Black Lake and Surrounding Environs

Though managing to acquire a certain bug this week, I did make the most of sunny skies and clear roads Monday and traveled around Black Lake. This body of water is the third of three within the Inland Waterway that covers more than 10,000 surface area acres.

At 10,130 acres the lake is the seventh largest inland lake in Michigan. It's the final lake in the 45 mile-long Inland Waterway beginning with Pickerel Lake near Alanson, running through Burt, Mullet and Black Lakes before moving their watery contents into the Cheboygan River and eventually Lake Huron. Like those other lakes in the Waterway, the State of Michigan has several launches, public access sites and campgrounds to compliment a variety of ownership opportunities. Many that are affiliated with the automotive industry will be aware of the UAW Family Education Center located on the southest shore of Black Lake. There's also a world class golf course opened in 2000 called Black Lake Golf Club.

The community of Onaway, Michigan, lies a few miles south of the lake at the intersection of C-68 and M-211. The counties of Presque Isle and Cheboygan divide the lake.

Winter Reprieve

Residents of Michigan and the Great Lakes Basin become accustomed to constant weather related change; non more welcomed than last Friday as five days of spring-like conditions stormed the region. Sun, blue-skies and glorious afternoon temperatures provided a welcomed break from this very cold winter!

During this time I've been in Grayling, Gaylord, Wolverine, on the Pere Marquette, Burt Lake, Indian River, Pellston, Brutus, Oscoda and Lovells. My writing responsibilities may have suffered but my spirit has soared. This winter reprieve has come at just the right time.

While it's known throughout the world by name, the University of Michigan has a tremendous facility in the heart of my coverage area along the north shore of Burt Lake. The facility actually is based on Douglas Lake to the north of Burt Lake though facilities are located on both. A land bridge seperates these bodies of water and Douglas provides its flow to Burt via the Maple River and several small creeks. If you're willing to delve somewhat deeper into the local history you'll find the namesake for the entire watershed in a local band of Native Americans called the Cheboiganing Tribe.