Strange New Worlds...

Hello One & All!!

This morning, at sunrise, we were greeted by the most unusual cloud formation.  We are expecting snow later this evening - so the cloud formation may be related to the approaching storm.  

A VERY amazing sunrise at the cabin this morning!!

Fog coming off the  lake facing southeast - indicating there is an open lead.

A different 'shot'  to capture the fog out on the ice.

We've had a number of questions from our blog readers.  So we will answer their questions today.

Suggestion: Maybe your windmill blades are frozen and that's why you are not getting more energy into your battery bank.  Response:  We doubt there is ice on the windmill blades.  There has been no wind on our side of the island for the past few weeks - just a gentle breeze or two.  It takes approximately an eight miles per hour wind for the windmill blades to turn -- we've just not had a strong enough wind to turn the blades.

You've not mentioned the moose.  Where is the moose?  Answer:  The moose seems to like hanging out on the other side of the island.  We've not seen her in about a week.  We will be taking a walk tomorrow across the island, so we may see her.

How thick does the ice need to be for a snow machine to cross?  In researching ice lake - we researched what individuals look for when ice fishing as well as snow machining on ice.  We found a great deal of useful information pertaining to the Great Lakes and winter sports ice activities.  A chart was provided  as a suggested  indicators for ice.  With that in mind, a snow machine should have at least six inches and that depends upon the snow machines' weight, number of people on the snow machine and any additional weight - like supplies.  So the more weight, the thicker the ice needs to be to hold a snow machine.  We also got good information from our friends who have cross the lake during winter months. However, we do not offer any guarantees on what ice thickness is best.

How do you measure the middle of the lake? Answer:  Measuring the ice is new to us and we are using what we've learned from friends - experienced in crossing lake ice - and the research we did pertaining to ice on the Great Lakes.  Generally, measuring the ice is done little by little on a route to be taken.  Knowing how to 'read' the ice is extremely important - including, knowing what areas of the lake are considered to be 'bad ice areas', the weather conditions, winds and so forth.  Again, we are not experts and would not offer any technique or method.  . 

Do you have any trouble with your wood stove doing a "back draft"?  Answer:  So far we've not experienced any problems related to a "back draft".  Ernie checked with building codes before he put our chimney up and learned that a chimney stack should be at least two feet above the ridge of the roof.  Right angle chimney's may contribute and/or cause a "back draft".

Folks - remember there is a lunar eclipse Monday night!!  We plan to go out and view it. Take care!