The Breakup in Bayfield Wisconsin

Pancake ice in the channel between Bayfield and Madeline island shows the early spring.
No ice road this year to the island. The Ferry boats ran all winter this year.

Waterfall season starts early

A trip to Amnicon Falls State Park in Wisconsin shows the results of the snow melt. The waterfall was flowing strong. The meltdown is early this year due to the unusual warm weather.

Spring?

Quite possible the shortest winter in my history. March might set a warm temp record.

Call it climate change, climate cycles, altered jet stream or a fluke. It doesn't matter as it's happening. I must say it has me excited way ahead of time for spring and summer activities.

I did manage to ski twice. I would have liked to have gone again but then again I am pleased about not running the snow blower but once. I put it away last weekend and dumped the expensive gas into the car. The bears could be out of their dens early this year. I'd keep off the ice now if you want to fish. Doesn't seem to be worth the risk. This shot down at Canal Park says it all.

Better late then never, winter is here!

Snowfall depths in the area after recent storms.

Mike Seidel in Duluth Mn.

Mike Seidel in Duluth not to be confused with the Mike Seidel on the UMD Bulldogs.

This was Mike Seidel of Weather Channel fame.

He reported in front of the Inn on the Park and gave great National attention to Duluth today. He spoke of Uncle Harvey's Mausoleum which has a marker telling the story of the crib on the lake walk.

A sign near the ruins describes the building as a business venture gone bad. It was constructed in 1919 by Harvey Whitney, the locations' namesake to be used as a sand and gravel hopper to support the booming industrial expansion in Duluth, MN during that time. After just three short years, it was abandoned in 1922.

Also some great shots of huge waves and the lighthouses. I really enjoyed watching Duluth on the Weather Channel today. Really gave good National attention to a wonderful city.

What's happening? Plenty!

Snow on the North Central Radar tonight.

The Polar Plunge in Bayfield Wi. During the Winter Festivial.

I thought I’ve not posted for awhile but what is happening? Well I did my Sunday surfing and a lot is happening. Firstly the Northern Lights are very active this year. A photographer from Grand Portage captures aurora images very well and has been on WTIP radio talking about it a few times. Click on his website link below to see the pictures. Second the below average snowfall has had resorts doing a lot of advertising on Face book and on their web pages. But fear not, tonight the North Shore has a nice winter storm. Plenty of snow for XC skiing and downhill Skiing at Lutsen and Spirit Mountain. Winter is not over yet. The winter festival is next weekend in Bayfield WI and a few events were adjusted for conditions. The run on the water will be run on land this year. Unsafe ice conditions.They will have their polar plunge of course. Always fun to watch.

Active Northern Lights tonight:

http://www.travisnovitsky.com/

Big Country

I can’t help but stare at these daily Satellite shots with awe. All those frozen lakes and all that unpopulated land. Wild unspoiled land really still exists in the Upper Midwest. Pure water and fresh air galore. It is very inspiring to me. I’m making reservations already for cabins this year. Waterfalls, summertime hikes and fall colors. Much to look forward to this year.

Where is winter?

Apparently in Europe and the Western US. But not in the upper Midwest. The live cam down at the Canal in Duluth shows what looks like April. Water like glass instead of ice.

Bayfield Sled Dog Race Weekend!

The snow is a bit thin in spots but there is 5-6 inches on the Bayfield Peninsula and the race goes on! This is the winter of little winter but it's not stopping the folks in Bayfield.

Minnesota Power Cam

Quite often the live cams catch interesting images that have a art look to them.

It's a grey day in Duluth but sometimes grey is beautiful.

Snow at last for some!

Snow at last for the Northland. But not for all. Duluth Minnesota has none! Bayfield got 6-7 inches and the snowbelt of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan got plenty. Skiing in Lutsen would be good however as they have a nice base.

Winter in the Northland?

It doesn't look much like winter this year in Bayfield Wisconsin. The Sailboats all wrapped up in their winter clothing but no snow.

Ermine

A blogger from Copper Harbor Michigan spotted a Ermine on her hike in the snow today.

I have never heard of such a thing! What a outstanding looking member of the weasel family.

Favorite shots of 2011

White Sky Rock near Lutsen Minnesota.

Grand Marais Minnesota sunset.

Lookout Mountain in Cascade River State Park Minnesota.

Cascade Creek near Cascade Lodge Minnesota. Drought in August.

Grand Marais Cam

I spotted a ship headed for Thunder Bay Ont. during lunch today on the GM cam. They got some snow this holiday weekend and XC ski trails are open. Lutsen is in full operation as well. I wish I was there.

Merry Christmas

Have a happy holiday and a good New Year 2012. Back in 1961 toys were a bit different but the excitement was the same. This picture is me the blogger of course.

Ski Holiday in Yupperland

Took a big ski holiday with relatives in the U.P of Michigan. A bonus of a unplanned trip. I thought the last trips of the year had been taken and I'd not get to Michigan this fall. But last minute plans came up and you can't pass up on skiing in Michigan! The lodge was nice with many game mounts. Skis on the walls and ceilings. Not the largest in the U.P but certainly nice. I really enjoyed the place. Can anybody guess where this was? I'd be impressed if you did.

Bentleyville Duluth Minnesota

A few shots of Bentleyville in Duluth Minnesota. Each year they add more and more lights. It’s quite the attraction. Would be nice if it snowed before Christmas this year.The last shot is the daily fly over Satellite shot of Lake Superior Region. I love it when the lakes freeze in the Boundary Waters and you can see them clearly on the shot. The sheer volume of lakes is astounding to me. How did the Explorers of old find their way?Imagine the wilderness back then as right now it’s pretty incredible present day.

http://bentleyvilleusa.org/

Meteorological winter begins

According to the weatherman winter has begun this week. Of course the official winter for most begins with the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year. Either way it's here and evidence can be seen in Lutsen Minnesota. The Mountaintop Restaurant has quite a view at the top of Moose Mountain. They make snow of course and they opened Thanksgiving weekend.
Lutsen Ski resort is really wonderful with many activities. Even just dining and sightseeing can be very enjoyable. The view from the Mountaintop Restaurant can be all the way to Michigan on a clear day. Skiing is the best in the Midwest with over 90 runs when fully open. Or you can simply ride to the top in the Tram and have a lunch with a fireplace. What a view! The daily satellite shot shows the snow and the frozen lakes on the Northshore.

Time is running out for the old Ore Dock.

Removal of the old Ore Dock in Ashland has begun this fall. It will be very odd to see it gone after all these years. It will take time to remove as it's a massive job. But it has started now and there is no turning back. It is the last Ore Dock from the days of Iron Ore. Once there were four massive docks and soon there will be none. It will be odd to see nothing sticking out into the Chequamegon Bay.