Quiet and white

It may be grey and nothing but white snow but then comes the blue sky winter day that is wonderful. A new year is upon us already and then I begin to plan for activities and trips around the big lake. Winter festival comes next in Bayfield. Anybody for a polar plunge?

Big snow in Ashland Wisconsin

Three feet of lake effect snow like in winters old! Big storm over the last weekend. And more coming for Christmas! It's a real winter this year!

Whats going on with the weather?

Why is it so cold? This year the jet stream is bringing us cold air right out of the north. This brings alot of fluffy snow and even lake effect snows. The weather service doesn't have a clear focus how this winter will go? They called it equal chances of colder or warmer. In other words they don't know. But so far it's very cold and snowy. This is a positive for some who love winter. Skiing will be better and folks on snowmobiles will be happy. Ice fishing will be safer then prior years. Might be a good year for the ice road to Madeline Island. The polar plunge this year could be VERY cold.

Santa is coming next weekend!

Saturday December 14th Santa will be coming via the ferry down at City Dock.
This annual event lets us know the holidays are here. Local retailers have shops open
each weekend for the holidays. The Christmas tree was lit last week. Bayfield has the snow in
time for holidays and skiing at Mt. AshWaBay.

The favorite season has ended...

We had a very nice extended fall season and pictures to show for it.Now with snow flurries and colder temps we can reflect on the color season.
Nothing better then taking to the backroads for colorful leaves. Now comes the Holidays in Bayfield. Many good reasons to visit in the coming months.

Tall ships in Duluth

How does the tall ships in Duluth next weekend relate to Bayfield? Often coming and going
to Duluth a few tall ships will dock down at City Dock in Bayfield for the night. You can
get your own mini tall ship festival in Bayfield. Not sure their schedule but I'd be looking
for them this week.

http://visitduluth.com/tallships2013/

Fourth of July 2013

Hard to believe it's Fourth of July week already!  They got Rittenhouse Ave. blacktopped just
in time. The weather is forecasted to be perfect. Half the year is gone already. Summer will just
fly by sadly but make the most of it.....

Changes...........

The last segment of the ore dock in Ashland remains. The waterfront will look quite different when it's gone. It will look empty with such a landmark gone. It is also a metaphor for our changing economy. Retail, Tourism and Government services remain. Also our changing weather has been interesting. The only constant in life is change somebody once said.

Ready for July Fourth?

They are working all over Bayfield this week doing improvements to the roads,sewers and gutters. Hopefully it's in better shape for Fourth of July!

Bayfield in Bloom

Celebrate Spring during Bayfield in Bloom!
May 17 through June 16, 2013

http://bayfield.org/bayfield-activities/bayfield-in-bloom/

So why the lack of postings recently? I was gone for a month in
Scotland! Back in time for the springtime. Gladly I missed the worst
April in weather history.

Thinking of springtime....

While we are waiting for Bayfield in Bloom and green grass what do you do in the Bayfield area?  The answer is Stage North in Washburn. With a list of concerts and plays it's great entertainment.

http://www.stagenorth.com/

Winter Fest

It's Winter festival time already. Next weekend the events begin!

http://www.bayfieldwinterfestival.com/

Lake Superior Snow belt

The lake effect snows and Alberta Clippers have been doing their job this winter in Northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Winter snow sports fans are loving it. A good winter for the first time in a few years.

Live cams are now everywhere!

I love them, they are at my favorite places. If I want a mini vacation I can view my favorite places via web cam almost live. Some are streaming live video. Today I found they are even at the Sea Caves north of Bayfield. I don't know how or where but it's a lovely view. No ice this year to allow entry on foot but at least we can watch the ice and winter scene.

http://wavesatseacaves.cee.wisc.edu/wave_pics.html

Mid Winter is here!

Mid winter is here when you see the ice road open and the Windsled running again. For a time it didn't seem possible the channel would freeze.

And when these events are happening you know it's February:

February 9th-Blue Moon Ball: More Information: http://bayfield.org/bayfield-activities/blue-moon-ball/

Books Across the Bay-February 16th -See www.batb.org

Another snowstorm!

Bayfield has about 10 inches on the ground now and the recent snowfall was welcome by folks at Mt. AshWaBay for skiing. The up and down temps have been a real concern for trying to get ski hills open on a regular basis.

Chequamegon Bay covered in ice.

Chequamegon Bay is frozen solid enough for ice fisherman.
These daily satellite shots are very entertaining. You feel like a spy.

Well into winter but.....

The weather is much too mild and these gold finches haven't left yet. It's looking like no ice road this year also. Time will tell but it will take quite a cold snap to form ice thick enough for a road surface.