The UP

So I'm working in that part of Michigan known as the "UP", or Upper Peninsula, in case you didn't already know. It's a very rural place and seems generally poor and depressed. It looks like copper mining used to be their main industry, but those are pretty much gone. I understand there are still some iron mines around, though.

I think the people I work with are semi-serious when they tell me just about everybody who lives in this area has worked for the casino at one time or another. Interesting thing about Indian casinos that are actually run by the tribe - they have their own pace. Very slow. That's OK, I don't mind. Slow isn't bad now and then.

My hotel is right on Keweenaw Bay, part of Lake Superior. That's not a bad view. I hear you can see the Aurora Borealis here at night; I'll have to make a point to go outside if it clears up this week to check that out. And there's a little ski resort and college (Michigan Tech) about 30 miles away. Somebody mentioned taking me snowmobiling this winter, which might be fun.

Try this link. Some pictures from the family gathering Labor Day weekend. They don't all seem to be on the CD, which I've got to check on when I get home.