Postcard Memories

A very early shot of the south harbor in Bayfield. Not sure the date? Perhaps the 1950's?

Does anybody know? Look at the old cars. They seem to be building up the land with fill.

Lovely Day

Wonderful sunshine with the bright snow makes for a great day. Just a few ice tents on the channel between Bayfield and Madeline Island. A large Coho fillet does sound very tasty doesn't it? Not sure what they are catching in the channel however? Just a few snowmobile tracks also.

The ice road is not open for cars but ATV's and Snowmobiles do venture across to the island.

Alot of people are using the ice by the shore as a parking lot and base for their fishing adventures or to unload the snowmobiles. No matter how thick the ice becomes it always gives me that uneasy feeling.

Sunrise/Sunset

No not Fiddler on the Roof........

But a Chequamegon sunrise. If your unlucky enough to be sleeping poorly you are treated to a nice sunrise at least. And you can always go back to bed. Some people are morning people and some are night owls. Myself I'd rather see a sunset and then stars in the wee hours.

The ice on the bay is thick and there are many ice fisherman on the bay.

The Ashland side of the bay is ready for travel. Fishermen report there is good ice on the Ashland side of the Bay. The Washburn side of the bay is now ready for all travel. Reports of "pressure ridges" do exist on both sides of the bay. You are advised to not cross the pressure ridges. The fishing guides remind you to not take machines on either end of the breakwall and to call ahead for ice fishing reports. Area fishing guides and bait shops know when and where the ice has safely formed. In general: there are many good fishing opportunities going on right now.

Postcard Memories

Before it was Seagull Bay Motel it was Seagull Bay Cottages. Both had the incredible view of the water. I think I like the old cottages better but never stayed there. I have a very vague memory of the cottages.

Ice Caves a no go.

Its looking doubtful this year that the ice will be safe for a trip to the ice caves.

This week the wind took out the ice and now there is open water reports the National Lakeshore. The ice road to Madeline Island may become thick enough with more cold nights to drive on? Mr. Red was on the post having a snack. The friends of the woods emerge and eat when the weather warms.

More deer

There are deer in the meadow and deer in the city streets.

They must be very hungry despite the fairly mild winter. But the snow is deep so food is hard to find.

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!