Back At The Cabin

Hello Everyone


We are back blogging after our trip to Anchorage and, a full battery bank. The first four photos were taken the day before we left the cabin to go to Anchorage.  Maggie, the little moose, came up to our window - so we took a close up of her.  The next photo is one of Ernie placing a red reflector on a tree so that we can locate our cabin when it is dark outside.  The other two photos are of us taking a walk around the island.  It was a beautiful day - 36 degrees - and melting.


The other photos are of our return back to the cabin.  The temperatures were at 19 degrees with calm winds.  After we had launched our boat, the ice fog had set in making everything disappear.  Ernie of course was prepared.  He guided us across the lake and back to our cabin using compasses.  The going was safe and slow.  My job was to spot land.  Ernie guided the boat standing up through the canvas bow opening.  It was a bit cold out there, so he wore his face mask.  After we spotted the island, Ernie guided us right to the cabin.  


This was our last trip off the island and away from the cabin.  We will not leave now until late January or early February.  Then, we will go by snow machine.  As you can see from the photos, the lake has not frozen yet.  When we launched our boat from what we call 'the lower landing' - there was a sheet of ice going down the boat launch.  Ernie had to guide the truck, boat and trailer very carefully so that everything did not slide down or off the boat ramp.  


We knew things would be slippery, so we had brought sand and gravel to make the process safe.  Once we had the boat in the water, Ernie had to put the boat motor in the down position for half and hour to allow the motor to come up to lake temperature.  Since the surrounding air temperature was about 19 degrees.  After the motor was warm, Ernie started the motor and let it warm up.  Because the lake temperature is warmer than the air, 'steam' was coming off the lake - creating ice fog.  The ice fog was not thick until we got away from the mainland then, it got thick.  That is when Ernie relied on his compasses to get us home.  


He used two compasses - one is mounted in the boat and the other is a hand-held.  Ernie used both to ensure that we were on course.  My job was to spot land and make sure we did not cross our boat wake.  If we crossed our own boat wake - that would mean we were going in a circle and getting lost.  


We are home now and looking forward to our first Thanksgiving at the cabin.  It is very still and quiet at the cabin - almost like all of Nature is sleeping.  We've not seen the rabbits or Maggie - just tracks and 'droppings' - but it's been rather cold.  This morning, the lake is thick with ice fog and its 20 degrees out with no winds.


Take care everyone and love to each!!