Snowday

Wednesday was a historical day for the MTU community.  We had a snowday.  That is a very rare occurrence here in the Keweenaw.  However, the university couldn't ignore the -44 degree wind chill.  Unfortunately I had already caught up on my homework, and it was decided that snowmobiling might be a rather bad idea.  So, the day was spent just hanging around the dorm.  Ashby came over and we watched a movie, played a few games of pool and sat in the cafe for a while.  Not a bad way to spend an unexpected day off. Below are some pictures I took from the window in my room looking toward campus.  The bottom picture is what the first picture looks like on a nice day.

Weekend Activities

This has been a fun weekend.  I took the snowmobile for a ride on both Saturday and Sunday.  On Saturday, I took Ashby and we went about 20 miles, and on Sunday my friend Aaron and I rode for about 25.  The trail from where the snowmobile is parked to the bridge to Hancock is quite rough.  Once over the bridge, though, it was much smoother thanks to the grooming crews.  There have been no mechanical problems so far, so that is a good sign.  Today was so warn (around freezing) that I wished I hadn't worn my snowpants.  I brought my camera and got some pictures of the trip.  Also, Ashby and I took a walk around campus to enjoy the balmy 32 degree weather, so I took pictures of some of the snow statues that are taking shape.

The Jack Stevens Calumet-Hancock Rail Trail.

A trailhead with signs for various restaurants, gas stations, hotels, etc.

The lift bridge.

The view from the driver's seat.

A snow statue taking shape.

Jack Frost.

A train engine in the making.

Snowmobile First Test Run

Today, I finally had the chance to get my snowmobile out on the trails.  I only took it about five miles total, and stayed within about two miles (walking distance) of campus.  Everything went very smoothly.  It seems that the repairs are holding up wonderfully.  Ashby enjoyed the ride as well, so we'll have to venture further next weekend.  For now, though, it is just good to know that the old 'Cat works properly.

Lumijuoksu

Today was the first annual Lumijuoksu, held in Hancock by the MTU Track & Field team.  Lumijuoksu means "snow run" in Finnish.  Of course, I can't pass up any opportunity for an open 5K run, even in the middle of January.  The run lived up to its name, with snow falling steadily for most of the morning.  Temperatures were in the -3 to 4 degree range, depending on who you ask, and wind chill was as cold as -26 degrees F.  The run was through downtown Hancock and the route passed snowbanks that were taller than I am.  I don't think I stepped on any pavement for the whole race.  Well, it was a snow run.  I made sure to bundle up in many layers and to leave no skin exposed.  As it turns out, I wore the right amount, only mildly overheating near the finish.  After getting my coat and snowpants back on, Ashby and I made our way to the awards ceremony.  It turned out that I won the 14-19 age group.  All in all a very fun and rewarding run.  It was definitely like nothing I have done before.

Snowmobile Video

I decided to go ahead and test the snowmobile before leaving for Houghton, even with no snow on the ground.  Everything seemed to go well.  Of course, it will be much better once there is snow to run on.  Here's a video of the test:

Going Back

It's about time for me to head back to school after Christmas Break.  My big project over the past three weeks (and possibly for the next four years or so...) has been restoring a 1974 Arctic Cat snowmobile with quite a bit of much appreciated help from my uncle.  Most of the work went into fixing a leaking seal in the transmission.  It has an odd transmission for a snowmobile, consisting of an automotive style torque converter rather than the usual belt-driven transmission.  It should be fun to run around on the snowmobile trails up around Houghton.  Unfortunately there has been a complete lack of snow here at home, so I have not been able to test the snowmobile out.  It does move under its own power, so that's a good sign.  I'll post an update as soon as I get it out on the trails up north.  I'll hopefully get a video to post as well.