Swans--How do they Know?

I suppose it just could be coincidence. Last year, our only sighting of Mute Swans in the heart of the lake (near Big Island) came the day before the lake froze over.

Sure enough, yesterday--a cold and crisp winter's day--we saw them again in the same location. Today we have Lake Manitou with a new top of winter ice.

This is tricky for us because we have a "do not miss" appointment tomorrow. Will the ice hold us?

The Eagle has Landed!

Here is a great Mike Kenny photo.

Every morning my wife and I settle in the sun room with a cup of coffee and view the wonder of the lake waking up to a new day. Today was special. Swooping in from the North came a very, very large bald eagle. He came to a rest in the tree at the point deck, causing a very substantial limb to yield and bounce back with his weight. I couldn't help but think, "there's a dog in my tree--with wings!" What an unbelievable sight. As he left, I held my breath that our hunters on the South shore left the beer at home! Sure enough, no gun shots echoed as the eagle moved across the Elks.

I will always remember the view this morning--as the flag on the pole waved in the breeze and that beautiful eagle stood proudly in the line of sight in the point tree.

The First Snow

It's winter for sure. This is the first snow that stayed with us. All is new and clean and crisp again. My wife and I fled the snow for California when we were young. Now we are back again with a new appreciation for the changing seasons.

The Big Piers are In

Today there is no mistaking the chill of winter. Yesterday was a different story--the last day of Indian Summer. The day before that we actually reached 72 degrees. The big piers are in now--as we protect them from the grind of the ice pack to come. The work was done courtesy of the Rochester Boat Company--comprised of a triple crew, a lift boat, and a 4-wheeler.

The work pier will remain until just before the ice forms--then it will be foot power with the kayaks on a tether just in case. It is good to walk on water!

Here's to a snug winter and the happy holidays to come!

Stormy Weather

Yep. It's not all sunshine and birds singing. It's early morning now, with a promise of rain.

The Beaver's Back

Lake Manitou lies quiet now. Treasure Island once again beckons to the beaver. If it isn't fenced--it's gone. This can do some good, as there's nothing like a beaver to clear away the overgrowth and brush of summer. Every once in awhile a bush falls prey. We tried using bird netting on this one, hoping the beaver wouldn't risk entanglement. Our mistake.

The Clouds of Autumn

Around World Series time every year the skys light up. It isn't just the Fall color. Mother Nature puts on a show high in the clouds as well.