A small seiche in Huron Bay and pilings from the Iron Range & Huron Bay RR Docks!

Exploring the IR&HB RR remains in Huron Bay during a small seiche was not what I expected in late February. I took the opportunity of the low lake level to search for pilings and was surprised to observe the water level dropping as I stood there watching the hidden pilings break through the surface. The Iron Range & Huron Bay RR was a 35 mile long rail line from Champion through the wild Huron Mountains ending at Huron Bay. The RR was built over the highest mountain Arvon -and produced the Rock Cut a very popular destination for visitors to explore. The RR never ran a load of ore and is the discussion of much debate. Walking the line and finding anything I can that remains of the RR as well as correct some inaccuracies that have been written is one of my favorite pastimes. So this video is of my explorations and finding of more pilings on the freight dock and possibly the Tramway dock from the late 1880's. At 10:16 note the piece of hardware-I think it may be attached to a piling or a crib to hold the slate or maybe even a rail car. If you look at the photo of the Whaler CC between the docks you can see the cars were part of the freight dock or maybe just parked there-I hope to find out this year. Then at 21.02 a square timber that may just be from the long ago tramway! There is much exploration still to be done! if you want more info and to share in the explorations check out the group on the Railroad where we attempt to get to the bottom of the mysteries still remaining from the railroad that never ran! The snow scene at the end is from 3/26/24 a ride to the back of our property. The thumbnail is the tramway from the slate quarries on Mt. Arvon. / 674535449720618

[@Chessiefan2101]

Thank you Nancy. It is always great to see a part of railroad history.

[@nancyhaun]

Next time I plan on taking a magnet to "fish" around the pilings that are in the deep water!

[@williamralph5442]

Your quest for history is inspiring. Thanks Nancy

[@nancyhaun]

It's pretty exciting to be exploring the RR and finding items from that era!

[@poowg2657]

Some excellent archeology, liked it much. Thanks Nancy!

[@nancyhaun]

Lots more to come!

[@garymessina1609]

Awesome Nancy thanks for the great adventure looking for old iron ore docks in Huron Bay

[@nancyhaun]

The darn ice has come back so no adventures for awhile!

[@garymessina1609]

We need to get you a cold suit and a kayak

[@nancyhaun]

I have a kayak and somehow I dont see myself in a wetsuit!😁@@garymessina1609

[@garymessina1609]

Not a wetsuit a survival suit is warm and bulky and waterproof

[@bekleidungu.ausrustung7068]

Nice one, Nancy! Some very interesting old finds are still around

[@nancyhaun]

I have found so many treasures I am amazed they still exist after over 130 years!

[@oofda10]

A very interesting part of earlier years explained Thanks!!!!

[@thomasmackowiak]

Thank you for this trek through parts of Huron Bay to look for artifacts associated with the Iron Range & Huron Bay Railroad's freight and ore docks. This was a good time to go exploring in this area because the water level is low, and the growing season has not started to cover some of the artifacts. I presume that you are going to continue your exploration of this area.

[@nancyhaun]

Absolutely Thomas sometime I will share all the neat finds I have!

[@benjamincresswell3713]

Great shots of the pilings from a bygone era. In the early 70's and again around 1999 I saw Lake Michigan get low for a few years. Driving along US-2 going from Brevort to about Naubinway I saw the lake level was so low there was dry land for 350-400 yards out from the road. The old timer's said you can't trust it, don't build on it or you'll lose everything when the lake comes back up. I observed the water marks on Mackinac Island where the Ferry's dock being down 4 or 5 feet and one time we had to use a ladder to get up from the Ferry to the dock. Also the rapids at Sault St. Marie visible from the Internaional Bridge were so low you could walk across them. Later the lakes have risen back to above normal levels. I don't know what causes it but it appears to be cyclic and not climatic. Thank you for the adventure. ben/ flat-lander, fudgee, troll from under the Mighty Mac.

[@nancyhaun]

I'm with you on the cyclic part Ben-over the years I have seen the levels go up and down-every 20 to 30 years seems to be the cycle!

[@DennisW19copyy-lg1du]

Good job. It's interesting to see and to have it explained. I've never been there, but it's now on my list.

[@nancyhaun]

facebook.com/groups/674535449720618 Check out our Iron Range & Huron Bay RR Group for lots more info on the RR!

[@user-nh3cr2kg4r]

Kool to see a drone shot of the peer

[@nancyhaun]

WE are still searching for more photos-everyone has the same photos-there must be more somewhere!

[@kevinsalsbury2118]

Good morning Nancy and happy Easter. The excitement in your voice as you were locating pillons is priceless. Can't believe you were out in that cold water. Excellent video! Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@walterfink9782]

Thanks for this special video. Looks like you were able to see things that you don't normally see. Especially on a very windy day. We could hear the winds. I also enjoyed the snow ride on some of your property. Life off grid isn't so bad after all.

[@mikeashely8198]

You must have got there the right time when the tide's Going Out. Sounds good to me.I used to play around up in that neck at woods

[@user-dg2ok8jo8e]

Nice video didn’t think it would be that shallow right now

[@nancyhaun]

Pretty amazing!

[@user-cn4rg2bs4p]

squared timbers could be crossing ties? thanks for another facinating film. caroline

[@nancyhaun]

I am anxious to get back to that spot-the weather has not cooperated!

[@redstedman]

wow. maybe seiches are more common than we thought. I remember 2 up there about 5? years ago. Not long before/after the big storm took out 41 & other roads.(I camped @ the end of Ayebee days after lol) There was a 36" in Ludington then too.

[@nancyhaun]

There have been quite a few-often times people don't even notice so they go un noticed!

[@Joseph-kq1qx]

Need a metal detector 👍😀

[@nancyhaun]

Yup going back with one and a fish magnet!