The weather is not the best as we make our way to Leland.
While the skies are not clear, the water definitely is!
The shore line consists of high dunes with houses perched precariously here and there.
We arrive to Leland.
Leland is referred as Fishtown, due to its collection of weathered fishing shanties, smokehouses, overhanging docks, fish tugs and charter boats.
The famous Carlson’s Fishery
Carlson’s Fishery, established in 1904, is a 5th generation family run business. They have built the business over the years by helping to create an environment conducive to a sustainable business. They strive to educate others in the industry about the importance of structure and planning to enhance stability…“not just for what we can catch today, but for what might be available tomorrow.” We support their efforts by purchasing some of their smoked whitefish.
Leland, with just a population of 410, amazingly offers its visitors the amenities of shopping, eateries, galleries, and museums all within walking distance of the marina and the famous shanties along the Leland River. It is a nice place to visit whether by boat or by car.
While we experienced our 1.5 inches of rain in Charlevoix, Leland experienced a once in every 200 years historic rainfall of 7.53 inches in just a 6-8 hour period. This explains why the Leland River was flowing at a remarkable rate.
Leland River raging over the dam.
We watch the salmon as they try to jump over the dam and head upstream: a fall spawning season occurrence. None were successful. Not sure they ever are, even without the heavy water flow.These salmon successfully made the jump, just on the wrong side of the dam.
The sun finally comes out but quickly dives behind the horizon. We had a nice visit to Leland accompanied by a surprise encounter with a Cincinnati high school classmate. Tiny Leland within a small world I suppose!
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