• Saturday-What'sUP December 11 - 09:11 am

Off in the distance of this shot is a snow-topped Hogback Mountain, located in Marquette County. Looks like quite a hike from the vantage point where Dan Brown was snapping his shutter. If you're thinking about making the climb this time of year, I'd say a pair of snowshoes would be the footwear of choice. That gets me wondering now, if there's such a thing as mountain climbing showshoes?

What a beautiful way to start the day!
I don't know if I'd hike up there this time of year. I'd be worried the snow would be hiding a cliff edge or something like that.

Good morning also from SUOMI!

Good Morning from GR. Wish I had something like that to see out my window this morning. Thanks for the view.

The square framed hole just ahead of where your foot pivots on a snowshoe is for your toe to gain extra traction on steep slopes. I've only used them so a couple of times - usually it's easier to find a less steep slope but in the spring with a crust it is easier gain a purchase this way. The black neoprene Maki bindings aren't good at this but the old fashioned strap bindings work great.

Modern shoes also have crampons to bite for climbing.

ah yes, Hogsback - part of the famous "triple" in Marquette - Mt. Marquette (just south of town) Hogsback (pictured) and Sugarloaf (on the lake superior shores just a few miles from Hogsback) Three great spots. There used to be a running "race" (more of a moving party) that ran up all three in a day.

Morning from warm and sunny NC - though the snow sure looks nice! Last time I was up at Hogsback was in '96...and the UP in '02. Miss the people, the terrain, and the snow!

I found it's easier to climb a steep slope on snowshoes with crampons than it is to walk back down it. Your weight rests too far back on the shoe when going downhill for the crampons to work effectively. Fortunately gravity helps get you down, one way or another.

I agree with the aforesaid comment about snow hiding cliff edges. I like the gentle glacial hills at home in the winter; no sudden surprises. Unless you count walking into a dry cistern, hidden in summer by brambles. Fortunately I didn't have snowshoes on and was able to dig my toes into the sides and crawl out. It has since been filled at my request by the DNR.

Ohhhhh how beautiful! Thanks Dan. I can just hear the quiet and feel the cold on my cheeks.

Just curious to know if there was a technical problem Saturday afternoon at Pasty Central.

We assume everyone was out Christmas shopping

GOOD MORNING, WE WERE SHOCKED TO SEE THE MOUNTAIN,10 MILES NORTH OF MARQUETTE. WE HAVE BEEN TO THE UP TWICE AND HAVE BEEN SPELLBOUND EVER SINCE. WE DROVE THRU MARQUETTE,AND THEIR GREAT PARK, BUT ALWAYS THOUGHT THE ONLY THING NORTH OF IT WAS LAKE SUPERIOR. IMAGINE OUR SURPRISE AT THE PICTURE. JEFF