A month ago when I set sail from the Copper Country, we had substantial snow cover. News from back home that temps could hit 60's. Before it's all gone, here's a couple of shots from the legendary night owl Taka Aoki. No more layin' in the road, Taka. (see Feb 21).

Speakin of the road - - put quite a bit of it behind me in the last 24 hours. Found a nice spot just east of Abilene to circle the wagons. Dallas tomorrow then take a left to Oklahoma.
Good night from Texas and good morning from da U.P. trip notes

P.S. - - This afternoon you might remember to say a little prayer for Charlie Hopper, pasty.com's webmaster, as he is scheduled for hernia surgery at Portage Health System in Hancock. Even though it's just a routine procedure for many guys his age, there is always risk involved in any operation. We know he'll be in good Hands. Get well quick, Chuck.

By Marlin Wenberg, Dollar Bay on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 06:18 am:

Speaking of Chucks....
How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if........
And a Morning dove. Yesterday, both in my backyard!!

Toivo, Thanks for the heads up about Charlie. Routine or not any time our bodies are invaded there is risk. CHARLIE WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU! May you have an uneventful and speedy recovery.

Charlie - Prayers going out on your behalf for a successful surgery and recuperation.
Taka - Great photos as usual!

Good luck Charlie. I know how you'll be feeling for while. I just had it done in January. It gets better each day though. Just listen to the doctor and take it easy.

More WOW shots.. Thank you so much..
Nice shot of the Franklin Mine area. PaPa was a Quincy Hilltopper, and I know he is enjoying these photo's as much as I am..
God Bless our troops!!

We'll be thinking of you Charlie. I know you'll be
fine! (inspiring confidence) Hey Taka, that old
wooden building in the foreground almost looks
like it's made out of copper...great light
effects.

Charlile, we'll keep you in our prayers. Our prayers are with the staff at Portage View that all will be fine. Best wishes. Sandy and Chuck

Charlie, sorry about the new name I gave you. A quick typo that I didn't catch. Sandy

Best Wishes for a speedy recovery.

Charlie, you have our prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery (well, you won't be for a bit, but hopefully recovery will be! har).

Looks like a beaver to me.

Bless you, Charlie, and take care.

Thank you, Taka, wonderful pictures. It's been so long since I've been in a winter setting in the UP, I forgot that dirty snow was the first sign of spring.

That building is one of the few remaining made of mine rock. They also had real slate roofs. Kind of sad that there are so few left.

Prayers are with you in surgery, Charlie.
It sure would be nice to get a picture of Toivo on his journey across the 50 states. I'm sure we are all curious what this brave explorer looks like. Please send us a picture on your travels, Toivo.

Looks Like Georgia may not be out of the question for Toivo... We're looking out, just in case! Be nice to share a Pasty with him!

Charlie....Best Wishes for a speedy recovery coming to you from the Escanaba area Yoopers,..thanks again for all you do..

I agree with the beaver comment.

Charlie! A Prayer for you from Georgia. I hope your condition will be posted here, and we'll be checking back. God Bless.

Good luck, Charlie. My prayers are with you. Thanks for all you do, not only on this website, but at Still Waters and beyond. I'm looking forward to meeting you this summer or at least, at the POR (LSPR) Rallye this October.

Charlie, My family and I hope your surgery went well for you this afternoon and we will contimue to pray for a swift recovery for you.

Hey Toivo, its nice here in Ooooooklahooooomaaaaa today. Mowed the lawn and everything. I believe its suppose to be just as nice tomorrow so hopefuly your trip through Oklahoma is a good one.

Oh, thanks for showing me home today!! I'm from Calumet and work at the Quincy Mine...two places close to my heart. I miss these places full of wonderful memories.

I saw 70 degrees on the thermometer in Houghton today. I overheard someone in a grocery store say that they saw 73 degrees. Maybe we will skip Spring and go straight to Summer. Yahooooo!

Hope your surgery went well today Charlie! Wishing you a speedy recovery also.....my prayers are with you.

I vote for only spring pictures from now until summer truly hits. I can barely stand to see the white stuff anymore. Take care Charlie!!

what's your opinion of TEXAS, TOIVO?----
--- PRAYERS for Charlie also .

Sending Speedy Recovery Wishes To Charlie And A Big Thank You For This Wonderful Site!

Well, hello woodchuck....aka GROUNDHOG!!

Indeed the presence of wildlife is becoming more prevalent. We have had robins at our house for sometime and said birds have looked perplexed as to where the gound went after the first thaw. Today I noted they had procured a patch of ground and were picking away at it with a fervor. Tis a sure sign of spring.

Wheatman

Hei, Taka, I really love that pic of Quincy # 2. I lived in Paavola as a little one. Some of us kids used to come here and look around. I was sorta impressed by all the brass and white tiles. Even then I felt sad that the place was just wasting away. Was really happy when they restored it. 'Course Mom never knew where her little boy was spending his time. :o)
Godspeed with your recovery, Charlie! Also, HIS journey mercies for our Toivo.

How come when I click on Sunday's web cam I get Thursday's picture? What's wrong? Anyone else have a problem?

Yes Debi, I'm having the same problem.

Are you referring to the 'bridge cam' ? It looks OK to me.

Problem is corrected as of today. I guess I wasn't the only one. (Toivo: It wasn't the Bridge Cam, it was Sunday's Web Cam.)