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Last replied
5 Sep 2023
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Description
Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes (one of the natural wonders of the world). It is actually the largest fresh water lake in the world! The beaches are beautiful, fresh wild blueberries from July - August, and you will be surrounded by forests, rivers, and wildlife. Our cabin is roomy, decorations are humble, but all the little luxuries are there (running water, fully equipped kitchen for cooking, indoor toilet & shower, comfy beds, etc). We are located on a 70 foot bluff on Lake Superior with 980' feet of frontage, next to the State of Michigan land. Available summer only, as we are located on a seasonal road.
Our family has always had very close ties. In fact, our cabin was purchased by myself & my sister, in 1987. What started off as a wooded rustic tent camp site, has grown a little each year to the present structure. For years our two families & kids would vacation together - go canoeing down the two hearted river, go exploring with our quads, visit the local lighthouses & national parks, read on the beaches, make dinner together over the fire, pick wild blueberries (blueberry pie, ice cream, pancakes - you name it!) and just take a breath away from technology & life.
Both my sister & her husband's kids, and my wife & my kids, have grown up and have moved away. The upkeep has since become a little difficult to do on our own, and there are so many projects we would like to do to improve it for future family. For this reason, we are definitely interested in people with a love for the beauty of the outdoors, excited for a break from technology, and want to experience one of the most special lakes in the world. We are hoping to get some inquiries from people with experience in construction or building, but it does not have to be professional experience. We are happy to host those traveling in pairs - couples, friends - as well as solo travelers. Due to the remoteness of the project, travelers will find they will want their own car. There are a few ways we can help you get here. If it coincides with our travel, we can pick you up from an airport near our house (Toledo - TOL, or Detroit - DTW airports), or we can also pick you up from a few of the local airports (Marquette - SAW, Escanaba - ESC, Sault St. Marie - YAM/CYAM, Traverse City - TVC).
A little about me. My name is Erwin, a semi-retired Electrical Engineer, while my wife Mitch is still a full-time Professor of Nursing Practice. My side of the family is actually from Finland, and they originally settled in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Since then, our family always vacationed in the Upper Peninsula. I am still active in my older age, and really enjoy taking visitors around to do local adventures. I play tennis, enjoy playing a good game of cards (eucher or cribbage), and chats about the world over a good beer or glass of wine. There is even a few good breweries and wineries around in the neighboring towns we can venture to.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Elderly Companionship
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You can learn how to live off the grid & taking life at a slower pace. Although we have a fully equipped kitchen, we usually like to cook whatever we can over the fire and just enjoy being out under the stars. We've even made pizza, cooked salmon, cookies, etc - which can be part of the fun. :)
Not many people know this, but the Upper Peninsula was originally settled by Scandinavians, who became farmers, miners, and lumber jacks. They are nicked named Yoopers. Also, because we have been in the area for so long, we know a lot about the history of the area including some famous shipwrecks, which you can take a tour on a glass bottom boat and see.
If you like geology, you can also go agate hunting. Agates are rare rocks formed by volcanic lava, that cooled rapidly as it entered the lakes, creating beautiful rocks with colorful tie dye like patterns. You can find them in the water and along the beach. They make great souvenirs and, if they're small enough, even jewelry.
There are also a lot of adventure type experiences available - canoeing, quad riding, hiking, blueberry picking, geocaching, etc.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Main project this year is to build steps down to Lake Superior, as well as other maintenance projects such as cut firewood, plant trees. The host will be on site and most of the wood has been precut for the project. See picture of old steps that were washed away by the lake.
Which is why we are looking for people with experience in construction or building. We are also interested in people who just love nature, or like to cook, or can add to our cabin experience. Update stairs are done. Other work is still available. 2021 planning on converting power in the cabin to 120 vac from 12 vdc presently. Cabin is already wired and basically ready, just need to make the change. Also add one more step section to the new stairs done this year. Power conversion was mostly done this May, odds and ends left.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
Spanish
Accommodation
Our cabin is right on the lake - all you need to do is walk down to the beach. Lodging will be in the main cabin loft or in the Garage loft which has a screened in porch overlooking the lake. The main cabin has running water and is pretty much modern. Cell phones connect with our booster, but this is wilderness and cell phones do not work well outside the cabin area, in general. There isn't any internet, but if we go into town, it isn't hard to get signal or connect to wifi at a local restaurant, if you need to. Verizon hot spot will not work, only calling. My understanding is ATT will work but no guarantees. Various beds are available.
Food cooked at the camp will be provided. Hopefully we can find things we can all eat. Willing to try new things, most cooking is outside.
What else ...
Pictured Rocks National Lake shore, and Seney Nation Wildlife Refuge are nearby. There are many State Park inland lakes, with Muskellunge State Park in walking distance. The Fox, Blind Sucker and Two Hearted rivers are close by for canoeing,and kayaking. Large Boat access to Lake Superior is from Little Lake, or Grand Marais. There are two breweries nearby as well as a winery. Luce county is pretty much open to 4 wheel vehicles, permit required. Agate hunting as well as a agate museum. Several lighthouses and waterfalls to see. Or spent time on the beach. There are many geocaching sites within the area. North Country Pathway National Trail passes our property, so hiking is also available..
Zip code for Deer Park is 49868, Newberry, Michigan mailing address.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Presently I use my Onstar to access internet, via my phone booster, then log on to the internet near my truck in the cabin. Otherwise I go to the local restaurant and work during slow hours.
Space for parking camper vans
It is sandy getting back down coast guard road, and Loon & Tick lane. Some low hanging branches, however semis make it down Coastguard Road and the propane truck come back to cabin.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
