The End of the Ice

Today is the day. The Moose lodge places a car on the ice every year (a very old tradition) drained of fluids and cabled for quick removal. Everyone draws a date when the car will break through. Right now the front end is through the ice. My bride did as well, breaking through to her shoulders today. We also lost an ice fisherman to the waters of Manitou toward the head of the lake. We're happy to report that six others and lots of rope got him home safely. My bride had a good hand on land, so she was safe, but wet, as well. We always cross with kayaks in tow when the ice is unstable. Still, thirty-two degree water is no fun. Spring ice is a stealthy thing. You have no warning. The snow runoff eats from under the ice pack while a slush from the warm sun forms on top. When there is no longer enough ice to sustain you--you plunge through very quickly, and with no fanfare. In the fall, after the first hard freeze, the ice--like a rattle snake--will warn you with a loud crack before you go. In the Spring, it is a soft "whoosh" and you are gone . We have lots of provisions. To our friends on land--we hope to see you soon.

More Freezing Fog

Honeymoon island sits off to the north, looking like a giant snowball. The mist was in last night and of course it froze. I can't get enough of the stuff!

Winter Sunset

The days are getting longer!

Manitou Speaks

These winter nights--starting with the last full moon--you would think we had a pride of lions living on the eastern shore. That is the sound of pack ice on the move--the sound of a lion's roar in the distance. Some times it comes in stereo, as the ice movement goes shore to shore. No wonder the Pottawatomie believed spirits lived in this lake.

Though we have been below freezing for many days, an area has opened up near the channels--open water surrounded by eight inch thick ice. There is much to learn about the dynamic of ice on water in the winter. For us at the moment, it means finding a safe detour to shore.

Freezing Fog

Being transplanted Californians, we had a little trouble with this term--heard on the weather channel--at first. Once you see it, you get it.

The Eagle

I have seen him wheeling overhead--but leave it to Mike Kenny of the local paper to get up close. To see a Bald Eagle is to really feel privileged.

How Do People Visit?

Sled Power! (Snowmobiles to us old fogeys)