ICE ROAD FUN

THE ICE ROAD IS WET BUT STILL SAFE...

...BUT EASY DOES IT

JUST IN CASE...

THE "BIG DOG" WAITNG FOR THE BIG THAW

ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME

WIND SKIING...LOOKS LIKE FUN!

 Monday, 8:30 AM.  29 degrees F, wind variable, calm to very light.  The sky had been mostly cloudy but is clearing rapidly.  The humidity is 89%, high due to the snow melting.  The barometer is more or less steady at 29.82.  The snow cover will diminish somewhat today.
   Figuring it might be our last chance to do so, Joan and I and Buddy rode out to Madeline Island on the Ice Road yesterday.  Actually, the road was as smooth and black as asphalt except near both shores, where it was getting slushy, and by all appearances it will be operational for some time to come.
   There was a fair amount of traffic on the road, but most of the activity was alongside; quite a few ice fishermen, some snowmobiles and several wind skiers ( I don't know if there is another term for being pulled along on skis by a large kite).
   The wind skiing looked like a lot of fun and even without a particularly strong wind they were getting up  to a pretty good speed, perhaps twenty or more miles per hour, as they raced along beside us.  It is certainly an environmentally friendly sport, and although the harnesses, ropes and parachute-like kite are probably expensive the skis and clothing looked conventional and it costs nothing else to participate in the sport.  One of the skiers shouted "Hi, Art!" as he zipped by while I was taking photos but I didn't recognize him and he was probably a much younger acquaintance (I wouldn't try doing it, I would undoubtedly break something).  The kite appears to be pretty maneuverable and it looked like it could be deflated with the proper pull on the tow rope.  If not, one might have a long cross country ski back from somewhere out on the lake.
   Once on Madeline Island we took a ride to Big Bay State Park on the eastern shore, and contrary to conditions in some years, the lake was frozen and snow covered as far as we could see in every direction.   Beyond the park the roads were pretty bad so we ventured no further.   There were several bars and restaurants open but not much appeared to be going on in La Pointe.
   The reports are that the Ice Caves are still attracting thousands of visitors and were very busy this weekend.