Fall Yooper Gathering

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Fall Yooper Gathering

Postby TimC » Wed May 27, 2020 6:29 pm

I'm hoping to put together a gathering in one of my favorite boondocking sites in central Dickinson County, MI. In the next week I hope to document in a photo album the GROVELAND MINE FLOODING
STATE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA. Dont let the name fool you. Groveland is a wonderful example of mine site recovery. The mine closed in the 80s (1980s that is).

Stay tuned and I'll provide more information and photos...

Tim
Tim
Niagara, WI
My First Benroy Teardrop Build Thread - A 5x8 Woodie - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=63575
My Second Teardrop (partial) Build Thread - Started August '16 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=66939
#3 My son's Benroy Foamie team build - Started July '20 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=72877

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Re: Fall Yooper Gathering

Postby TimC » Thu May 28, 2020 8:39 am

Was planning a photo journalistic trip to Groveland today, but, rain is delaying my plans. Maybe tomorrow, more likely Monday.

Groveland allows dispersed camping and there is currently no charge. Campers do need to register. I'll detail that in the future, however, it is no more than printing a small form, filling out vehicle and limited personal info and placing it on your camper or tow vehicle.

Groveland offers four lakes with boat landings. The lakes are very natural looking. They are mostly man-made impoundments so looks are deceiving. It is a perfect spot to launch a canoe or kayak (or small fishing boat). Lots of bays to poke around in.

Currently the state of MI is seeking a development for a massive solar generation project on top of the mine tailings pile. Fortunately the tailings pile, which you will drive by on the way to the lakes, is well away from the lakes. There should be no disruption of the recreational use of the area.

More info and photos to come.

Tim
Tim
Niagara, WI
My First Benroy Teardrop Build Thread - A 5x8 Woodie - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=63575
My Second Teardrop (partial) Build Thread - Started August '16 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=66939
#3 My son's Benroy Foamie team build - Started July '20 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=72877

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Re: Fall Yooper Gathering

Postby TimC » Tue Jun 02, 2020 9:19 pm

Island Lake is the northernmost lake. There are two or three smallish group sites.

This site could accommodate five or six TDs
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Fishing Pier on Island Lake
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It's accommodations...
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Some views from the site...
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This small site would be great if you want some privacy and don't mind uneven ground. High spot with great views.
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Island Lake Access Site...
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The only lake view with the mine tailings pile in site...
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Island Lake Group Site for six to eight TDs. Depending how cozy you like it. There are two fire rings...
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West Lake...
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West Lake Access Site...
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East Lake from causeway...
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Tim
Niagara, WI
My First Benroy Teardrop Build Thread - A 5x8 Woodie - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=63575
My Second Teardrop (partial) Build Thread - Started August '16 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=66939
#3 My son's Benroy Foamie team build - Started July '20 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=72877

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Re: Fall Yooper Gathering

Postby TimC » Tue Jun 02, 2020 9:42 pm

It would take you several days to explore all that Groveland has to offer. Kayakers will enjoy the many bays and wetlands to poke around in. If you have a small fishing boat there are launch facilities on all four lakes. Groveland is boondocking at its best. No electricity, no potable water. Bring your own. Expect nights to be cool and days to be mild.

No date has been identified. Likely will be September. If you'd like to visit this summer and need directions just ask.

Fine eating establishments are as little as a ten minute drive to the Randville Bar and Grill, https://randville-bar-grill.business.site/
A variety of dining and shopping is about a twenty minute drive to Iron Mountain, Michigan with grocery stores on the east side of town about thirty minutes away.
Carlos Cantina is my favorite local Mexican restaurant. https://www.carloscantina.net/ Holiday Kitchen is the best in home cooking with generous portions. http://www.holidaykitchen.info/ Solbergs Greenleaf is another local fav. https://solbergsgreenleaf.com/ 51st State Brewing Co. is a great local brewpub with great pizza and on site brewery. https://www.51ststatebrewingco.com/
Tim
Niagara, WI
My First Benroy Teardrop Build Thread - A 5x8 Woodie - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=63575
My Second Teardrop (partial) Build Thread - Started August '16 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=66939
#3 My son's Benroy Foamie team build - Started July '20 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=72877

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Re: Fall Yooper Gathering

Postby TimC » Fri Jun 05, 2020 6:02 pm

Michigan's UP is pretty near open from Covid 19 travel restrictions, however, I don't want to nail down a date until we hear all is clear. I'm not sure that will happen this summer or fall. Regardless, I would hope that anyone attending this or any other gathering practice safe social distances when possible and proper disinfection of common surfaces.

Starting June 10th the UP will move to stage 5 which I think is a continued decline in cases. The next, and final stage is considered the post pandemic stage. Hopefully new cases and deaths attributed to Covid 19 reach zero or close to that soon. It'll take our cooperation to make that happen.

Tim
Tim
Niagara, WI
My First Benroy Teardrop Build Thread - A 5x8 Woodie - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=63575
My Second Teardrop (partial) Build Thread - Started August '16 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=66939
#3 My son's Benroy Foamie team build - Started July '20 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=72877

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Re: Fall Yooper Gathering

Postby Shadow Catcher » Sat Jun 13, 2020 6:37 pm

We will be heading to Teddy Roosevelt National Park in July and going and coming back through the UP. The plan was to come back through Canada but border closed and passport renewals sent in February are still not processed. However reservations at camp grounds may be difficult.
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Re: Fall Yooper Gathering

Postby TimC » Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:10 pm

Shadow Catcher wrote:We will be heading to Teddy Roosevelt National Park in July and going and coming back through the UP. The plan was to come back through Canada but border closed and passport renewals sent in February are still not processed. However reservations at camp grounds may be difficult.


If you are in the Iron Mountain area let me know. Would be great to meet somewhere up here. I'm just a stone's throw away from IM, MI
Tim
Niagara, WI
My First Benroy Teardrop Build Thread - A 5x8 Woodie - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=63575
My Second Teardrop (partial) Build Thread - Started August '16 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=66939
#3 My son's Benroy Foamie team build - Started July '20 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=72877

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Re: Fall Yooper Gathering

Postby Shadow Catcher » Thu Jun 18, 2020 11:39 am

We will be at Lake Gogebic July 14th and Bewabic July 21 thru 23. I will PM a Cell number.
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Re: Fall Yooper Gathering

Postby TimC » Thu Jun 18, 2020 8:03 pm

Shadow Catcher wrote:We will be at Lake Gogebic July 14th and Bewabic July 21 thru 23. I will PM a Cell number.


Both nice campgrounds. I like Bewabic with its spread out sites. It's only about 40 minutes away, so, if I'm near home I will stop in to say HEY!

Tim
Tim
Niagara, WI
My First Benroy Teardrop Build Thread - A 5x8 Woodie - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=63575
My Second Teardrop (partial) Build Thread - Started August '16 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=66939
#3 My son's Benroy Foamie team build - Started July '20 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=72877

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Re: Fall Yooper Gathering

Postby TimC » Wed Aug 12, 2020 4:40 pm

Thought I would take a ride up to see how much camping use that Groveland is getting. It's a pretty quiet Wednesday evening. I'm still hoping to give this gathering a go later this fall. As kids return to school and temps cool off it'll get even quieter.

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Four beautiful lakes are waiting for our arrival!
Tim
Niagara, WI
My First Benroy Teardrop Build Thread - A 5x8 Woodie - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=63575
My Second Teardrop (partial) Build Thread - Started August '16 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=66939
#3 My son's Benroy Foamie team build - Started July '20 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=72877

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TimC
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Re: Fall Yooper Gathering

Postby TimC » Wed Aug 12, 2020 4:59 pm

Help make this gathering a reality. This will be a boondocking experience. Minimum amenities will be available, however, I am willing to put in some work to make sure basics are available. Depending on interest I can make sure there is a potable water supply (though it will require some water conservation on everyone's part). I can also arrange for firewood delivery by a local grassroots supplier. I figure I'll guarantee them a minimum sale each day to make it worth while.

There is a cell signal. I realize that some of you cannot/will not attend without that. Right now I am posting photos with two bars at the campsite. So yes, basic cell service is available. When I wasn't listening to the loons singing or just enjoying the northwood's quiet I was streaming Spotify with no problems. I get good reception from local radio stations. The "local" public radio station in Marquette, WNMU, is a strong signal as well.

Its half past five pm and I have yet to apply bug dope today! That time will come tonight I'm sure.

Any other questions sling em at me. The only one I can't answer with any certainty is when will this happen. Yeah, I know, that might be the detail folks will get motivated by. Thinking either mid September or early October.

Tim
Tim
Niagara, WI
My First Benroy Teardrop Build Thread - A 5x8 Woodie - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=63575
My Second Teardrop (partial) Build Thread - Started August '16 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=66939
#3 My son's Benroy Foamie team build - Started July '20 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=72877

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Updated info on Groveland Mine Flooding...

Postby TimC » Wed Aug 04, 2021 1:01 pm

Just wanted to update the previous information for anyone wanting to visit Groveland Mine Flooding State Wildlife Management Area.

Though I would like to someday host a gathering here until covid is under control that won't happen.

The state of Michigan is now requiring a "Recreation Passport" for access to this area. Camping is still no charge but the state DNR asks campers to display a registration form which you can print online (just search for Groveland Mine Flooding...). I've been here countless times and have yet to see a warden. And many folks just blow off the requirements but I choose to support the state's efforts to keep the vault toilets, boat landings and campsites maintained.

If anyone heads up there let me know if you need information.

Tim
Tim
Niagara, WI
My First Benroy Teardrop Build Thread - A 5x8 Woodie - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=63575
My Second Teardrop (partial) Build Thread - Started August '16 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=66939
#3 My son's Benroy Foamie team build - Started July '20 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=72877

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TimC
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Re: Fall Yooper Gathering

Postby Bezoar » Thu Aug 05, 2021 4:29 am

Looks like a nice place - about 300 miles from my home. I went to school in Ashland and have friends in Marquette, so this would be a good place to visit once we are "campable." It'll be a race to see if COVID improves to the point you have your gathering before I can get my trailer finished!
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Re: Fall Yooper Gathering

Postby TimC » Thu Aug 05, 2021 7:30 am

Bezoar wrote:... It'll be a race to see if COVID improves to the point you have your gathering before I can get my trailer finished!


Let's all hope that covid improvement wins that race. In the meantime everybody keep healthy!

Not judging your building priorities at all... :thinking:
Tim
Niagara, WI
My First Benroy Teardrop Build Thread - A 5x8 Woodie - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=63575
My Second Teardrop (partial) Build Thread - Started August '16 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=66939
#3 My son's Benroy Foamie team build - Started July '20 - http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=72877

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TimC
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