The Ice is Gone

This year the bay was frozen longer than I ever remember it being frozen. But finally all the ice is gone and the bay is back! Of course, it is still VERY cold and I don't want to go swimming, but at least all the ice is gone.

Open Water

Finally, at long last, there is open water on the bay! That means the ice is melting and Spring is just around the corner. What a wonderful thought!

Just One More...

The sunset was so exquisite the other day, I couldn't resist just one more picture of it. If you look closely, you can see the couple walking near the sun. Lovely!

Yep, Still Snowy!

The ice is still on the bay and the fishing shanties are still solidly out there near the lighthouse. Hopefully they will be gone before the ice begins to melt. The ice should be there for at least a few more weeks, although the temperatures are supposed to be warmer this weekend--in the 40's!! I'm just looking forward to being outside with a warm breeze and the sun on my face. Soon...

Ebb and Flow

The ice on the bay is thinner than it was a few weeks ago, but it hasn't thawed yet. It looks like the top layer had thawed just a bit, then was water was pushed by the wind to make those interesting patterns. Happy Friday!

Almost Frozen

I took this picture a few days ago. It shows a little bit of open water yet, which has now since closed. I tried to take a picture yesterday, but as my camera's battery was low, I couldn't. So, you'll have to check again soon to see it totally frozen!

The Icing on the...Bay

I took a picture a few days ago of the bay with mini icebergs floating in the water. Those icebergs have merged and frozen together to form a solid sheet. The whole bay hasn't frozen yet, but the temperatures are supposed to be a high of 10F today and that's the highest it is supposed to get until this weekend. Brrrr. Which in turn means that the bay will most likely freeze all the way across by the end of the week. (FYI--it is 7 miles across the bay to Harbor Springs on the other side!)

The Bay in Winter

Along about January or February, the bay starts to look like this; miniature icebergs that eventually join if the weather is cold enough for a long period of time. A cold snap will insure this happening, and that cold snap is likely on its way. The wind also plays a vital role in this production as it pushes water up onto the breakwall and the lighthouse and makes very interesting snow sculptures for our enjoyment. But for now, the temperatures are winter-comfortable (mid 20's) and there is no snow expected today.