Interesting Day's

Greetings Everyone!

It's been quiet for the past few days.  Last Sunday we had planned to go into Sterling for our mail but turned back. We had started out across the lake (with the neighbor building his cabin)  - setting trail markers along the way.  As we got close to the ice ridge that is at the 'handle' of Frying Pan Island - the winds began picking-up on the lake - in turn, blowing snow. 

Looking at the horizon - towards the Lower Landing and the increasing winds - Ernie decided we should turn back.  It was a good decision.  Within a hour a snow storm arrived - creating whiteout conditions.  Later that evening strong winds came and blew two days - followed by warm temperatures that melted snow - as well as creating overflow on the ice.

For the past few days we've experienced below freezing temperatures which have now frozen the overflow on the lake.   Yesterday, Ernie went out to test the ice and reset trail markers.  While he was doing that - another cabin neighbor came zooming over the ice ridge following the marked tail.  It was great to see him - at first we did not recognize him because he was wearing a helmet and cold weather gear.

He followed us back to our cabin and surprised us with fresh veggies and real eggs!  Later that evening we had our first fresh salad since October 2010!  Bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, cucumbers and lettus never tasted sooooo good - topped off with toasted pecans, dried cranberry's, feta cheese and a balsamic vinaigrette.

Making the decision to turn back last Sunday.

The snow storm last Sunday. 
 Ernie is packing down snow in front of our cabin with the snowmachine.

An ice ridge in front of our cabin - one of the very few places around the island - our luck.

Today, we plan to cross the lake to get our mail.  We've not had mail since last October.  With the lake now frozen - we expect to see more folks coming to the island.

Oh - last Sunday - when we first set out to cross the lake - we saw someone on a snowmachine across from our cabin - on the mainland - zipping along the shore pulling a sled behind as s/he was headed way up lake. 

Take care and thank you for checking-in!