Water is getting hard

too say the least. If you think the past few days / today is cold. Wait till next week when Nanook of the North (who else remembers watching Nanook in junior high?) shows up in full force.
Forecasted Wind Chills for Wednesday, Dec 14th at 6am.

quote WhiteWolf: "too say the least. If you think the past few days / today is cold. Wait till next week when Nanook of the North (who else remembers watching Nanook in junior high?) shows up in full force.
Forecasted Wind Chills for Wednesday, Dec 14th at 6am. "

Thanks for the update.

Looks like Isle bay is pretty close to being locked up. Heard some smaller lakes are frozen over as well. People will start going out in the next few days. Once there is 4-5 inches I'll start to make my way out. Looks like that could be in a week or so.

I will save the worst (or best) for later when more consistency develops - but the above map I posted for wind chill temps on Dec 14th may become actual temps (or very near) within a week of that. Other then the first week or so,, this may become a December to Remember-- a lot like DEC 1983 that I have mentioned here and in my blog. Bundle up!!!

quote WhiteWolf: " I will save the worst (or best) for later when more consistency develops - but the above map I posted for wind chill temps on Dec 14th may become actual temps (or very near) within a week of that. Other then the first week or so,, this may become a December to Remember-- a lot like DEC 1983 that I have mentioned here and in my blog. Bundle up!!! "

I will be in the BWCA for a full week after Christmas Day so that could get interesting.

quote WhiteWolf: " I will save the worst (or best) for later when more consistency develops - but the above map I posted for wind chill temps on Dec 14th may become actual temps (or very near) within a week of that. Other then the first week or so,, this may become a December to Remember-- a lot like DEC 1983 that I have mentioned here and in my blog. Bundle up!!! "

Other sources are talking about a Blizzard on about December 16. Do you have any information on this possibility yet?

quote salukiguy: "

quote WhiteWolf: " I will save the worst (or best) for later when more consistency develops - but the above map I posted for wind chill temps on Dec 14th may become actual temps (or very near) within a week of that. Other then the first week or so,, this may become a December to Remember-- a lot like DEC 1983 that I have mentioned here and in my blog. Bundle up!!! "

Other sources are talking about a Blizzard on about December 16. Do you have any information on this possibility yet?"

Yes--- read my blog at http://snowforecast.com/usa-forecasts/midwest-usa/minnesota/lutsen-mountains/-- and keep in touch with local media. As far as cold air,, it seems too get (even) colder even past this update. Will post when times allow,, but it looks very cold until at least DEC 25th.

guess it's best to have the extension cord handy for the block heater.

We haven't had a clear day but maybe one in the past few weeks, but when we finally do, check this satellite image to follow the progression of ice march southward:
MODIS Today calendar

Our wood pile is ready!

quote Canoearoo: "Our wood pile is ready!"

But why did I move it behind the garage?... I see so far Tuesday night we might have -15. But so far we are actually colder than they say right now. It seems so cold out, but it's kind of refreshing... And the dog doesn't run off now. I see my ex wife's fourth ex posted 28 degrees like it was cold... And maxx had a similar down south. When we see that again we'll be wearing shorts... Bill if you need more tires for your fireplace I have some you can have.

Its 16 degrees outside now and it is kind of nice to fill that fresh air and the stars are actually out for the first time in quite awhile.
Lately it has been very damp,cloudy and dreary-the coldness goes thru these old bones-but still love it.

quote Pinetree: "Its 16degrees outside now and it is kind of nice to fill that fresh aor and the stars are actually out for the first time in quite awhile.
Lately it has been very damp,cloudy and dreary-the coldness goes thru these old bones-but still love it."

Yeah, I resorted to using the sled rather than the truck to get some wood in. I used my flashlight to go out there and to load. Then I realized it wasn't so dark. Almost forgot what the moon looked like. Nice and toasty warm in the shack! And yes, the lake was froze over this morning! I've seen it this late or later, but pretty rare. Now we watch as nature balances out with the cold.

I envy those of you up in the northwoods who have the time and space to enjoy, or at least adjust on your own terms to the coming of extreme winter weather. Here in the cities it is just a big PITA and not a lot of opportunity to enjoy the beauty and solitude it brings. Having the time and opportunity to appreciate this extreme weather in the northwoods means that it is not all a negative, there are significant positives to be taken from it. Down here with crazy schedules, frantic commutes and suburban sprawl it becomes just a big negative.

I know better, just can't figure out how to appreciate it. Down here just about everyone dreads the coming of extreme winter weather. I appreciate the tenor of those of you who live in a remote area who just accept it on its own terms, and even embrace it.

quote lindylair: "I envy those of you up in the northwoods who have the time and space to enjoy, or at least adjust on your own terms to the coming of extreme winter weather. Here in the cities it is just a big PITA and not a lot of opportunity to enjoy the beauty and solitude it brings. Having the time and opportunity to appreciate this extreme weather in the northwoods means that it is not all a negative, there are significant positives to be taken from it. Down here with crazy schedules, frantic commutes and suburban sprawl it becomes just a big negative.


I know better, just can't figure out how to appreciate it. Down here just about everyone dreads the coming of extreme winter weather. I appreciate the tenor of those of you who live in a remote area who just accept it on its own terms, and even embrace it. "

Yes I been lucky very much of my life that way. Today I walked in the woods looking at deer tracks etc.. Just seeing what survived the deer season, Also looked at a couple of lakes,a few bays were frozen but most lakes were wide open.

ice making chart

Yeah Lindy, lived and worked with a schedule you describe. I even did a couple years in the cities. I couldn't do it! Moved to my shack in the woods just in time for my body to throw some curve balls. But I'm happy... Broke, but happy. I got a few more years of paddling in before the latest curve ball. I'm going to slow down some and hope I have even a few more paddling years left. If not, I'm going to have to accept that, which will be hard. Last year was hard. Today the lake has a little more than a dusting of snow, so pretty white. Don't be fooled! That ice is not safe!






The lake is in the background.

Moose lake wide open still

quote Pinetree: " Moose lake wide open still "

Hopefully this year there will be a good hard freeze before significant snow comes, the lakes were so slushy last year.

agree-will put Whitewolf in charge of that.

I just went on a nice long 2 hour hike in the woods with my dog. It is 16* and we need to get acclimated to these cold temps. With ice fishing, snow shoeing, my survival class I teach and winter camping coming I need to get acclimated quickly

quote Canoearoo: "I just went on a nice long 2 hour hike in the woods with my dog. It is 16* and we need to get acclimated to these cold temps. With ice fishing, snow shoeing, my survival class I teach and winter camping coming I need to get acclimated quickly "

You get in the woods it feels good doing a hike this time of year,along as you can avoid the wind.

Robinson lake 10 miles west of Ely on 169, people were ice fishing 5 days ago. Not me!

quote ellahallely: "Robinson lake 10 miles west of Ely on 169, people were ice fishing 5 days ago. Not me!"

I guess Chum lake east of Ely on highway # 1 about 5 days ago two people were on the lake when water puddles in roads when walking you still broke thru.

Many of the mid sized lakes have skimmed over farther south now.

minus 10 this am.. We are done with winter, right?
O ick.. 12 inches tonight.

It was -26 in Ash River, -23 in Orr and -21 in Togo yesterday morning. Sounds like several inches of ice on some of the northern lakes already. Will add some more this weekend...

quote ArrowheadPaddler: "It was -26 in Ash River, -23 in Orr and -21 in Togo yesterday morning. Sounds like several inches of ice on some of the northern lakes already. Will add some more this weekend..."

it is going down very fast

quote Pinetree: "

quote ArrowheadPaddler: "It was -26 in Ash River, -23 in Orr and -21 in Togo yesterday morning. Sounds like several inches of ice on some of the northern lakes already. Will add some more this weekend..."

it is going down very fast"

And the wind is picking up big time. These are the nights I look forward to being in a warm house. The old shack is pretty airy. Won't be starting the diesel anytime soon.

quote nctry: "

quote Pinetree: "

quote ArrowheadPaddler: "It was -26 in Ash River, -23 in Orr and -21 in Togo yesterday morning. Sounds like several inches of ice on some of the northern lakes already. Will add some more this weekend..."

it is going down very fast"

And the wind is picking up big time. These are the nights I look forward to being in a warm house. The old shack is pretty airy. Won't be starting the diesel anytime soon."

-7 degrees F. his morning

It's chilly this morning. Gunflint Lake should have hard water by the end of the week.

One week until I head home for winter break, counting on this 0 degree weather bringing me some hard water!

we got close to 6 inches on the small lakes around Mille lacs.

Drove by Leech Lake yesterday on my way to Duluth, there was some open water way out there probably 1/4 mile from shore. Guessing its froze up today, depending on last nites wind.

Wheelers and snow machines are on the lakes. A small truck was out on Vermillion between McKinley Park and Ely island. I am hear about 8 inches of ice. Don't take my word always check the ice and be careful!