[dory]

I have run into black bears many times in the woods. I used to canoe a lot in the Lake Superior area. They have always run away when they saw me.

YOu should explore the whole UP which has a lot of beautiful areas, and cute little touristy restaurant. I remember having lunch in a tea shop in Houghton which I liked a lot, but I can't remember if it was the atmosphere or the food. Probably the former, but then who cares. It was unique-- not a chain store, and cute and fun. Northern Michigan University is in Marquette which makes it a center of culture to some degree. They have a natural foods coop in Marquette which has a center of information for locally produced food in the UP. Distances are not really small in that area of the country, but unless you are in a blizzard (not unusual because of the very heavy snow there) the countryside is so beautiful that driving can be a pleasure.


Dory

[Erin]

I do like the idea of all that snow. The one flaw about the PNW is the lack of snow, I think it would be fun to live somewhere with real winters. Besides, it would give me an excuse to buy more cute winter clothing.
_________________
"It's watery....and yet there's a smack of ham."

"It's hot ham water."

[dory]

Plus, the Great Lakes are so lovely-- especially the northern part. I know the Pacific Ocean has a lot going for it, but the Great Lakes and all of that unspoiled forest give the Pacific Northwest a lot of competition in the natural beauty department. If you have to be transferred there are a lot worse places.


Dory