Barbara Bouwkamp was out exploring UP North with her camera recently and snapped some shots around Ahmeek, where the mining companies had identical homes built for the families to rent back when the mines were booming in the area and folks were immigrating here to the area to work in the mines. Through the years, folks have changed the looks of these homes, different paint colors, added a porch here and there, built a garage or outbuildings, but the identical roof-lines still tell the story of their beginnings. Seems like the snow in winter, makes that all a bit more noticeable when they’re all the same color – white.

In the fourth photo, Barbara gives us a look at what the fire hydrants look like in the winter months here in the Keweenaw. There are sticks to help locate them in the deep snow and often times they are shoveled or plowed out around them, so they’re easily accessible if needed.

If you’re familiar with US41 between Mohawk and the Cliffs in Phoenix, then you recognize the bottom shot. The Keweenaw Snow Thermometer is a popular photo op stop for snowmobiliers in the winter and tourists in the summer months, too. If you haven’t checked out the Thermometer webpage in a while, make sure you click on over and check out the current snowfall, temperatures and gas prices to date - Keweenaw Snow Thermometer

Today’s video was featured on the Weather Channel a few years ago, but the streets of Calumet look just about the same right now.

You must not had your coffee yet, Mary. It's
'Miner's' houses.

Mary says: Oops...it's not the lack of coffee, as I don't drink coffee, but it might be the lack of sleep, as I'm often up late getting the notes ready for Charlie to post in the morning. Thanks for catching the goof, Steve. It will stay there for posterity though, as I don't have access to change the titles of the photos. :-)

Very interesting how there are so many towns like Ahmeek. It reminds me of Mason, and even Painesdale. Funny (not haha) how the area has changed so much over the years. It was just booming back in the day. You wonder how things can change so much. But I guess that's one of the things that keeps the area so special. There's so much history here. But those of us who live here just love the beauty. And both the history and the beauty are what keeps it going, thanks to the tourists who come for one or the other. The history is probably what gets them here and the beauty brings them back. My dad was so funny. He did not want the tourists coming. He wanted the beauty of this area to be kept our little secret. He was always afraid they'd come and ruin it. He loved it here so much. I wish he would have kept a journal or even put his words on tape. He had so much knowledge of the area that could have been shared. But I digress. Memories. Thanks for bringing a flood of memories back with your great pictures, Barb.

And that video was a "holy smokes the snow"! I always complain about the darn snow, but when you see the beauty in those big, fat snowflakes, it brings the kid out in you and
you just have to go outside. Granted, it's not to have fun anymore, it's to shovel. Either way, you're getting your fresh air and some much needed exercise. And you feel good after accomplishing it.

There's definitely no place like the Copper Country.

I'm with your Dad, Deb. Keep it quiet...

However, I worked in Copper Harbor for a year. It snowed 44 days in a row. I thought we were going to be buried alive....and the business owners were outside, cheering the "White Gold"...and it is for them...We had a blast with all the snowmobiling tourists....went up Brockway Mountain on the night of a full moon by snowmobile. You have NEVER seen anything more beautiful.....wow.

Fantastic set! Super blues and whites ablaze, I'd
give a year's pay (relax, I'm retired) to drive
down those roads in my truck.