Today’s photos from Paul and Nathalie Brandes (Capt. Paul and Dr. Nat) surprised me that there was so little ice on the shores in the Big Traverse area. The first three shots were snapped at what used to be called the Mink Farm, but now goes by Schoolcraft Township Park. Sure is nice to see that beach sand on the shoreline, makes it seem like maybe summer isn’t all that far off. Paul said he thought maybe the water might be relatively warm too, but no... it was COLD!

Paul and Nathalie then traveled the Gay-Lac La Belle road and made a stop at the Tobacco River for a photo of the running water, rushing around and under the snow accumulated along the river, along with a shot of where the river meets Lake Superior. Looks like it’s running pretty well. I’m guessing with the last few days being in the 40’s, it’s probably running even more.

We found this video of the Tobacco River from 14 years ago. Some things don’t change and the Tobacco seems to be one of them. It looks pretty much the same then as now.

Hi
Thanks for the virtual vacation. My parents
and I used to take one trip each winter to our
cabin outside of Cheboygan, where we'd ski
around in the woods (and, due to our unplowed
driveway, ski our gear from the road to the
cabin). Now my dad is passed away and my 91
year-old mom can't handle that kind of a trip.

To anybody who is deferring an adventure til
after they retire, here is some advice: go now.

May all our memories be good ones.

Thanks Capt Paul & Dr Nat for the photos -- really unusual that there's so little ice & snow nearing the end of February. Hope you have a great time visiting the U.P.!

I echo the previous posts...very nice pix, it looks like spring isn't far off. And I'll bet Capt. was wearing shorts...just so he could say: "I did".

Couldn't agree more Kathyrn Laughlin (Kathyl)! Wish we had heeded that advice 10 years ago - and hope others do it TODAY.

Great pictures Capt. Paul and Dr. Nat!

Thanks for the comments!!

No shorts as it was about 8 degrees when we were there. I figured the water would be at least a little warmer, but we measured it at 34 degrees! It amazed both of us that there was that much sand visible along the shore. The Tobacco was absolutely beautiful; the photos do not do any justice to just how pretty it was....

Great Pic's Capt. & Dr. Nat! The video looks like it was taken the same time as these photos, amazing! I sure wish I was looking at the Tobacco River tomorrow morning, it's one of my favorite spots in the Keweenaw!!