Beth Jukuri is one lucky Grandma and her Granddaughter is one lucky girl, too, as they have each other for adventure partners. Today’s fun took them out to McLain State Park to explore the ice and snow free beach, unusual for the end of December. I really like the driftwood and Lake Superior rock tree they made in the sand. I can just see them combing the beach for small pieces of driftwood and the perfect size Superior rocks for ornaments. Beth always seems to have fun creative activities to share with her granddaughter. The bottom two photos are another example of that, where they cut out star shapes from cardboard and then wrap them with light gauge wire, with lots of wrapping. Once that is completed, Grandma takes a torch and burns off the cardboard in a safe, sandy area, add a few beads and fishing line to hang it and voila, a unique ornament to hang outside, year round.

We aren’t completely snow-less here in the Keweenaw, though. Mont Ripley has some man-made snow on the slopes. At least they did right around Christmas Eve when In The Keweenaw took to the slopes to ski on the areas that were covered in white. As of this past weekend, though, Mont Ripley’s website said they are temporarily closed. They are waiting for cooler temperatures to start making snow again. The rain and warmer temperatures took their toll on the conditions there. They hope to be open again, weather permitting, on January 6th at 10 am.

Wow…quite the contrast compared to
yesterday’s set. You have to take advantage
of days like that any way that you can.
Interesting video too. Pac it and they will come.

That is just sooooooooooooo beautiful. Grams are
THE BEST!

I know they say the man made snow is "just" water
and ok for the environment. How come it doesn't
"Just" melt like the other stuff?? I just
wonder....

Great set and great attitude to enjoy what you have when you have it! There may be 3 feet of snow in March! The idea with the wire stars is fantastic - will have to try that.

You're right Donna, there is a basic difference. Found this info:

Looking at manmade and real snow from a scientific perspective, the big difference between the two is water content.

Manmade snow has a lot more water in it than real snow. Manmade snow is made up of about 70% air and 30% water. Real snow is made up of about 90% air and 10% water. This means that artificial snow has nearly three times as much water content as real snow.

Nice pics and video. Looking forward to seeing Mclain State Park
summer maybe!!

Did I hear correctly that Cathy from the Lac La Belle Resort, that
her car was stolen today? That’s it, if true, nothing is safe
anywhere in this world! SHEESH, I hope the Sheriff or State Police
catch that person!! Tired of hearing about theft and car jackings
around here, but in Lac La Belle!!

Sorry typing from my phone

Hi
Donna, I think the man-made snow does melt. But if
the air temperature and the ground are cold enough,
man-made snow can be deposited long enough for folks
to ski.

What fun pictures! Awesome that they can get out
there at this time of year without walking through
feet of snow. Love the fun things grandma is doing
with her granddaughter.