The archives were all over the U.P. today, so we get to travel from Houghton, to Marquette and then to Keweenaw County. Aimee Rathbun starts us off with a view of the Quincy Mine Shaft from across the way, back in 2006. She captured a neat look at this landmark with a combination of bare branches, snow and the sun's glow.

Another great look at a recognizable spot, only this one snapped from the other side of the canal, looking at Houghton, times 2. Chad Johnson was behind the camera for this shot in 2015. It's not often you see Portage Canal so still it's like a mirror, especially this time of year, since it's usually covered in ice by now.

Then just last year, in 2016, Danielle Adams was out capturing the freighter Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. unloading at the LS&I dock in Marquette Harbor. It was in port here, delivering one of the last loads of coal before the shipping season closes in January. The night lights sparkling sure makes for a magical shot.

A few weeks back, Rod Burdick snapped this shot in Marquette Harbor as the Michipicoten was backing away from the ore docks after unloading. Nice sunshine that day, shining on the snow-covered shoreline rocks, too.

Since we've been getting hit with snow storm after snow storm in the past few weeks, I thought you'd all appreciate a drive along US-41 between Lake Medora and Mandan, without the "white knuckles" gripping the steering wheel yourself. This was filmed on Dec. 30, 2013, by Nick White. He said we had 150 inches of snow already for the season that year, with 3 to 4 feet on the ground at this point.

That video was very smooth...felt like floating.
I could be wrong, but isn't that 41? I've gone down that road many a time on the Wing, during the summer.

Mary says You're absolutely correct, Alex. Fingers were typing before brain was engaged. I corrected the highway in my notes now, thank you!

I love mirror lake reflection photos.

The video almost looks like it was from a snowmobile.

I'm always looking for new vantage points to photograph any of the Quincy Works. This was taken from the parking lot of Houghton Elementary School

Nice review, especially like the video, have gone down that road in all kinds of weather, and always enjoyed it, no matter the conditions! One of the most beautiful stretch of 11 miles you'll ever find anywhere for sure!!!

I bet some of the people on the McCarthy would look at that picture and remember better times. Things are not going so well this year on the big boat. From boatnerd.com;
12/29 - Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. – It was a tough day Thursday for the Walter J. McCarthy Jr. Beset in ice in the narrow channel on the east side of Neebish Island since Wednesday night, work began in earnest Thursday morning to get the upbound 1,000-footer moving again.

The USCG cutter Biscayne Bay was on the scene at first light, running tracks up the side of the vessel to relieve ice pressure and also venturing ahead to break a path in the ice, which had formed quickly due to a night of sub-zero temperatures. The McCarthy finally made through the worst of the ice and was upbound for the Soo Locks in the early afternoon. Biscayne Bay leading the way. Several vessels that had been stopped behind her got underway upbound, but had to stop again as the McCarthy Jr. continued to have difficulty with ice under the International Bridge and again at Point Aux Pins. Each time she was able to break free without assistance and by 8 p.m. was making good speed in the upper river.

Seems like the shipping season should have ended a bit earlier this year. And the McCarthy is upbound! Guess the almighty dollar wins out over sensibility. Hope they have fewer problems on their return voyage.