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Snow Hammers Upper Michigan

By
Home Inspector with Bay Area Home Inspection, LLC WI 739-106

I guess it was too good to be true!  The birds had returned from their winter vacations, people began venturing out to rake their lawns, and then we hear the forecast for some snow on Tuesday.  I guess they forgot to say it would continue through the week.  As one who had been living in Green Bay for the past 14 years, this does get a bit unsettling.  Don't get me wrong, I "Love" the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  Still, at times, the elements fight hard against all sensibilities and I find myself in awe of the those who, knowingly, take such things as just a simple fact of life!Snow in Michigan's Upper Peninnsula 

So, like any good UPPER, I got up early this morning and, for the 3rd time since Tuesday, opened my driveway, stopped at a local cafe for a cup of Java and then plowed again after the grader went by.  In all, we have gotten (unofficially, of course) about 20-25 inches of snow in this storm along with high winds and some respectable snow drifts.  Generally, the municipalities up here do an awesome job of removing snow.  During the winter, the roads and all side streets in most towns are plowed by 7am.  I think this storm caught them a bit off guard as main street in Laurium was still waiting for the big snowblower at 9am this morning.  It's fun to watch actually.  They plow main street toward the center on each side, then come through with a huge snow blower and some dump trucks to catch the snow.  In 10 minutes, main street is clear. 

One of the neighbors got his plow stuck, so I went over, cleared around him and then towed him out with the truck you see above.  This neighbor, who goes by "Pooty" is 82 years old and still going strong.

For those of you considering relocating to the U.P., don't let the snow scare you.  True, you will need a scoop, at a minimum, but the other three seasons most definitely make up for the inconveniences of our lake effect snow.  A couple more weeks and it will be spring up here!  If you have any questions about life here, drop me a line.  

Paul Anyanwu
RE/MAX SOLUTIONS - West Orange, NJ
CRS, SFR, Broker-Salesperson, Sales West Orange,NJ
Thats incredible, we saw some small florist this morning and every one was like scared but it dissapeared quickly and now it sunny again. We can not stop nature , we share your pain, hang in and drive safely.
Apr 05, 2007 04:59 AM
Walt Fish
Bay Area Home Inspection, LLC - Marquette, MI
Upper Michigan's Most Experienced Home Inspector

Thanks Paul.

Yes I will drive carefully.  One Tuesday, the snow was combined with some rain and it was quite slick out.  It got colder and the snow today was pretty fluffy.  I saw 2 snow-mobiles at the store down the street today. 

Apr 05, 2007 10:54 AM
Kay Van Kampen
RE/MAX Broker, RE/MAX - Springfield, MO
Realtor®, Springfield Mo Real Estate
Walt, how long will the snow stay?  I'll have to watch your weather tonight.  I was having pity pains because the temperature here was in the upper 50's.  Really pretty snow!  Thanks for sharing.
Apr 05, 2007 01:29 PM
Walt Fish
Bay Area Home Inspection, LLC - Marquette, MI
Upper Michigan's Most Experienced Home Inspector
The 50s...time to get the sun screen and break out the lawn chair!  Just kidding Kay.  I expect it will warm up this weekend and start melting...should be all gone in a week or two.  Just heard a snowmobile drive by.  Maybe three weeks.   
Apr 05, 2007 01:47 PM
Troy Chowanec
RE/MAX Realty 100 - Franklin, WI
ABR, GRI, CRS
I saw this on the news and was amazed.  So is this how global warming works? lol
Apr 05, 2007 02:04 PM
Walt Fish
Bay Area Home Inspection, LLC - Marquette, MI
Upper Michigan's Most Experienced Home Inspector
Nice point Troy.  Perhaps the Polar Bears should move here.  According to a gas station attendant I spoke to on the way to Mohawk this morning, we are supposed to get another 18-20 inches today and tonight.  It is snowing now, and yes,. the snowmobilers are back in force.
Apr 06, 2007 02:00 AM
Anonymous
Anonymous
If I saw some small florist that just disappeared...I guess I'd be scared too!
Apr 06, 2007 02:32 AM
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