Mel Jones tells a civil war story to a group of mainly yooper guys at today's annual Spring retreat in Eagle River.

(the big picture takes us outside the 
Dining Hall)

The icy coating on this navigation tower should yield to the sunshine today.  Near the end of the Portage Canal...

(...a stone's throw from McLain State Park)

They're baaack...  As the ice retreats from the Soo locks shipping returns to Superior.

(Each year more tonnage passes through this waterway than the Suez and Panama canals combined.)

A midnight visit to Lake Bailey.  Even a half-moon reveals the lingering winter beauty. But black flies will swarm this spot in about 8 weeks.

(We are standing on the boat launch -- North end of the lake.)

...and in sports news, last night the Center Ice girls of Calumet defeated Perkins Electronics of Houghton 4-1 to win the intercity title.  Their team portrait is today's big picture.

(this is where we spotted the Zamboni about a month ago)

Last week a house was spotted moving through the streets of Laurium.  Here's where it ended up - next to Laurium Manor Inn.

(Yooper version of the popular southern double-wide)

If the Pasty Cam had ears, this morning you'd hear a howling northwest wind, and pounding waves in the Lake behind us, as we drive up Garden City hill.

(Welcome to Spring... Is the four-wheel drive engaged?)