After three nights of failing to observe the Aurora borealis from Brockway Mountain, we zigzagged down the Keweenaw Peninsula today, initially crossing to the Big Traverse area of the east coast. There we enjoyed more scenic views of Lake Superior before heading inland; passing Rice Lake, we encountered a large flock of buffleheads on the calm waters, soon to migrate farther south.
Following a pit stop in Houghton, we drove on to Agate Beach (photo) on the southwest coast of the Peninsula. Amidst the colorful pebbles along the shore, my wife searched for agates with questionable success. Meanwhile, I scoured the lake for migrant waterfowl and did observe a large flock of mergansers (common or red-breasted) far offshore. As has occurred all across the Keweenaw Peninsula, a couple of bald eagles soared above the beach.
Finally, before heading to our cabin east of the Porcupine Mountains, we stopped at a cafe in Ontonagon and took an after dinner walk out to their public beach. It was there that I encountered a flock of snow buntings, a new species for me. We still have three nights to catch the Northern Lights but our journey has already been more than rewarding!
