I finally found the trout highway— its US2. I headed back east, crossing the Black, Powder Mill Creek, Presque Isle, Tenderfoot, a couple branches of the Ontonagon, and finally the South Branch of the Paint and my goal— Cook’s Run. It is a Paradise, not just for the fish, but because this corridor has some of the last unspoiled pieces of a truly stunning— and highly functioning— Up North ecosystem.

I managed to coax out a few strikes, chartreuse was the color, landed a small fry (brook trout are beautiful even as tinies), and soaked in another wild experience— millions of trout lilies about to bloom, but this area is about 2 weeks behind Hurley-Ironwood season.

However, the real story was me driving along a USFS road when I spotted something large and dark on the side of the road— scanning for wildlife is my hobby, so I already had my camera ready. But I was not prepared for what happened— it was a Hen turkey, just standing there. As I started slowly moving in, instead of flying or running off, she started heading towards my Jeep! This encounter ended with me and Jennie chatting for a bit, right next to me at my car. After a few minutes, I started slowly driving away and she tried to come with me!

Truly unique experience, and I just hope she is ok! I must say, up close turkeys are, um, colorful… (Remember to CLICK on a photo to view full-sized).