Before Seward's Day ....

Greetings Everyone!
The day before Seward's Day - we spent the day exploring the lake with friends.  The day was bright and sunny - with spring melting taking place. We zoomed around the lakes' perimeter - at times, cutting across the lake from shore to shore.

Ernie relaxing along side my snow machine.
 This adventure was exciting for me because we got our other snow machine up and running - and I was able to zoom around. My machine is a 1991, Arctic Cat "Jag" and its "just my size." 

Our adventures took us up to Doroshin Bay - where the US Forest Service maintains a cabin for public use. It did appear as though some folks had recently used the cabin because we saw fresh foot prints in the snow.

An interesting set of critter tracks - we noted them as we crossed the lake.

Looking down on our friends from Doroshin Cabin.

Zooming along the shoreline - we came upon an eagle nest --- way up in a tree.

Taking a scenic break (Mike McGyver is by his snow machine) - note the ice ridge in the background - there were a number of ice ridges out on the lake - some big and some small - some appearing to go from shore to shore - others going part way across.

Me posing along side one of the ice ridge, ice slabs.

Me - hamming it up in a small puddle - just off the shore near Driftwood Bay.

Bridgett and I playing at the puddle - about 5:30 pm!

Spring has definitely arrived - the weather continues to be sunny and warm - which means the snow and ice are melting.  Although day temperatures are climbing up into the low 40's - we are still experiencing below freezing temperatures at night -- but only into the high 20's.  All the signs pointing towards 'break-up' and summer approaching.

The sun is now setting about 8:30 pm - and we've lost track of time. Meaning - when we are playing or doing a project we don't realize its way past our dinner time - a common springtime occurrence in Alaska - which only get worse as our daylight continues to increase.  Its wonderful!!

Soon - we will not be crossing the lake or driving our snow machines - I suppose that will be our farewell to winter and formal wait for break-up.  Folks however, are still crossing the lake and everyone is taking  more frequent 'readings' of the lakes' ice thickness. Parts of the lake are now developing shallow puddles - melt off from the snow - which freezes at night - robbing the lake of any snow cover and making for one big ice rink. We've only seen one major overflow spot - in front of our neighbors' cabin that faces Swan Cove.

Take Care and enjoy your spring!