Posted by Toni Lankerd on February 4, 2007 at 10:03 AM
In case any of you are wondering what it's like on the west side of Michigan, here's the web cam of Lake Michigan in Grand Haven. All the ice on the lake and the pier has formed *only* since Friday night!
The image refreshes every five seconds but you won't see much movement. It appears that even the channel has now frozen.If you see nothing but white...chalk it up to the wind!
Posted by Paul Wrobel on February 4, 2007 at 6:00 PM
I just got back from taking my son to his mothers in Kent County. I couldn't even see the roads because of all the snow. I have never seen a street or road in the Grand Rapids area plowed or salted now that I think of it. I wonder where all the tax payers money is going since the road crews aren't doing their jobs.
Paul Wrobel
Romulus, Michigan
Posted by Toni Lankerd on February 4, 2007 at 7:20 PM
I've not seen that sort of problem in GR, Paul. Every time I've gone there in winter weather, the roads have been kept up pretty good.
When you have snow squalls, wind blowing 30-40 mph, you have to understand it's darn near impossible to keep the roads clean. Even GR gets lake effect snowstorms such as we've had the past few days.
Toni, Hey, I'm planning another trip to the Lower Peninsula to photograph next weekend. Clearly the cold and snow has finally arrived - how difficult is it to get around and actually do some shooting right now?
Anyone else in other parts of the LP please chime in as well. Not sure where I'm headed yet, so suggestions are welcomed!
CJ
Posted by Toni Lankerd on February 5, 2007 at 5:22 PM
Christopher,
Here's a taste of what it's like next to the lake shore...pardon my drive-by-shooting!
It appears the worst is probably from the IN/MI border up to just north of Muskegon, from Lake Michigan inland to US 131. US 31 along the lake shore is very iffy, although it appears they put down a liquid on the highway today...at least through the Grand Haven city limits. It's too cold to spread salt on the roads so mainly sand is being used.
It's supposed to remain cold for a while and we're expecting more snow off and on for the rest of the week so there will be plenty of photo ops...just don't expect much in the way of sunshine if you are near the big lake.
Hey Toni - can you even walk through that stuff or do I need snowshoes?? Looks a bit chilly!
CJ
Posted by Toni Lankerd on February 6, 2007 at 8:49 AM
Joel, I'll glad share some with you!
Christopher, you best bring some snowshoes. Because of the drifting, there's no telling how deep the snow is in spots. We've had over two feet of snow in the last two and a half weeks!
A word of advice....I would not recommend going out very far on the ice on Lake MI...it's never stable and it's never safe on the big lake!
It was a nice, balmy 15 degrees the other day here in Springfield...definitely an improvement over the -10 we had yesterday!!! I'm guessing it's even worse up north where you all are Stay warm
Posted by Toni Lankerd on February 6, 2007 at 9:00 PM
I think you've had it colder in IL than we have, at least those of us near Lake MI. Thanks to that big lake, we've not gone below 2+ at night. But with the winds, it's felt closer to -30. Today we made it to the balmy 15F mark...and barely any wind! It was a much better day all the way around to get out with the camera.
OK - thanks Toni! I'm headed up there (somewhere in the Lower Peninsula) this Saturday, and plan to spend 3-4 days out shooting. I guess I better figure out a snowshoe plan! If I stay further inland do you know if the snow is as bad?
I don't ever plan to get out on the ice of Lake MI unless it is absolutely clear how safe it is - that stuff scares me. I had one experience at the Dunes National Lakeshore that I'll have to tell you about some time, but I don't play with that particular fire!
CJ
Posted by Toni Lankerd on February 7, 2007 at 9:53 AM
I don't know much about inland, Christopher. I did hear yesterday that the snow was just as bad around Manistee as it was here. People were stranded there for 3 days over the weekend, but to the north in the Traverse city area was okay.
In looking at the radar this past weekend, it appeared that north of Grand Rapids inland didn't get much snow. Some of the web cams at this site might give you an idea of the snow on the ground in different areas of Michigan. Word of warning....not all cams are working or up to date! http://www.woodtv.com/global/Story.asp?s=690618
Glad to hear you say the ice on the big lake scares you. Experience is a good teacher!! There are too many people who can't wait to get out on the ice. With all the drownings that occur summer and fall in Lake Michigan, I'm a big advocate for safety on the lake.
By the way, you should be able to rent some snowshoes some place along the way. Wherever you are going, check local ski shops.
Posted by Robert Helms on February 10, 2007 at 9:39 PM
I'm sure I'm in the minority, but give me a little snow and I just love winter. I don't care how cold it gets. The temp. here has easily been below zero several times lately. Considering that the first few outings where a little rough I now believe I have acclimatized to it. It seems that when I'm out taking images it can be as cold as it wants and I stay all toasty; however, I do not like the wind and it can cause me to hold up the white flag, but I still manage a couple hours out before calling it quits.
Snow in the forecast for this week and I have a huge grin on my face. Did I mention I love winter
Posted by Toni Lankerd on February 11, 2007 at 9:24 AM
Robert, must be I'm in the minority too because I like winter....but not the wind that naturally comes with it!
Posted by Robert Helms on February 11, 2007 at 1:21 PM
Glad to hear I am not alone, Toni. I hear from people around here all the time how they can't wait until spring. When I mention how I love winter, and that a little variety is good for us I get a many of blank stares.
I'm not currently too excited about this upcoming storm, since I'm not certain whether or not I'll be receiving ice or snow. If it comes in snow I'm can't wait. If it comes in ice then I'd rather pass, but will make do with whatever comes my way.
Either way everyone stay warm, dress properly and get out and enjoy this excellent time of year, but above all stay safe.
I love winter
Posted by Toni Lankerd on February 11, 2007 at 1:31 PM
When I mention how I love winter, and that a little variety is good for us I get a many of blank stares.
Either that or they call you crazy. I cannot imagine living in the south the year around, where it is warm most of the time. For me the changing seasons is a wonder of life, one to embrace and enjoy as much as possible!
Regarding your upcoming weather..either one is good for photography. We had an ice "event" last month and it made for some great photo ops...especially once the sun came out! Just be careful driving.
Discussion
15 repliesThe image refreshes every five seconds but you won't see much movement. It appears that even the channel has now frozen.If you see nothing but white...chalk it up to the wind!
Paul Wrobel
Romulus, Michigan
When you have snow squalls, wind blowing 30-40 mph, you have to understand it's darn near impossible to keep the roads clean. Even GR gets lake effect snowstorms such as we've had the past few days.
Anyone else in other parts of the LP please chime in as well. Not sure where I'm headed yet, so suggestions are welcomed!
CJ
Here's a taste of what it's like next to the lake shore...pardon my drive-by-shooting!
It appears the worst is probably from the IN/MI border up to just north of Muskegon, from Lake Michigan inland to US 131. US 31 along the lake shore is very iffy, although it appears they put down a liquid on the highway today...at least through the Grand Haven city limits. It's too cold to spread salt on the roads so mainly sand is being used.
It's supposed to remain cold for a while and we're expecting more snow off and on for the rest of the week so there will be plenty of photo ops...just don't expect much in the way of sunshine if you are near the big lake.
Happy shooting!
CJ
Christopher, you best bring some snowshoes. Because of the drifting, there's no telling how deep the snow is in spots. We've had over two feet of snow in the last two and a half weeks!
A word of advice....I would not recommend going out very far on the ice on Lake MI...it's never stable and it's never safe on the big lake!
I don't ever plan to get out on the ice of Lake MI unless it is absolutely clear how safe it is - that stuff scares me. I had one experience at the Dunes National Lakeshore that I'll have to tell you about some time, but I don't play with that particular fire!
CJ
In looking at the radar this past weekend, it appeared that north of Grand Rapids inland didn't get much snow. Some of the web cams at this site might give you an idea of the snow on the ground in different areas of Michigan. Word of warning....not all cams are working or up to date!
http://www.woodtv.com/global/Story.asp?s=690618
Glad to hear you say the ice on the big lake scares you. Experience is a good teacher!! There are too many people who can't wait to get out on the ice. With all the drownings that occur summer and fall in Lake Michigan, I'm a big advocate for safety on the lake.
By the way, you should be able to rent some snowshoes some place along the way. Wherever you are going, check local ski shops.
Snow in the forecast for this week and I have a huge grin on my face. Did I mention I love winter
I'm not currently too excited about this upcoming storm, since I'm not certain whether or not I'll be receiving ice or snow. If it comes in snow I'm can't wait. If it comes in ice then I'd rather pass, but will make do with whatever comes my way.
Either way everyone stay warm, dress properly and get out and enjoy this excellent time of year, but above all stay safe.
I love winter
Either that or they call you crazy.
Regarding your upcoming weather..either one is good for photography. We had an ice "event" last month and it made for some great photo ops...especially once the sun came out! Just be careful driving.