写真ピクチャーズロックスロッジへのゲートウェイ：Germfask。 イースタンUPの中心部にあります！

Hello! My name is Tom Funke. I am the author of 50 Hikes in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, 50 Hikes on the North Country Trail, and the owner of the Hiker Hostel. I hold a Biology Degree from Western Michigan University (Go Broncos!) and I've recently retired from a 35 year career working in the non-profit world.

I was born in Muskegon, Michigan but grew up in Bangor, Michigan, and have lived in Cadillac, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and most recently Hastings, Michigan.

I am retiring from working in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to become the full time, live in owner/operator of the Germfask Hostel!

Inspired by the building in Grand Marais which is home to Grand Marais Outfitters, I knew this would be the building which would be home to my outfitting business. It has a ton of history, two apartments, and a large garage. Best of all, access to the Manistique River.

Most of my life I've lived in old farmhouses, having learned that there is a lot of work that goes into remodeling and upgrading facilities.

This house has been many things over the year: a township hall, train station, dance hall, salon (as in hair salon), general store, canoe livery, and a private residence.

We utilize solar energy for part of our electricity needs with the future goal of being totally self sufficient on renewable energy. There is an artisan well (currently capped) on the property, if uncapped, would provide unlimited energy through the use of a Pelton Wheel.

We are at the trailhead for snowmobile trail #43, and, just minutes from the Seney National Wildlife refuge. We are also surrounded by state and national forests. It is truly a wildlife lover's dream to be here.

We are also equidistant from both the western and eastern ends of the North Country Trail segment of Pictured Rocks. We have access to the Manistique River behind the hostel, along with numerous hiking opportunities within an hour's drive.