NEWS FLASH: ICE ROAD TO MADELINE ISLAND CLOSED

A WARM MORNING WITH CLOUDS DISSIPATING RAPIDLY

THE ICE ROAD IS DETERIORATING RAPIDLY

THE APPROACHES  ARE  ALWAYS THE FIRST TO MELT

AS OF YESTERDAY, TRAFFIC CONTINUED TO CROSS

Friday, 8:45 AM.  35 degrees F at the ferry dock, 38 on the back porch.  Wind variable and very light.  The sky is partly cloudy but clearing, the humidity is 84% and the barometer is steady, now at 29.99",
   As the warm weather continues, the Ice Road between Bayfield and Madeline Island has deteriorated rapidly.  As is usual, the on/off approaches are  the first areas to become impassable.  As of yesterday traffic was still getting from land onto the firmer ice of the channel, but the road will soon have to close.
   This is the time when folks push their luck and drive vehicles where the ice is unsafe.  It will take someone going through in a car or pickup, or snowmobile or ATV, to signal to everyone that the ice is indeed unsafe.
   UPDATE: It was just announced that the Ice Road is officially closed.  The wind sleds have begun operation.  For detailed schedules call (715) 747-5400.