So, I just finished with an online poker tournament (which seems to be my normal nightly ritual, especially while on vacation) and finished somewhere around 95th out of 440. Doesn't sound that bad? Well, ten minutes before I got knocked out I was in 7th. And, the worst part...I really don't think I made a bad move all night...guys got lucky and took the pot on river cards...pots that I would have won...well, that's poker...definitely become a goal of mine (and don't laugh) to one day win a seat in the World Series of Poker (yes, that one on ESPN) and hopefully, do well.

Today turned out to be another great day in the UP. Yesterday's forecast for today looked rather bleak, but it actually turned out to be quite the day. Cloudy in the morning, but then the sun poked in and out of the clouds throughout the day, with not a drop of rain. Yesterday, showers were predicted all day, so today's mediocre day was just fine with me. My dad and I took advantage of the better-than-expected weather and went to McLain State Park, which lies at the western edge of the UP canal, leading into Lake Superior...I probably took about twenty pictures here alone. The park is very green (of course) and has a cliff edge, overlooking a rocky beach, out into the clear blue water. There is also a sand beach section, although for some reason, it always seems to be way too windy in that part of the park. My dad and I enjoyed relaxation and a quick game of catch, along with a fifteen minute dip in the chilly, 45 degree Lake Superior water. It is very, very, very cold at first, but once you are used to it, and eventually leave the water, you realize it's much more refreshing than your average, heated swimming pool.

Jumping back a little, we had breakfast this morning at a place in Hancock called "Jim's Pizza". Ironically, we've never eaten at this downtown pizza parlor other than for breakfast. We get something called a "breakfast pizza" which is the normal size of a regular pizza and has the same sort of crust and marinara sauce. However, it is topped with assorted breakfast foods...today, we chose the "Meatlovers Breakfast Pizza", which has ham, bacon, sausage, egg, and onion on top of the pre-made crust. I know, sounds a little disgusting. But, trust me, you don't wan to knock it before you try it. It tastes great hot, out of the oven, and makes great leftovers for lunch and dinner later that day. As a matter of fact, we once again had to put off our yearly visit to "The Ambassador" in downtown Houghton, since we had leftovers to indulge in.

Speaking of downtown Houghton, the street is all torn up. New piping is being installed below the roadway, and has caused nearly the entire downtown section of the main road to be shut down. While it's a huge mess now, the future is bright. The already historic, charming line of buildings through downtown Houghton is soon to be perpendicular to "cobblestone-like" roadways. Actually, it's just fake brick (cement) that looks like real brick and is maybe a more "modern-day" version of old, cobblestone roadways in historic towns. The small section of roadway that is completed and already has the brick set, and in place, looks great, and brings historic Houghton to an even higher standard.

Tomorrow is our last day in Houghton for the year...it's been a lot of fun so far, as usual. Even though it seems like we pretty much do the same things every year, it never gets old, and quite honestly, I think it only gets better. Suomi Bakery AGAIN tomorrow morning! Maybe, I'll try something different than Finnish French Toast...then again, I probably won't. Later!