Today’s look back in the archives brings us some well-known views and we throw in a couple not so often seen, too. Our first shot is from Laurie Bashaw and it’s probably one of the most recognizable landmarks in Michigan, the Mackinac Bridge. This was taken in 2011 and it looks like the ice was surrounding the Big Mac that year.

The next shot brings us to Houghton, overlooking the Portage Canal and the waterfront. Nathan Miller was out on the frozen canal, flying his aerial photography kite this day in 2014 and I’m sure you can pick out and name a number of places there on the Houghton side of the canal.

In 2017, Cathy McKenzie was out exploring towards Gay and snapped this shot of the mouth of the Tobacco River as it happily flows into Lake Superior. It keeps rushing toward the Big Lake, just enough to keep from completely freezing over.

Two friends and I did some snowshoeing last weekend and ended up climbing one of the “Poor Rock” piles in Kearsarge for a lofty view of the area there. It was a steep climb UP and a steep slide down, but oh my, the view was spectacular. In the first shot you can see the Ahmeek Baseball field on the left and then Bumbletown hill on the right. Then in the second shot, that’s Copper City on the right, Mohawk on the left and off in the distance are the Cliffs near Phoenix. It was windy and freezing on top that mine rock pile, but we barely noticed with such a grand view.

Today’s video feature takes us along with the Maintenance crew as they take care of their winter jobs to keep the Mackinac Bridge working and safe every day. Neat to see the behind the scenes things that go on, so our crossings in the winter go as smoothly as possible.

Good morning Mary, Charlie and all:

Just a general Pasty dot Com question.

Did the Northern Lights show up in the Copper Country skies from the Sunday, 2-11, solar flare?

All the previous photos are nice reminders but, right or wrong, I look forward to current photos from time-to-time of the latest happenings in the Keweenaw.

JT

Nice pix and interesting video...and for some reason I have a craving for, “Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame-seed bun.”

JT: I believe there was a big display either Wednesday or Thursday night in the UP and the northern US. I only note it because Nat and I missed it by a week as we were there for Winter Carnival last week and likely would have seen it.

And Mary.... those views from the rock piles around Kearsarge are just as impressive in the summer when they're much easier to climb! ;-)

But now there's a decision to be made Alex.... do you go for the Mini-Mac, the Big-Mac, or my favourite, the "Mac-Daddy"??

Nice review and video, always like seeing & hearing stories about the Mac!!

Speaking of Big Mac..... Quarter Mac gents.... Big Mac with two Quarter lb patties!!

But if it has two quarter lb. patties, wouldn't that make it a "Half-Mac"?

When we were in the U.P. last weekend the straits were completely
frozen over. Beautiful weather, and for the very first time, we had a
chance to see the ice sculptures in Houghton. Really special.

Gotta love that picture of Big Annie and the American flag.

So what does everyone think of the changes to the Labor Day Bridge Walk?

No, Capt...you don't wanna mess with that Mac Daddy.

jbuck,

I expect the folks in St. Ignace and Mackinaw City will solve the recently created transportation issues with some local entrepreneurship.

For government to solve it they would probably need to initiate a toll on the walkers.