Handfuls of Lake Superior

Rough sand along Agate Beach in Grand Marais

The geology of Lake Superior fascinates me. This lake was formed by forces beginning long before the ice sheets scraped away at the Great Lakes Basin.  

Mix of colorful stones on Agate Beach

Hundreds of millions of years ago, a continental rift opened where the middle of Lake Superior is today. Lava (lava!) spewed from this rift for eons, and the weight of that lava depressed the crust of the earth into a deep bowl that existed before the last ice age. 

It is due to this ancient lava flow that you will find (if you are observant and lucky) agates along the shoreline of Lake Superior. 

Powder-fine sand along river in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Mix of stones in river in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

I enjoyed researching the geology of the Great Lakes for my upcoming book, A 1000-MILE GREAT LAKES WALK. I learned so much about these vast inland seas and I put the best, most interesting things into the book.

Clay mixed with sand at the Log Slide in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

{*That's the trick about writing: put in the good stuff and leave the boring stuff out.*}

Rust-colored stones near Copper Harbor

The same stones as above after Lake Superior tosses them around for a few decades.

My new book, A 1000-MILE GREAT LAKES WALK, will have an early Pre-Release to select indie bookstores in April. This is my way of thanking them for what they give to their communities and for being so supportive of my first book.

The book will have wide release and will be available wherever books are sold in June.

Keep an eye out for the new book, or "LIKE" my Facebook Fan Page for updates.

Grand Marais on the Shores of Lake Superior

After a lovely family vacation on Mackinac Island, 

I headed north to the lakeshore city of GRAND MARAIS.             

I had never been to this lovely little town before and was delighted with the setting and the warm welcome extended to me and my son Ben at the 

Agate Cross Bed & Breakfast.

This is the cross studded with agates that lends its name to the B&B

Lois and Jamey Fite, owners of the B&B

This B&B just celebrated its one-year anniversary!  It has a great view of the harbor (Grand Marais means "good harbor") and is walking distance to the town and beaches.   

Black Bear Suite

Amazing breakfast at the B&B!  Great fuel for our 4-day hike!!

If you're heading into Michigan's UP, put Grand Marais and the Agate Cross B&B on the top of your list!