Marquette March 4 - 7

bayfly

Active member
Several weeks ago, I planned a camping/Snowmobile Trip with my oldest sister and her husband. Neither of them had ridden sleds in many years, and neither had been to Marquette. We picked the Rippling River Campground due to its great amenities and close proximity to Marquette, just in case the snow didn't cooperate or the newbie riders weren't thrilled with the sledding experience. I was pretty excited about the weather forecast leading up to the trip, except for the expected rain on Tuesday. We arrived to muddy, unridable trails on Tuesday. It rained hard all afternoon and evening. Mud was everywhere. Our guests were skeptical, to say the least. But we woke Wednesday morning to about 8" of snow on the ground, and blizzard conditions. Our first ride was to Negaunee and back Wednesday afternoon. The trails had a good foot of new snow and it continued to snow, hard. Thursday morning we headed east along the lake shore. 3+ foot drifts and the waves were spraying against the shoreline. It was a bluebird day, and the bright sun made the snow-laden trees really pop. We encountered our first groomer on our way to Lakenland on 417 just before noon. After returning for lunch, we headed down to Gwinn for a drink at the UP North Lounge. We passed a groomer on our way, and again on our return. If was an incredible change of conditions in 24 hours. I believe about 30" of snow fell while we were there, and it was near whiteout on our way home Friday. My sister and BIL loved the trip, and couldn't believe how beautiful everything was. Just goes to show you how quickly conditions can change! 20250305_151557.jpg 20250306_112210.jpg 20250305_132632.jpg
 
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mezz

Well-known member
Yes, how quickly things can change, especially the weather. Yesterday, our temps reached 51 degrees with sunny blue skies, the snow melt created quite a lake in my driveway. This of course translated to an ice rink out there due to colder night temp. Today we are expected to see, get this, 64 degrees! Yes, things can change quickly, Blizzard conditions one day, darn near summer temps 4 days later. I think I hear singing......
 

bayfly

Active member
Yes, how quickly things can change, especially the weather. Yesterday, our temps reached 51 degrees with sunny blue skies, the snow melt created quite a lake in my driveway. This of course translated to an ice rink out there due to colder night temp. Today we are expected to see, get this, 64 degrees! Yes, things can change quickly, Blizzard conditions one day, darn near summer temps 4 days later. I think I hear singing......
I’m holding out hope for a bit more riding this year. As crappy of a year it was last season, we still had one last ride on April 6. But if it is indeed over, I’m satisfied with this season. It couldn’t have ended on a better trip.
 
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