Knowledge enhancer round six

As the month rolls on, shorter days and cooler nights grace our presence from time to time... This weeks' fact is dedicated to Lake Effect, not the book about being a deckhand on the great lakes, but that glorious weather pattern which draws moisture from that deep fresh water, to lay down inches upon inches of white gold in the winter. (Or in some cases bountious precipitation in the spring/fall for another delectable pattern known as 'creeking/river running season').

Any lover of the winter season must appreciate that Lake Superior produces the greatest lake effect snows on earth. (Significant lake effect snows are a rare phenomenon, occurring--besides on the Great Lakes--only on the east shore of Hudson Bay and the west coasts of two Japanese islands.) Lake effect snows extend 20 to 30 miles inland, primarily on the Ontario shore southeast of Marathon, and from Sault Ste. Marie to the Wisconsin-Michigan border. Average annual snowfall in Michigan's Keweenaw exceeds 200 inches in places.

So before you lace up the mukluks, plop on the snow shoes, or drop that knee to the ski this winter, make sure you are well versed in the local geography/topography of your adventure land. That will ensure you enjoyment of the outdoors keeps you happy and far from being lost. Like Ralphie says, "there's no berry quite harsher than being lost in the wilds during the winter."

Until next time, keep doing what you do and those days filled with health, happiness and laughter...