By John Matonich
I don’t think we always realize just how big our state really is geographically. We cover some ground that is larger than most and only overshadowed by a few other states. I spent 35 years traveling back and forth from the downstate Davison area to my hometown in the far west end of the U.P. On a good day it was a nine hour drive, but at times could turn into a lot more.
While for years I wished it were closer, I always thought of those folks who were farther south or east as they had it even worse. From Macomb County to southern Wayne County, if you needed to travel up here, you better pack a lunch…or 2. Those folks who live near the southwest corner of our Lower Peninsula had it a little better as they could slide around Chicago and head north through Wisconsin. Ok, sliding around Chicago may not accurately portray how that part of the trip may go, but it was still usually shorter than trying to head to the Big Mac Bridge and turning left.
The other reality of this area here in the west end of Da U.P. is that it is known as “Big Snow Country” for a reason. This year we had 20 plus inches of snow by Halloween and while a lot of the snow left when the weather changed a week or so later, we are paying for that short stint of warm weather now.
It has been snowing for the last 5 days and the weather folks are telling us to expect more snow for the next 9. It makes travel a little tougher, but I knew that when we moved back here after I retired. I try not to be in too much of a hurry as all that does is make you memorize the number of the local tow truck.
I don’t mind snow. I even kind of like snowstorms, especially if I am home in front of a fire with an adult beverage and a fully stocked fridge. I usually raise my glass in front of the window and tell Mom Nature to bring it on. If you are prepared, it usually isn’t too bad.
I do remember my sophomore year at Michigan Tech (many years ago) when that area had their record snowfall of around 390.” Now think about that. That is over 32 feet of snow. Of course it didn’t fall in one day, but I can tell you at one stretch it snowed 65 days in a row. Yep, we didn’t see the sun for 65 days. I lived right across the highway from campus and there were many days you weren’t able to see across the road. Being the good stewards of education, the university administration never once called off classes. So we would head out the door and listen for oncoming traffic before scooting across the road. I guess what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
I was supposed to head back to Genesee County this week for some meetings, but knew I didn’t want to fight the snow and 40 mph winds we were having across the UP, so I called in instead. I had to smile to myself as the conversation I was listening to by those physically at the meetings was about their disappointment that it was a little too cold that day to play some golf after the meetings. I think it is cool that we are all located in Michigan and can experience totally different conditions. I was thinking about getting my snowmobile up and running and they were thinking about which wedge to use on the first par 3. That’s why I love this state and the diversity Mom Nature can throw at us. If I wasn’t in my shop today working on some projects, I would raise that glass once again to her, but I like my fingers and will wait until I get home to toast the ole girl.
And that’s the situation as I survey it …
After a 35-year career downstate amongst da trolls, during which he built a successful engineering and surveying business, John Matonich is back home in da U.P. His column will appear here occasionally, don’tcha know. His book “Surveyin’ Da Situation” is available on Amazon.com.
Image credit: Joe Ross
Just a few years ago, SE Michigan saw “record snowfall totals” for the year. Some communities touted their total annual accumulation of 120″ as monumental. I laughed because I know that my friends from college years who attended Michigan Tech dealt with average annual snowfall amounts of 250″+.
I am a firm believer in owning a snowblower for the driveway and sidewalks. I don’t like the effort.of shoveling snow. A nice 8hp snowblower that cuts a 26″ slice each pass will make life much easier for those who don’t yet own one. It makes a great “family gift” for your home. Today it looks like we may get 2″ of snow in my area. Hopefully the body count will not be too high.
I saw those same reports, Working Dad and chuckled as well. I also believe in a snowblower rather than a shovel, but up here my blower is pretty big and attached to a tractor. I agree the less time with a shovel, the better…
I am another person who loves snow. Today is the first snowfall we’ve had and I’m happy about it.
Don’t think I could cope with the amounts you experience but what we do get I appreciate. Of course, living in a condo where the snow is taken care of makes it a lot easier to love than when I had a house with a driveway to shovel. Enjoy your posts every week.
Living in a condo can be just the ticket for those who aren’t into maintenance. I am kind of built that way too and I am lucky to have a bride who enjoys snowblowing and grass cutting….
The only part of the winter season I do not like is the people who drive the roads. You can have a snowfall on Monday with a lot of accidents. Then the snow melts by Wednesday.
Then on Thursday it snows again, the roads are slippery on Friday and the drivers have completely forgotten the lessons of driving on snow covered roads. The worst ones are the people who have a 4 wheel drive vehicle. They think that because they have a 4 wheeler they can drive any way they like and will not have any problems. A number of years a friend of mine who works in downtown Detroit, left for work on a snowy morning. A number of 4 wheelers passed him by. He got south Grand Blanc a few miles, between there and downtown Detroit he counted 29 vehicles in the ditch. 28 of them were 4 wheelers. I think that it was in the month February.
I understand exactly what you are saying Jim III. We even have it worse up here now because they just raised the speed limit on a number of state highways to 65. Some folks seem to think that because it says 65, the weather has nothing to do with how fast you should go. The tow trucks have been busy…
Went out and shoveled our two inch pittance of a snowfall. Good exercise if your healthy enough. I do have a snowblower but only use it on the big stuff. John where you are at I bet the heavy duty equipment comes in handy. Just can’t even imagine that kind of snow here, and pretty sure I am glad we don’t get it. The older I get the less I like it.
You are right about equipment, Jim. I could put a plow on my truck, but they are kind of a pain and if we get a lot of snow over the season I still have find someone to move it if there isn’t enough room to push it. Our tractor and blower work great and keep the snow back in the woods where it belongs…
Hazardous winter road conditions is why I am working on a solution that can be mixed with the asphalt in newly paved roads and driveways and will melt all snow on it’s own. This will eliminate the need for road clearing equipment that damages the pavement and will also slow down erosion caused by the elements, which in turn will save the tax payers some money.
That’s mot a bad idea, Fred. I have read about similar thoughts. the issue I read about is the best de-icer is some type of chloride, but that doesn’t sit well with vehicles. Hopefully, you can find a good alternative…
Oh No!!!
We may get another 2″ of snow today! I fear for our future!
Watch out for the rush on the grocery stores
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Working Dad and Jim 3 – You guys seem nice when we do not write about politics. You even are entertaining. Even somewhat clever! Can we all maybe stay away from politics more, in the future, and try to entertain one another, instead?