ICE ROAD ADVENTURES

CONFUSED?...DRIVE THROUGH THE STANDING WATER AND...

...TURN RIGHT AT THE FIRST SNOW BANK...

...KEEP TOGETHER AND FOLLOW THE TREES...

...ALL THE WAY TO THE ISLAND (note the abandoned ice road in the upper left hand corner)

Tuesday, 9:00 AM.  22 degrees F, wind WNW, light to moderate with stronger gusts.  The sky is completely overcast and it has been snowing, now pretty hard.  There is about a half inch of crystalline snow pellets on the roads so far.

   The Ice Road to Madeline Island has a new route; or, more properly, it has now assumed the original route marked out by Christmas trees, but never plowed.

   The Bayfield approach to the Ice Road is confusing to say the least, starting out in ruts in the sand, then through significant standing water and on to a welter of barricades and signs and tracks in the snow. Late yesterday afternoon I watched drivers approach, hesitate, and finally seem to get up the courage to forge ahead.  Several vehicles would congregate and one, evidently knowing the way, would lead.  

   The original road was plowed, wide and straight.  The new road seems far less cared for. I will have to inquire as to what the situation actually is, but the road is not closed (I am sure the ice is still very thick in most places, but water and slush are everywhere now).

   Personally, I am placing this winter's Ice Road in the Adventure file.