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!
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