Photos: Gromit the Trail Mutt reports on bridge work, autumn adventures ...

By Gromit the Trail Mutt
Posted on her blog, The Trail Mutt Reports 
Reprinted with permission

"Many of you already know that the bountiful melt we had this spring severely undermined the middle bridge in Swedetown Creek gorge," says Gromit the Trail Dog, left, on her blog, Trail Mutt Reports. "Fellow trail mutt Bella, Mark, my pack, and me came down to try and figure some way to make it last until next fall, when a new bridge could be rolled over it." Pictured here with Gromit are Mark Roberts, Bella and Sandy Aronson. (Photos © and courtesy TheTrail Mutt Reports)

HANCOCK -- Gromit the Trail Mutt, a member of the Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club, has been busy supervising the work at Maasto Hiihto Trails as volunteers prepare the trails for the cross country ski season.

During recent work on the middle bridge at Swedetown Creek gorge, Gromit the Trail Dog takes a pause with friends, from left, Andre Laplume and his son Nick and Mark Roberts.

Today, Oct. 19, is another Saturday of work on bridges along Swedetown Creek on the beautiful Maasto Hiihto river trail. Volunteers will also be whacking weeds on Sidewinder Hill. If you wish to volunteer for trail work, contact Arlyn Aronson at 906-370-2911.

Gromit has also posted on her blog some great photos of her recent adventures hiking at Bare Bluff, attending the blessing of the animals and more ...

"Up the fault we climbed. No problem for all paw drive!" Gromit writes about the recent Bare Bluff hike with her friends.

"The view from the top is what it's all about," Gromit adds.

Gromit was on her best behavior for the Blessing of the Animals at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, but couldn't help noticing a friendly participant behind her.

See Gromit's Trail Mutt Reports blog for more photos and news about her adventures in the Keweenaw and beyond!

Michigan Nature Association to sponsor Keweenaw hikes July 28, Aug. 4

CHASSELL -- Announcing two more hikes for the next two Saturdays, Michigan Nature Association Keweenaw Stewardship Organizer Nancy Leonard says the turnout for the Estivant Pines hike last Saturday was great.

"Hannah Rooks shared interesting historical tidbits as well as pointing out some of the flora and fauna residing in among the great old trees," Leonard notes. "This coming Saturday we'll meet at Gratiot Lake Overlook Nature Sanctuary for a hike and a picnic and a paddle, if you wish."

The Michigan Nature Association (MNA) will sponsor a hike, picnic, and paddle at Gratiot Lake Overlook Nature Sanctuary beginning at 11 a.m. TOMORROW, Saturday, July 28. Join stewards Jill Burkland and Randy Freisinger for a hike on the Overlook Trail, then picnic on the shores of Gratiot Lake and go for a paddle afterwards if you wish. Bring along sturdy footwear, bug dope, water, your own picnic, and canoe or kayak.

To get there, follow US 41 north of Calumet to the sign for Gratiot Lake (across the highway from the historic town of Central). Turn right (east) and travel 5 miles to the bottom of the hill. Turn left and drive .75 miles to the DNR public access site on Gratiot Lake. The trailhead is across the road.

Aug.4:  Lichen study and hike at Grinnell Memorial Nature Sanctuary

Join naturalist Karena Schmidt at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4, for a strenuous trail hike at this huge rhyolite monolith known locally as Bare Bluff. Along the way, Karena will help participants study the lichens that encrust the rocks. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring your lunch and water.

To get there, drive north on US 41 to eleven miles south of Copper Harbor. Turn right at the sign for Lac La Belle and Mt. Bohemia. Drive about 5 miles to Lac La Belle, turn left on the Bete Gris Road and drive about 2 miles to the Smith Fisheries Road and turn left. Travel another 2.5 miles, bearing right, to the parking area marked with an MNA sign.