So, before anyone starts a Google search for “Mandy’s Oasis”, it’s not a real thing you’ll find on the Internet. But, it is a real thing, just not for the general public. This group of friends get together and snowshoe around another friend’s property, where there are some trails through the woods there and to make it more interesting and fun, they go at night with headlamps and flashlights to light their way. Deborah Goodell shares these photos of the friend’s most recent excursion. They always have a good time, with plenty of laughs along the way and they try to do these excursions weekly. What a great way to get outdoors and work in some exercise during the wintry weather.

MI Playground is with us again today, this time sharing the final salute of the shipping season, until the Soo Locks open up again in March. That’s the Philip R. Clarke on the St. Marys River, saluting the folks on hand. Neat to see a bit of reflection in the quiet waters of the river, too.

Now that looks like fun and I’m sure nobody
gets cold with all the aerobic activity that
they’re doing.
And they all look so dear in the headlights.
Nice video too! It reminded me of the last ride
on the Wing before I sadly put it away for
the winter.

Really admire these folks and their attitude to get out there and enjoy what nature has for you. And it reminds me to thank the folks who years ago talked about Yak Trax on Pasty Cam. Had never heard of them back in the day but they sure have come in handy with all the ice we have gotten the last week or so.

Thanks for the great video of the salute too! Pretty nice conditions to enjoy the last freighters of the season!

Wow JB…we almost posted at the same time.
If we were twins I’d be a minute older than you
which means Mom would always love me best.

Very cool pictures! It's nice they do it every
week. I've never worn snow shoes so not sure I
could handle them. Had an opportunity to walk one
of the trails up by Swedetown yesterday with Judy
and Mary. It felt so good to be out there doing
anything but shoveling, lol. But since there
hasn't been a need to shovel all week, I needed
some exercise. It was great fun and the weather
was perfect. My knee paid the price last night,
but it still felt good.

Always love freighter videos.

Hi
The ship's horn sounded great--very melodic.

I got into cross-country skiing back in the 70's.
I've never tried snowshoeing because I enjoy the
glide I get on skis. I get have a rest on the
downhill stretches (OK, I do have to pay attention
for turns & obstacles). But it would be fun to get
out as a group.

Oh Alex, even if i had been first Mom would still love you best! This puts you in mind of the old "Early Bird" days, doesn't it?

Deb, not sure if even the smallest snowshoes would be good for your knee. At least my experience is every type of snowshoe causes an unnatural knee motion to some degree which could cause you problems. Or maybe i've been doing it wrong all these years!

Cool nighttime outing! We did a few of those back
in the days at NMU. Usually had something to keep us
warm too in the flask. Snowshoeing was fun and,
always a great workout I thought, wouldn't touch it
today lol.
Nice video and send off to the freighters. Beautiful
sunny day for sure, see you next Spring Sleep well
and get your necessary repairs and paint.