Happy Birthday to Michigan Tech Alumnus John Smallwood, also a resident of Still Waters.  Big turnout for the party in the dining room, in spite of poor visibility in Calumet, a fresh round of lake effect snow.  The scene behind John is a mural, which is believed to be a picture of Lake Medora.

(of course, now the real lake is probably solid enough to snowmobile, though we wouldn't advise it)

We don't know whether these riders started early or if they just pulled an all-nighter.  Added meaning for the "Marathon" sign.

(at the Vansville Bar near the Cliffs)

By dawn's early light this Keweenaw County Road Commission driver refuels and refills with stamp sand to make his appointed rounds.

(actually he's already worked a full day)

One lone snowmobiler gets an early start on this next-to-the-last day of 1998.  Trail conditions are very good...

(...and a little crowded in prime time)

Even as the snow continues to fall in Calumet, Still Waters resident Ray St. Peter demonstrates his winter walking technique.

(Last spring Ray showed the Pasty Cam his bingo technique)

This couple from downstate (referred to as "trolls" in the U.P.) happened to be at the snow thermometer when the Pasty Cam crew stopped in this afternoon for an update.

(trolls:  people who live below the bridge, in contrast to "yoopers" who live above.)

(Michigan Tech adds to Copper Country culture in many wonderful ways)