Wind Sled Season has started

What is a Wind Sled? Or Ice Boat? Its what is used to get back and forth to Madeline Island when the ferry boats are no longer able to get through the ice. Until the ice is thick enough to support cars this is the only way back and forth to the island. Of course you can use a ATV or Snowmobile but that can be risky as one ATV rider found last week. He jumped clear as his ATV sunk. There is shifting ice and pressure cracks until the ice is very thick. I would think at least a foot would be required for a car to pass safely. Last year it did get to be two feet thick. Still a very odd feeling to be in the middle of the channel in a car. Pictured is the new and the old Wind sleds. And for information on when you can ride one to the island:For updates on the wind sleds and the ice road, call 715–747–5400 any time for a recorded message.

Ice Caves

Not quite safe yet to venture out to the Ice Caves but perhaps soon? To make sure you call (715) 779-3397. Push "3" for the ice line.

Where are all the deer?

Well they seem to be in the back meadow! There are fellows at work that say nothing,have no real opinions on much until you mention the topic of deer. Then it begins, earn a buck talk,those predators known as wolves and you can add other related topics. It's a real hot topic among hunters in Wisconsin. I really don't believe there is a great lack of deer, just in some areas perhaps. In Southern Wisconsin there are fields full of them. I see bumper stickers saying

what God Giveth the DNR taketh away. I guess you have to blame somebody. With all the concerns in the world today I think deer aren't one of them. Drive carefully and try not to hit one!

Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race

This picture from last years race. Coming next weekend the Sled Dog Race. Forecast long range looks to be warmer then the previous years. But the dogs like the cold and thrive in it. They also get less overheated I'd imagine.

http://bayfield.org/festivals_events_sled_dog.php

Golden Fleece Award

The Golden Fleece Award is presented to those public officials in the United States who the judges feel waste public money. Established in 1975 by former U.S. Senator William Proxmire and issued until 1988, it was revived by the Advisory Board of the Taxpayers for Common Sense in 2000. I met the Senator quite by accident in a restroom in a Madison Mall in the early 1980's. Quite a funny place to run into a Senator, he replied his wife was shopping and I made

comment about liking his Golden Fleece awards.

Saving Bayfield from well......??????WHAT????

The Border Patrol was spotted in Bayfield recently. First by a fellow blogger in the countryside and again now in Bayfield on the street. In the beautiful Chevy SUV with a very snappy color scheme that likely cost taxpapers a few dollars not to mention the cost of that 4WD SUV. There is nothing wrong with the Border Patrol keeping illegals and perhaps even terrorists from crossing our borders. We certainly know they have their work to do as the borders are crossed daily. They have a good purpose no argument there. But there is a problem with the Border Patrol in Bayfield County, there is no BORDER! What do they do??? I would love to see a daily log or a work report submitted to their superiors in Washington. On patrol on Star Route Road

we spotted a deer in the field with suspicious markings, might be a illegal deer? I guess a ship could come across Lake Superior from Canada and land on the shores of Corny? Canucks land

in Herbster, story at ten?? Why would they come here? They have Health care in Canada!

Please somebody put me in my place and tell me how shortsighted I am because they have a great purpose in Bayfield and Ashland Counties. HELP ME!!!!

Gala time?

Anybody for some Gala Apple picking in January?