretty bloody angry at this person, but I kept my marbles together and simply listened to the person's opinion. I made no reply but thanked him for his suggestions and walked away. I've reflected on that conversation for several days now but my determination to get out and hike is unchanged. The only opinions I will listen to and regard with thought and respect are those from my friends here on this site that I consider to be honest and sincere. It's the 13th this morning and it seems like spring is rushing at me with great speed and force ! I welcome it gladly and with intense anticipation ! G'day.

I always tell my wife if I "go" while I'm running, mountain biking or hiking, know that I went happy doing something I love.

I was going to wait until today's photos showed up, but I wanted to reply to the above comments. Steve D: as it was often uttered back in those glorious days of the 1960's: RIGHT ON !! I intend to have my ashes thrown off the precipice of Cliff Tops; I worry about only finding someone to do that for me. And, yes, we're all certainly safer on the mountain ! And Tony Ga: I believe that you and I will die with our boots on ! Someone asked me once about being "eaten" by a bear and I replied that as I'm not afraid of them, but give them their space, if a bear eats me the only thing remaining will be my skeleton with a huge grin on it ! I've got to meet with the person who criticized me for hiking alone and man oh man am I ready for him ! I hope his ears are thick and tough. I'll probably be back here this afternoon and let you know how that went ! I spoke with Christi at the lodge's office several minutes ago and she told me that the airlift is now tentatively scheduled for Tuesday the 19th as the weather forecast appears to favor those two days; the staging area will apparently be a little more down Rt 441 on the N.C. side as the usual area is where traffic is currently being turned around due to the closure, etc. So I guess I'll be at Elkmont campground for a night on the 18th {I am happy that the campground is open now !} then drive up top Newfound Gap the next morning armed with my 'big' camera. The lodge is scheduled to open on the 25th. One of these days I want to be there for the first two or three nights of the season !

Doug,
Not sure if you will come back and read this. But in the guest sightings I'm on there. March 22, 2012 by the sign. We were the first ones last year to get our picture taken.