Donna MacIntosh has noticed some interesting clouds lately and shares these shots looking out toward Quincy Hill. The way those clouds are so thick and hanging over the Quincy Mine Shaft is pretty amazing, especially with the blue sky behind them like that. These shots were last week, obviously before all the snow we just recently received.

The bottom two photos Donna snapped of a tree and the reflection of the tree in an icy puddle. You just never know where you’ll find interesting photo opportunities. Shots like these are a good reminder to keep your eyes open and really see everything around you.

Don Afman a.k.a. D.A.(Midwested) shares a video he made with the help of the Michigan Tech Lift Bridge webcam. His description says it all: “Very recently home ported in Duluth, MN., the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter SPAR (WLB-206) was making her Autumn run through the Keweenaw Portage Canal & Lake doing ATON maintenance (Aides To Navigation). The Michigan Tech University Lift Bridge webcam captured her passing under the famous bridge (at one point the largest lift bridge in the world). The sound track is the United States Coast Guard Marching Song - Semper Paratus (Always Ready). Video speed is about 230% above actual.”

Sweet pix and video! Thanks Donna and Don for sharing.

And thanks Jbuck for the link to Sharon’s memorial fund link on

yesterday’s web page.

Yep...taken before the snow! And we are gonna get
spanked later today...the sun is out for a peek
right now....hopefully enough to charge the solar
lights for the blizzard!

I love these pictures. They are eerily
beautiful, especially the last two.

Don,I love that video. It has a cool song,
our favorite bridge, the coast guard and the
added beauty of the American flag. Thanks
for that. It started my morning on the right
note.

I frequently check into the website Marine Traffic and happened to see the USCGC SPAR making her way through the Portage Canal. I then used a program to make a video screen capture of the MTU Lift Bridge webcam as she passed by. Adjusting the playback speed to match the music worked out quite well. The wind and flag even cooperated.

I also discovered the USCGC Alder recently swapped home ports with the USCGC SPAR which was previous based in Alaska.

Thanks for that info, D.A.

Can anyone tell me if Sharon Smith's little gray
kitty, Grayson, has a new home?

I've been thinking about Sharon's cat, too. Sure
hope he was rescued. Anyone know? Rest in peace,
Sharon...you will be missed by many!

Beautiful pictures Donna! Amazing how every aspect of nature has it's own beauty!

And the video is great - Michigan loves her Coasties!

I contacted Sharon’s good friend Debbie and she said that Grayson

is still at Sharon’s house and she is taking care of him for now. No

future plans just yet.

Thank you JBuck!!

Thank you, Alex. I miss Sharon's postings so much.
She always mentioned Grayson so I know she would
want him to be taken care of.