Tom Powers reviews Points North

Points North: Discover Hidden Campgrounds, Natural Wonders, and Waterways of the Upper Peninsula
by Mikel B. Classen

Review by Tom Powers, Michigan in Books

Points North by MIkel B. Classen

Points North by MIkel B. Classen

Yes, yet another travel guide to the Upper Peninsula, and if you’re tempted to dismiss it and say enough already, you would be wrong. This is both a travel guide to 40 uniquely beautiful and scenic wonders or historically significant destinations north of Big Mac and it also doubles as a tribute to the indisputable beauty, splendor, and unique history of the U.P.

Unlike a typical travel guide, a two- to four-page essay is devoted to each site. The author’s love for the U.P. is obvious on every page. Whether a museum, a state park, or a 17,000-acre wilderness area Classen’s descriptions are vibrant, enticing, and thorough. Color photographs, most of which were taken by the author, complement the essays.

The book contains almost as many surprises as the “Secret Upper Peninsula.” The author credits the Au Train River as the best kayaking river in the U.P. In an essay on a state forest campground located on Lake Michigan near Naubinway he not only fully describes the little-used campground and the beautiful beach but also mentions that just offshore is the Lake Michigan Water Trail which I Googled because I had never heard of it. It seems the trail is still under development in the four states surrounding Lake Michigan and when completed it will be the longest freshwater water trail in the world.

I was particularly taken with the book’s scenic descriptions, history, and activities to be found at the 17,000-acre McCormick Wilderness Tract, the three square miles of the little-used Donnelley Wilderness Tract located in the foothills of the Huron Mtns, and the Grand Canyon of the U.P. the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness. It is another book that belongs in the car of any Troll (those of us living below the Mackinac Bridge) vacationing in the U.P. Better yet the book should be read by anyone planning a trip to the Upper Peninsula. It is sure to influence their itinerary.

Even if you are never going to the U.P. it is still well worth reading just to gain an appreciation of what this great state and the Upper Peninsula have to offer its citizens in the way of outdoor adventures and unique natural wonders. This sparkling collection of essays makes for great reading. There is no arguing with the author’s claim that the essays and the research that went into them were a”labor of love.”

Read Tom Powers blog

Shipwrecked and Rescued [PB]

SKU 978-1-61599-854-8
$22.95
1
Product Details
UPC: 978-1-61599-854-8
Brand: Modern History Press
Binding: Paperback
Edition: 1st
Author: Larry Jorgensen
Pages: 100
Publication Date: 10/01/2024

Winner of U.P. Notable Books Award (2022)

More than 6,000 shipwrecks have been recorded on the Great Lakes, but only one offers a true-life adventure like the 1926 rescue of the City of Bangor off the Keweenaw Peninsula in upper Michigan. A fierce November storm tossed the ship with a crew of 23 and 240 new Chrysler automobiles onto a Lake Superior reef. For the first time, Shipwrecked and Rescued tells the near-tragic story of lost and desperate shipmates floundering for two days in the deep snow and near-zero temperatures. Jorgensen's detailed research and collection of 100 rare historical photos chronicles what happened, introduces the key players, and finally reveals the fate of those collectors' prizes in the century since.

"Shipwrecked and Rescued is a thoroughly researched book about the most famous Keweenaw Peninsula shipwreck. The author clearly describes the timeline of incredible events, noting the vast number of people involved in successful rescue and salvage--a story that continues to this day through authentic artifacts, historic preservation, and family descendants of those who were there." -- Sean Ley, Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society

"This book is well-written and illustrated. It is almost beyond belief, but wonderful photos serve to corroborate the story." -- Robert Joynt, Classic Car Club of America

"Jorgensen provides a thorough look at a unique and fascinating Great Lakes shipwreck story." -- Eric Marsen, Curatorial Specialist, Michigan Maritime Museum

"It is refreshing that a non-native of the U.P. took such an intense interest in this wreck that he made the time to research his topic thoroughly, work with the Keweenaw County Historical Society, search out the background details and utilize a great number of photos so readers can see as well as read the story. All in all, it's a quick and informative read." -- Deborah K. Frontiera, U.P. Book Review

"If you like tales of courage and survival in the worst conditions that Lake Superior can dish out, you'll really enjoy Larry Jorgensen's Shipwrecked and Rescued: The City of Bangor. Be sure to pick up a copy from the many bookstores and gift shops on the Keweenaw Peninsula." -- Victor R. Volkman, Marquette Monthly

From Modern History Press

Save this product for later
Share this product with your friends
Shipwrecked and Rescued [PB]

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.