Michigan's Upper Peninsula Travel Blog

Rekindle the Spirit, December 5th - Munising

Just a quick post this week. We want to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving. I’m hoping my clothes still fit on Monday as I plan to do some serious eating!

On another note, make plans now to attend Rekindle the Spirit, in downtown Munising, on December 5th. Many events are planned, including the a tree lighting and photos with Santa. It should be a good time and I’ll give more details next week.

It’s almost the second week of deer camp and the hunting has been pretty sub-par around the area (and probably the Midwest). The weather is still running a good 10 degrees above average and it’s not helping the hunters. The National Weather Service of Marquette just report that this November is currently the 4th least snowiest on record. The good news is the 7-day forecast is showing some signs of colder weather by the end of next week. Many are enjoying this warming trend and believe we’re just on borrowed time. As for myself, I’m not really liking it!  I’m really getting anxious for all the winter sports that the Upper Peninsula and Munising has to offer. From ice fishing and snowshoeing to some of the best snowmobile trails in the country. Munising is a great winter destination and we need to get more people doing the snow dance. Are you with me?

Until the snow arrives, here’s another classic  song, by Bananas at Large (NOT Da Yoopers as mentioned in the video), to go along with our continuing hunting season. There’s nothing like a “turdy point buck.”

We’re two days away from the biggest non-federal, unofficial holiday in the Upper Peninsula, the firearm deer season. During this two week hunting season you’ll find towns a little less populated as everyone heads to the woods and their deer camps to take down the big ol’ buck. Because this year’s opener is during the weekend, it’s not affecting the area schools. When Nov. 15th falls on a weekday, many of the schools are closed because too many kids are gone hunting with their families. Also, many folks take the two weeks off from work so you’ll find businesses closed or operating a little shorthanded. Towards the end of the season, it’s always interesting seeing the creative ways people from down below (live in the Lower Peninsula) tie their harvested deer to their vehicles. Seeing a small Ford Escort with a monster buck on the roof is quite the sight!
Unlike last year, it looks like we’re going to be snow-free for the opener. (A little snow on the ground usually makes it a little more fun and it’s good for tracking.) The forecast for next week looks about the same, too.
Below is a classic song by the Da Yoopers, Second Week of Deer Camp. A good parody of what deer camp is like the U.P. Enjoy!

Please e-mail us your deer photos and we’ll post them!

Yesterday, the weather was quite interesting in the Munising area. We had our first day of actual measurable snowfall! Although it wasn’t much, it was still enough to get you in the mood and starting thinking about all the winter fun (or misery) we have around here. In town, it was mostly little ice pellets that piled up to a half-inch or so. A half mile to the south and few miles to the west, it was a different story. There was a good 2-3 inches of a snowy mix that collected on the ground and stayed overnight. Closer to Chatham, the trees and ground were really pretty with the snow sticking to everything. There were also a few car accidents in the area but everyone seems to be okay. The first snowfall is always interesting and a good reminder to slow down and brake early.

The colder weather is supposed to continue for the next few days before a warm-up over the weekend. They’re currently predicting temperatures reaching the 50-degree range. It sounds like it’s going to be a good weekend to rake those leaves and get set for Old Man Winter.