Big gale brings lake effect snows to the U.P

It wouldn't be the U.P of Michigan if it wasn't for the big lake effect snowfalls during the winter.

The amounts vary from year to year from the legends of 1978-79 with 390" to last year's low amounts in the 100" range.

When you think winter in the U.P snow is the first thing on the mind. Houghton got 8 inches and Calumet up the road got 15" of snow. I find that it never seems to bother Yoopers much at all. Matter of fact some are upset if there isn't big snowfall. Snow means winter sports and winter visitors. The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge is now open all season in Copper Harbor. They have X-Country trails and sledding. A nice large fireplace in the dining room. I wish I was there right now. The famous snow gauge is on HWY 41 on the way to Copper Harbor just south of Phoenix.

Phoenix is very small, a nice old white church, general store and a rock shop. I think the general store is still open? I don't know where else the people of Eagle Harbor get their milk? These are mysteries of the Keweenaw. Where do people shop? Do they really drive in the deep snow all the way to Houghton or Calumet for groceries? Of course they do! They are tough folks and have 4WD vehicles. In some Southern Wisconsin cities 3" of snow and a threat of more causes a early release of school classes! That is child's play in Upper Michigan. They call that a dusting........

Big waves

On the western end of the lake it was breezy today. But nothing like what is happening on the eastern side. It's a big lake and there is quite the gale going on from Copper Harbor to Whitefish Point. Waves to 20 feet!

The picture says it all....

Looks like fall has turned to winter for good this season. Snow for Thanksgiving in the forecast and snow on the ground this morning in Grand Marais Mn. But this means X-country skiing and Lutsen Mountain soon to open as well.

Great Sand Bay Michigan

On the western side of the Keweenaw in the U.P of Michigan is Great Sand Bay. A huge bay that is also a favorite spot for agate hunting. It is really a great view and good place to hike on the beach. In the distance is the Monastery dome just barely visible. Many may know it for the Jampot and the great goodies the Monks sell from their store. Years ago when buying fudge brownies I asked what do you do all winter? When the tourist season is over? They said, UPS! They ship the fruitcakes and jams on UPS! Well of course I thought, how clever is that. The Jampot is now a regular stop for many when visiting the Keweenaw. Just northeast of Eagle River on M-28. This drive all the way to Copper Harbor is one of my favorites in the U.P.

http://www.societystjohn.com/index.php

Too warm to stick.....

Warmer by the lake is the reason for all the rain. A inch and a half of rain near
the shore of the town of Bayfield. Foggy over Chequamegon Bay. Inland there is heavy wet snow that is still falling. These shots from my web cam pointing toward the south overlooking Chequamegon Bay and Ashland Wi. Sometimes the web cam works, sometimes it doesn't? A mystery that has haunted me for two years.

This is November

This is more like the November I recall in Duluth Mn. The rain before the snow
and the wind blowing some rollers into the shore.

Snow this weekend?

The calm before the first big snowstorm? Or is it too warm near the lake for the snow yet?We shall see this weekend and the sky on tonight's harbor cam in Grand Marais says something is coming.

It may be small but...

Copper Harbor Michigan has a great deal to offer. So much to do at the tip of the Keweenaw. It really has something for everybody. If you wish to just enjoy the scenic beauty you can just hang out and do that. The views from the shorelines and the top of Brockway Mountain Drive are incredible. You can watch the freighters on the lake make the turn and head to Duluth. Go to Hunter's Point and watch the waves crash onto the rocks. If you need more you can ride the Mountain Bike trails or hike into the pines to see 600 year old pine trees. Explore Fort Wilkins at the end of the road. You can kayak in the harbor. Take a Lighthouse tour and of course eat in the nice restaurants and bars. It has a good feel to it that makes you want to just be. You can do everything or nothing. That is a great deal for a place with a year round population of about 80.

http://hunts-upguide.com/copper_harbor_detail.html

http://www.copperharbor.org/