Living here in the Keweenaw, Judy Byykkonen can head to the woods and the shores of Lake Superior with her four-legged friends, whenever she feels the need to get away and leave the world behind for a while. This time of year especially, these trails and the lakeshore are for the most part deserted of other folks, so it is the perfect getaway and place to recharge again. Just look at the photos of the trail in the woods, it’s absolutely magical with the snow covered branches and path. It lifts your spirits and rejuvenates your body and mind. Then you head down those steps to the shores of Lake Superior and she does the rest, restoring and healing you to face the rest of the world once more. Those of us that live close to the Big Lake and near trails like these are truly blessed. Hopefully those of you that don’t, can sit quietly and soak in the peace and tranquility through Judy’s photos.

Now to get your blood pumping again, we join Nick at MI Playground for Winter Surfing on Lake Michigan. The lead-in to his video says: “In 2025, I set an ambitious goal: to surf every month of the year on the Great Lakes. This is my first surf of January, where I paddled out in freezing temperatures and even got an ice beard! This journey is going to be a challenge to myself to improve my surfing skills, push through the cold, and explore the beauty of Michigan's freshwater waves.”

Awesome pics...and she's got her babies with
her...phenomenal!!

Imagine getting in the big lake right now. No thank
you...

The first one's my favorite. I
just love snowy needles. They're
so pretty. And of course, Judy's
dogs are always a hit, too. She's
such a great dog mom.

Doggone good pix!
And as far as the video goes;
“Oh I wouldn't be doggone
I'd be long gone.”
(Marvin Gaye)

Are those stairs at Bucky's?

Yes they are, George.

Beautiful pics Judy as always. Even those steps
and the lake look inviting this time of year.

Now for Nick, I gotta give it to you man, you got
SISU. Not only are the conditions rough, but I can
also just imagine how hard it would be to even
stand up on your board, winter or summer. Might
have tried that myself many years ago when I
THOUGHT I was 10' tall and bullet proof. Now, I'd
sit in my truck with the heat on and watch you
though!! :=))

PS- Good luck on your 12 months of hanging 10! You
know what they say, "Catch a wave and you're
sittin on top of the world"!
BB

BTW- The ice beard is a great look, thumbs U.P.!!