Many ways to Fly!

Nothing is more enjoyable then walking around on the shores of Lake Superior even when it's a bit chilly in the spring. To make things exciting you might want to jump over some water along a sand spit. The risk is you get soaked or wet shoes. But the thrill is you make it over and you feel like you can fly!

Big Tonka Truck

When I was a kid I played in the sandbox with a Tonka truck. Some kids today are pretty lucky to operate bigger toys. Plowing some sand level for just the fun of it. And he does wear a helmet

when operating at speed.

High Season Weekends

Soon the harbor will look like this shot from a summer past. It's very enjoyable to just walk around in the summer looking at all the activity. Better yet get a fish fry at the Pier and watch from the deck.

No more ice, spring is here.

I declare spring when the ice is off the shallow part of the bay. Just a bit later then last year. But only by a few days. It was pretty thick this year due to some very cold nights. But of course I am not certain as I don't keep exact records on ice. The picture is from our personal web cam. And either the web cam is tilted or that is the earth tilting toward the sun due to spring? You decide!

Marine Museum

Out in front of the Marine Museum is a interesting boat. Something likely restored. I have no knowledge about what it is or how it was used but I'm sure when the Museum opens this May you can find out all the information you want about it.

April snow brings May flowers??

Rain turned to some afternoon snow on Sunday. Really not what you want to see in April but of course anything can happen in April if you recall two years ago it snowed about two or more feet on the same weekend.

April showers

A rainy low ceiling day over the channel in Bayfield today. We need showers for the flowers to grow for Bayfield in Bloom coming soon.

Down at City Dock

Everybody loves to stroll on City Dock. Looking at the boats and the water.Nothing has changed, they did the same way back. It's been refurbished a few times since this old picture but the stroll is the same.

No more ice fishing

This shot was likely the last outing for the ice fisherman. It's all unsafe and mush now.

Bear Facts on Bear on Ice.

Easter Sunday was exciting for passengers on the ferry. A small black bear had ventured out onto the ice and made it's way to the mainland the hard way. The details are in the Daily Press: http://www.ashlandwi.com/articles/2009/04/14/news/doc49e4aa9f016cf672258731.txt

Easter Sunday

On Easter I think of Grandma and how she made a huge Easter dinner.They are no longer with us but this picture from the family album shows Grandma and Grandpa disembarking the steamer Madeline to tour Devils Island light. Has to be one of the best pictures in the album. The date was in the late 1920's. Perhaps 1928 just before the Great Depression. Notice the clothing, very formal with even tie and jacket. Those of you aware of the landing at Devil's island you know it has to be dead calm to land successfully there at this spot. This is the far northeast corner of the island near the lighthouse. Exposed to the open Lake Superior and you can never land there if the wind is out of the North or Northeast.

Fantastic Day! Spring has arrived.

Just a wonderful blue sky early spring day. Ice is off the bay, ferry is running and birds are singing. We wait for this all winter and it's here. Makes you want to do tasks outside and chores.

Nothing is a chore in this weather. And bears are out of hibernation I hear in the local news.

Chippewa History

Back in the 1970's and perhaps early 1980's the tours of the Apostle Islands were on the Chippewa excursion boat. I was on it only once and don't recall when the current boat the Island Princess took over? Perhaps somebody knows and can leave a comment? As you can see the Chippewa changed colors and had some changes made during it's life.Also during the 1980's I recall the Islander boat that took people to Stockton Island for a afternoon tour.And if you wish to go way back, I went camping on a island taxied by charter boat called the Sea Ghost that took people on shuttles to islands and would return a few days later to pick you up.I saw it later at the Pictured Rocks National shoreline so those old boats are sold and move around and hopefully are restored and last a long time.

Down the Bay to Ashland

Ashland is a great town on the Chequamegon Bay. It is truly a old fashion hometown sort of place. I couldn't say what it is exactly what I like best about Ashland but any town on the water of Lake Superior is a good place in my mind. Pictured is the remaining Ore Dock which they are planning to remove someday. I would rather they just leave it be. The first time I ever drove into Ashland there were three or four docks like the one pictured. I'm guessing it was 1973??

Open water is forming.

At the end of Long Island open water is forming. Soon we will see the Chequamegon Bay open up wider and then the ice will blow away. It happens quickly some years. The Ferry is making it's path wider and making trips to Madeline Island. Wisconsin Public Radio was talking about the Maple trees and how good the syrup prices are this year. It's that time of year to collect the buckets and make syrup. It's quite a labor intensive process. Warmer weather is coming says the forecast.

Ferry begins regular service for 2009

A vital link to Madeline Island has begun service. Imagine if you had to drive across ice or take a wind sled to get your groceries.Much more pleasant to ride in your warm car on the ferry to the mainland. For tourists the ferry has always been a mini adventure to the island during the summers as seen on the old postcard.

The Ferry breaks ice and is operating. First sign of spring!

The ferry broke a path to Madeline Island and made a run. I consider this a sign of spring. Hopefully they can keep it going in the ice. It's slow going but they are in operation for 2009.

Looking for Spring?

It certainly doesn't look like spring down at the harbor. I am really ready to see some activity and boats on the water. When it's too quiet you want it busy, when it's busy you want it quiet.

Hopefully despite the recession people are still willing to get in their cars for a nice weekend up north. Bayfield in Bloom is the next big event coming.

Spring is making a effort

The snow is slowly receding and the days are getting longer. Some trees have buds showing. I visited the dentist recently and the results are amazing.

On a clear day you can see.......forever?

Perhaps not but you can see Michigan. Across Chequamegon Bay you can just make out the edge of Upper Michigan to the far South East. The ice still thick on the bay and ice fisherman still out taking their chances for a catch. The Bay area was lucky to be missed by the heavier snow that fell on the Arrowhead of Minnesota earlier in the week. Soon the ice will open and the whales will migrate into the bay.