Eager to uncover the geological wonders that drew the miners to this remote corner of Michigan, Derrik boarded a boat for a tour of the Keweenaw Waterway, a man-made shipping canal that once transported copper and ore. “Gliding along the waterway, I was struck by the sheer scale and engineering prowess that went into transforming this landscape. It was a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the people who carved out a living in this harsh, unforgiving environment, even as the year came to an end.”