• Saturday-What'sUP February 6 - 06:43 am

If you tuned in yesterday, you know that Toivo needed a long weekend, so we swapped days. I guess that's only fair, since I'll be heading south on my vacation two weeks from today, but thanks to Pasty.net Nationwide Dial-in, I'll be connected no matter where I roam! Speaking of roaming, today we're headed to McLain State Park a Keweenaw gem no matter what time of year you make a visit within. My guess is that the number of visitors going through the gates declines quite a bit for the winter months. But for those who do venture into the park on cross country skis, like Tina Hyrkas did, you'll be rewarded with scenes that make you feel somewhat otherworldly! What with the ice surrounding the lighthouse and coating the breaker walls, smooth in spots and bunched up in other areas, add in the quiet you'll experience, it's like you're on another planet. But then the Keweenaw has a tendency to make you feel like that in all four seasons anyway, doesn't it? :-)

Good Morning
I like the picture but it looks like it could be very cold there

Wow! I thought we had some snow and ice. That pic could very well be Antarctica. It's been sunny here for the last few days and today looks promising as well. Sunshine always makes these days better.

I've never seen a lighthouse picture I didn't like. The lighthouses in the Keweenaw are what sparked my interest in visiting there in the first place, and I was certainly not disappointed. I think that they show a uniqe character in the snow. Nice picture!

Mary: yes the Keweenaw is magical at any time of the year!

Been out to that lighthouse many times, both summer and winter! Winter has a special appeal, especially when the sun is shining. Thanks for the photo.
A different February morning here...almost 40 F and foggy, with very little snow on the ground. A very good day to go steelheading, right Joe Finn? Come on down Joe....the Big Manistee is full of steelies and I'm going tomorrow!

Great picture, Tina!

I was married on the beach at "entry" at McClain in 1977. Where did that 28 years go.......?????

McLain State Park is the "best deal around." All year it is a place for X-C skiing, showshoeing hiking,biking, swimming, camping, playing ball, and enjoying spectacular sunsets. But we need to all share in its upkeep. The annual fee is peanuts for the value we get. I encourage everyone to maintain THEIR PARK by paying the entry fee. That view of the lighthouse in a matted photo would cost about twice the annual fee. I use the park year-round
and I give thanks everytime I enter it. I am grateful it is there rather than off-limits due to huge homes and private property.

Does anyone know the name of the lighthouse? Thanks! Great photo...

Tina! Fabulous picture!! Wish I were there!

i went swimming there last week it theres was no ice there how did it freeze that quick when it was warm the past week

I have been to McLain State Park many times before but, never in winter it must be beautiful.

Michelle, I believe that's the Keweenaw Upper Entrance Light.

No snow here...yippee. I grew up in Keweenaw so had more than my share thank you. However, I am off to work some overtime to get enough money to take my daughter for a trip to Copper Harbor this summer. I'm getting a bit homesick.

joe copper harbour yes the first part of jan. we had the air-conditioner on, by tues. it will be 75 so probably will need it again, thanks for the update on the white stuff

Whuh! It's the breakers!! Beautiful!! Thank you! I love it.

Beautiful photo

Wow! What a surprise to see my picture here! It's nice to ski on the western part of the Keweenaw Peninsula, especially because the ice banks seem to form there well before they do on the eastern side. In Big Traverse Bay, I believe they formed during the first half of January this year! I was at Calumet Waterworks Park today, where you can either snowshoe, ski, or walk, depending on which part of the beach you choose...how close to the water you go. Was a gorgeous day on the beach! No wind and not a cloud in the sky! Awesome!

This is a great thing. You have reminded me of what a real winter looks like. I lived up there in the UP in the 80's and moved south 20 years ago. We only get a dusting of snow here in Tennessee in a normal winter. We haven't even seen snow this winter. I do miss it but it is warmer here. Thanks again for these beautiful pics.

Ah, This picture brings many fond memories of jumping off that lighthouse in the warm summer months of the mid 1980's. McClain State Park is still one of the best state parks anywhere. I still miss it summer and winter.

What a beautiful shot, nice work. It has been beautiful in Laguna Beach, but I do miss winter, sometimes..

When I was a child in the early 60's I spent summers in the UP while my Dad worked there dredging out harbors with the US Corp of Engineers. What wonderful memories I have of the UP. Thanks for sharing the beautiful picture, I've never seen a lighthouse in the winter but have always wanted to. Maybe when we retire this year I'll finally find the time!!