Our first town/city is Manistique, MI, located on the northern side of the great Lake Michigan. This is part of the unique region known as the Upper Peninsula in the great state of Michigan. This small village of approximately 3,000 inhabitants feels to us to be a much larger city because of its impressive business district rivaling downtown Torrington, CT, a far larger populated city. Manistique, Michigan, in our opinion gives this impression primarily due to the tourist industry which this small city and the entire Upper Peninsula region is heavily dependent.

What the Vagabonds found most interesting to share in this premier edition of "Profiling" is the nearly two mile long boardwalk in Manistique. It runs along the northern shore of Lake Michigan from the city's downtown, past the Marina, then past the picturesque East Breakwater Lighthouse and eastward for over a mile. As a side note, the lighthouse was built in 1919, stands at 35 feet, and was automated in 1969. Along the boardwalk, a walker can divert and walk the quarter mile jetty out to the lighthouse. The walk along the jetty is most enjoyable and scenic and worth the diversion.

        The term boardwalk is a bit of a misnomer. There are, in fact, three separate and distinct surfaces--asphalt, cement, and indeed boards. We speculate that what accounts for the asphalt and cement surface differences were more to funds available, and when the particular stretch of the boardwalk was built. As we were there over the 4th of July holiday period, it was difficult to do a thorough research on this magnificent asset of this small Upper Peninsular Michigan city. However, we were able to discern that the project was completed in the early 1990s and what captivated the Vagabonds' interest was that this 'boardwalk' project was spearheaded, not by government, but by local downtown business folks. It is certain that government was involved, such as helping to provide the 'boot camp' labor in the construction of the boardwalk. This note was conveyed to us by a veteran and local citizen at the local VFW.

The entire boardwalk runs parallel to the main southern east-west artery in the UP--RT 2. There are five free parking access points all with 'porta-potties' and a number of structured restrooms. As a number of senior citizens both local and travelers walk this magnificant walkway, the Vagabonds recognize this most welcome contribution by the good townspeople of Manistique.

        The entire boardwalk encompasses three zones of Mother Nature. There are trees and shrubs, the swale zone (low flat areas between the beach and the trees and the shrubs), and the beach flat zone. Each zone has its own vegetation providing food and shelter to a number of birds and insects including, but not limited to, red-wing blackbirds, song sparrows, and the beautiful Monarch butterfly. It was a sight indeed to see Joan chasing a number of Monarchs, frustrated with their shyness to be photographed.

        On the east side of the walk there is a parking lot with a shelter, and a well providing a welcome, clean continuing stream of water. Anyone with a bucket or jug (or cup) is welcome to take some water. There are also picnic tables at this rest area.

        While I can see the potential economic benefit of the boardwalk to the downtown businesses, the more important benefit is to the townfolk and those who visit this wonderful small Michigan city. To walk this 'boardwalk," to gaze upon all of the wonderful vistas to be seen, and to hear all the wonderful sounds of Mother Nature to include a very great lake, was a wonderful experience, and the Vagabonds think these are worth sharing!