Here’s one of those activities that fall under the category “don’t try this at home”, or, in this case, don’t try this at all. It was all too tempting, though, to take advantage of a somewhat frozen Lake of the Clouds and try some exploratory ice skating. Well, conditions didn’t permit much exploring, but we did do some skating in some incredible scenery.

The group shot features our Silver City Explorers Club; Cosmo, Sara Moilanen, Jim Gallie, and myself. Cosmo again demonstrates his superior intelligence – he’s bookin’ it toward shore.

It's amazing there is no snow in the U.P. in mid December. Here on the west coast,(N. Callif and southern Oregon, I have two grandchildren working at two ski lodges during their winter breaks. There has been skiing since around Thanksgoving.

Nice picture. As a Minnesotan transplanted to Arkansas, I am jealous.

Beware, Heikki Lunta may be dancing and you will have more snow than you know what to do with.

Where IS Heikki Lunta? We don't have any snow in Wisconsin's Fox Valley, either. Yesterday I was out in slacks and a sweater...NO COAT!! Much colder today, though. I have a friend who has just relocated to the UP. For his sake, I'm glad the snow is holding off a bit. We lived 16 years in Houghton and 13 of them were winter!! Moved a lot of snow.

I remember as a kid I would be out skating on Thanksgiving Day. Of course, that was some 20 years ago or so. Otter Lake would be "iffy" but our pond would have several inches of ice. It's a blast to be out skating before the snow starts covering it up.

When we would first get out on Otter Lake, I would always jump and see how loud and/or long of a crack I could make travel thru the ice along the lake. Some people didn't like when I did that...not sure why...it was a lot of fun.

It was also fun to ice fish with your skates on.

We need snow really bad!!!!!!!!!!! skating look's fun but I have never tried it.. maybe some day :)

Are those hockey skates, Dan? We used to skate on the lake out of Dollar Bay, going towards Princess Point. Forgot what they called the place. Sorta across from the Wireworks.

Where are Cosmo's skates? His tootsies are getting cold!

Would that place be called Green Spot?

Hey that looks like FUN Dan !
But gota ask Brad or Karen whats "Heikki Lunta" ? Lived in the U.P. (K.I. Sawyer, Marquette and Negaunnee) for 6 years and never heard of that. Did however find out I was a Troll due to me being from below Big Mac.

mike

Pretty scenery.... did you use a tripod or was there another person taking this picture?

Get out your scraper Dan. Your ice rink needs to be cleaned off today.

Karen from Oshkosh, this is Karen from Oconomowoc - Now that we're in WI, we can hold off on the snow, okay? We drove up last Christmas and it was a pretty wild trip. We're looking forward to 'normal' driving this time.
Merry Christmas!!

Ken; Were you thinking of SANDY BOTTOM possibly?That's across from The Wire Mill also>

Karen from OSH, I just today found this great page that describes Heikki Lunta: http://www.pasty.com/winter2001/heikkilunta.html

That skating spot may have been "Sandy Bottom"

RCW, there was a place we swam, but I can't remember if it was Sandy Bottom or Green Spot. They both sound familiar. Guess my age is telling on me. :o( Used to skate by the old Saari/Pelto/Oakes cottages when the ice was clear. Hold your jacket open to the wind and it would really get you going!

~D~MI, Looks to me that the camera was just sitting on the ice. That right, Dan?

how deep is the water under that thin ice.
i guess i am scared of water, well deep water
anyway. yikes. :)

Karen from Oconomowoc...this is Karen from Oshkosh. Are you my husband's former secretary and the daughter of one E-Bird?

Dan, I want your dog! I used to have a dog that looked like him, I think it was a cross between a St. Bernard and a Newfoundland. If you ever need an adoptive family for Cosmo, I get first dibs!!

Yes, Karen from Oshkosh, I'm the same Karen. I check this website everyday. And have noticed postings from Karen from Oshkosh and guessed it was you. Our trip back from the Keweenaw was interesting. But it was worth it for lots of days 'up north'.

Yes, Karen from Oshkosh, I'm your husband's former secretary and daughter of E-Bird. And we had a great trip north!! And a slow trip back!

To KMR WI...see message on 12/27 (Grand Rapids picture)