The City of Hancock and The Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club, through a joint agreement, maintain and groom the Maasto Hiihto Ski Trails in Hancock, MI. Susan Hooker spotted these two hearty souls skiing in some heavy snow. I'm thinking Susan must have been pretty hearty herself to be out there snapping pictures of them! Cross Country skiing is an excellent way to pass the winter days... not to mention a terrific way to view the Keweenaw back-country at a slower pace.

looks like fun -

Does any body have some good pics of this years statues??

Tim,

Here's the official statue photo site:

http://www.mtu.edu/carnival/2004/statues.html

BobG posted these pictures yesterday of the statues. I am amazed at the creations.

http://pasty.com/pcam/albuo03?&page=1

Nothing like good ole Michigan in the Winter!

Just looked through the galleries of the statues. How long does it take to make them? The detail is just absolutely amazing!

Do those folks REALLY have skiis on? Hehe! Honestly, I'm envious. We have rain and slush here. Gonna have to shake the salt on the walk as I go, today. OR just stay in.

Another great pic. Thanks!

Ann, they start 2 to 3 weeks ahead getting the basic large structure done and then are up all night the last night putting in the detail. The all nighter was a real festive atmosphere despite the cold.

Leaving Green Bay this morning to go to Winter Carnival, we got a good 8 inches of snow last night-at least a foot in the driveway, but we can't wait to see the statues and do a little xcountry skiing. Last weekend we did Tech trails, but Maasto Hiito looking good!

Ann,
I graduated from Tech in '81. Back when I was there students started the statues when they got back from Christmas vacation, the first week in January. Winter Carnival was usually the last week in January - so they took about 3 1/2 weeks to build. And you're right the detail is amazing. I think the students returned from break this year January 12th so again they had about 3 1/2 weeks to work on them. Someone else probably knows more about this than I do - but student groups actually have to submit there statue idea and get it approved long before construction begins. There is always a theme too. Statue building was always a lot of fun, especially the night before they had to be finished. Lots of people were out all over campus working very hard to finish their statues.

I have to add- Those statues are remarkable. BobG is generous to have posted his pics so those of us far away can enjoy the incredible talent of those students! Thanks!

I'm a groomer and a skier of these wonderful Maasto Hiito trails. This photo will give you an idea why we moved here!

Gerry, Mi....you are right!!!! I love Michigan in every season!!!!.....I thought I wanted to move south to escape the snow, cold and grey skies.....until I spent two months in a condo on the beach..it was great, lots of sun and surf....But as we headed north toward the UP..I had a lump in my throat..I was going home and when we hit the mid-west (Wisconsin) I knew this is where I wanted to be..grey sky & all!!!!.........although it is really nice to get away for a short time. No place like home!!

Does anyone have a photo of the "closed except for certain hours" sign that the Nature Conservency has at the gate across the road to Seven Mile Point? I would appreciate help with this matter.

Thanks

Playing in the fluffy snow :)

Thanks for sending some of that snow down to Illinois! I "requested" it on the Pasty Cam a couple of weeks ago and have been able to enjoy cross country skiing several times since! Some years I don't even get the chance to ski once!

THIS IS LIVING!!

We got some snow again in northern Illinois.

What's the theme of the carnival? Looks like a McDonald's in one photo. FAST FOOD?

This year's MTU Winter Carnival theme is:
What we love the most from coast to coast.

The theme for Tech's Winter Carnival this year is "What we love most from Coast to Coast".

My family really enjoyed the photos of the completed
ice statues! Thanks to all of you who posted the links.
My father grew up on College Ave in Houghton and
went to Tech, so it's nice to see the sculptures.
I noticed the Summit sculpture is 3-D map of the US . It
looks like our Space Needle is featured -unless I'm
mistaken.
No snow, just rain today, but the mountains are getting
it. I sure do miss the white stuff.

love da snow

im lovin the snow also

What was the theme of this year's statues?

This year's theme:

"What We Love the Most From Coast to Coast"

Re: this year's theme...
Is there an echo in here?

must be anon.