Here we see the Tennis courts shrouded with their winter carpet. The trees always had the light coating of white on their branches making them appear to have crocheted as fine lace. For some reason the evergreens only had their coating on the coldest of days. Perhaps it has something to do with the abundance of sap running through them.
Stepping off the island, for about a half mile, one gets an idea of the isolation that winter brings. Ice forms up to two feet thick yet one must be ever vigilant for holes and thin spots. Each year the freeze pattern differs and warm river currents and eddies prevent small areas from building a thick cover or even freezing at all! You can tell where the thin spots will be by observing the freeze as it progresses. The bay freezes first and is just as treacherous as the main river. A steady wind between 15 to 20 MPH keeps snow from building on the ice and makes walking difficult, an excellent area for a wind driven generator, though.
Here we have the old way of getting around in the winter.
Click on the image for a closer look.
Modern ice travelers use Ice boats to safely cross ice and water while staying dry. This machine was graciously loaned to me by some of the wonderful people I met in Chippewa Bay. Powered by a Chevy straight six she had plenty of power to pull out of holes and negotiate deep snow. Very tricky to use on bare ice as it is steered by the airflow across the rudder and there are no brakes! A smaller type had flipped on me when I lost control. It was much too light and would build speed at idle, cross winds were it's greatest menace. this craft worked wonderful and I thank my friends for their help.