• Saturday-What'sUP August 19 - 06:29 pm

We've been staying in Copper Harbor for a few days, so it was perfect timing to find out more about Governor Granholm's ban on outdoor burning put in effect yesterday for 75 of Michigan's 83 counties, including all of the Upper Peninsula. We assumed that it meant no campfires at the Fort Wilkins State Campground, but when I spoke with Lee VerBerkmoes, the Northernmost State Park Supervisor, he set the record straight. The ban includes all outdoor fires, such as burn barrels, but does not include a cozy flame around the fire ring, like the one I found at the Southwell's campsite at the Fort. Jim and I joined Steve, Gabriel, Jacob, Anna and Darci, along with our friends Dan and Debbie Judnich at the State Park Campground. The distinction of campfires being allowed at Fort Wilkins is because it is an authorized campground with permanently established roads and campsites, having designated locations for campfires and they also have onsite management by a park ranger, manager or campground owner. This includes state parks, most private, county and township operated campgrounds. Campfires in a State Forest Campground are not permitted and neither is smoking outdoors on or adjacent to forest lands. We also spoke to several DNR officers, who said they will be checking ATV's to be sure you have not removed the spark arresters.

You can find out more about the ban on the Department of Natural Resource's Web site at: www.Michigan.gov/dnr

jackets and sweatshirts ???

Looks chilly! Welcome back, Mary!

It was 35° this morning in Calumet, as reported on the Pasty.NET home page.

Brrr! That's cold, and it's getting close to a frost or freeze. I did not hear of Frost/Freeze Warnings last night, and it is early in the season. That does not bode well for farmers nor for your annual plants! Stay warm.

We thought we were cold here in mid-Michigan with a morning low of 43! It will be a cool but nice day, weather-wise.

Welcome back, Mary. We missed you.

Ohhhh, that cool weather! PLEASE send some down south!

I sure do miss doing that. Around the campfire with famliy and frinds thats the life :)

Mary, My bros and sisters and I had a fall campfire the day after our Mom left. It unwound us so we could continue with the funeral arrangements. Also brought us together and helped with the healing. Glad you went to Copper Harbor and mellowed.

That salt n pepper haired fox hiding with the hat looks like Mikie McMahon. That guy knows EVERYBODY!!!! Let's just say who doesn't know him! LOL Can't be him though, he wouldn't have a ring on his left hand LOL

That's Jim, Mary's hubby! At least I think that's him. You're right, he's hiding behind the hat. MARY?????????????

Most of the UP lows were in the 40s and 30s, but a few dipped into the upper 20s !

MQT NWS

cheryl - just saw mike yesterday - he's a bit leaner - still no ring

Hello from Arizona. I really enjoyed my visit to Copper Harbor and Fort Wilkins State Park last year. I am really impressed at how well this park is being maintained. Just to put you temperatures into prospective we hit 118 degrees in Bullhead City AZ earlier this week.
You have a great Park Manager at Fort Wilkins.

My Mother grew up part way at Fort Wilkins in the 1940's. She told me so many great stories about growing up at the Fort.

Had 2 real genuine northern Purple Finches (not House Finches) down here at our feeders today! That's way, way too early for those to be around already in St. Clair county. Wonder if this is some sort of omen?

Could've (DID)fool me. I know Mike has a twin,& her name is Mary. Mary's hubby could have been his twin. Anyone else agree?!!! I don't think there'll ever be a ring on his left hand & Mike be the first one to agree with me. LOL

Fall is in the air already...I've chatted about that with several folks, and everyone agrees.

Hold on to your hats!

I am glad to see you back, Mary. And I'm glad to see that a jacket is required fare somewhere in North America.

Yes that is Mary's husband in the 2nd picture. Hi Jim and Mary from the Zman and Helen!

Ken and Mimi also had 43° this morning, a little south of Cornell. But it warmed up into the mid 70s by this afternoon. Mowed my weeds this aft. About 1/2 of the grass is crispy and brown. Like walking on potato chips. Those weeds know how to stay green. :o)

My cousin had frost on the roof of his house in Elo on Friday night/
Saturday morning. It was in the upper 30s south of Ishpeming.
What a change from the week before!