Lake Effect Snow

Yesterday the lake effect snow machine turned back on.  We received a few inches of snow.  Tonight system snow is moving our way.  In the eastern U.P. we are expecting 4-6 more inches.

Lake-effect snow is produced during cooler atmospheric conditions when a cold air mass moves across long expanses of warmer lake water, warming the lower layer of air which picks up water vapor from the lake, rises up through the colder air above, freezes and is deposited on the downwind shores.  The difference in temperature must be over 20 degrees F.  

The machines.....

Although we had warmer temperatures in Grand Marais this past weekend, we still have two feet of snow on the ground.  Since we are one of the only places in Michigan with snow, the machines are enjoying our trails.  When I went to town, I snapped a few photos.....

I am done with the review draft for the new book.  Yea!!!!

School Forest Ski Trails are Now Open!

Great news for the silent winter sports enthusiasts.  The new equipment has arrived and the school forest trails have been groomed!  Lois and I took advantage of it yesterday and had a great ski on a partly sunny, beautiful day!

The new groomer, which is pulled behind a snowmobile.

The trail is not as wide as what the previous machine made, but it is still awesome.  You will notice there is not a double track for skiing since this trail is multi-use intended for skiing, snowshoeing, and even just hiking!

The trail we took went near the Sucker River.  We went over to the bridge to look at the river.  Usually this time of year there is open water, but not this year.

We also checked out Grand Marais Creek.  Since this creek is spring fed, it almost always has open water.

A Great Cross Country Ski

We don't often get to see the sun during the winter in Grand Marais, MI, due to lake effect clouds and snow, so when it is sunny we like to get outside.  Yesterday, Lois and I cross country skied some of the National Park trails.  It was a great ski.

For those of you who are interested, I have finished the writing, design, and layout of the new book (Rocks through Time--Book Two:  Geologic History of the Great Lakes Region).  That is -- except for the cover which I am finishing today.  Tomorrow I will get the book out to reviewers!

Another winter picnic -- post 2

Today I'll post the second half of the pictures I took the other day during a winter picnic snowshoe I went on with friends, Jamey and Lois.  It was a terrific day.

Sunset....

The view looking north from our picnic spot....

Cool color on this yellow birch stump....

Sunset color....

Heading back to the car....

But then we decided to visit the beach first....

Looking west...

Ice volcano...

 Looking east toward the channel...

Shelf ice....

Another winter picnic -- Post 1

Yesterday friends, Lois and Jamey Fite, and I went on another winter picnic.  Temperatures were in the 30s, so the snow was very slushy.  We had brats, turmeric potatoes, chips, hard boiled eggs, and gluten free chocolate chip cookies.  A great time was had by all.

Heading into the woods....

The dogs enjoy the adventures, too.

Picnic spot...