Where we are???????

[Frank Walsh]

Really have not been saying much with the ice conditions, as there has not been too much to say. Until now! Took the airboat over to Young’s Bay yesterday, and what was open water the day before, was frozen over enough to hold my boat up with a bit of sagging. Made the same run today, and held me up fine. Based on that I would guess 3-4 inches or more. The open water area was the area between Flag and Passage Islands. Everything from Mergen’s Point to Young’s Bay was good hard ice. Talked to a friend marking from Young’s Bay to Brush, and he had a solid 7 1/2 inches. Noticed people sledding to and from Windigo Island. Saw a bunch of cracking and bleeding from the weight of the new snow, which is a good thing. Will freeze it through quickly. Only one very minor pressure ridge so far. Any of the smaller wet areas that I saw earlier in the week and now frozen over.

All goods new. My guess is we are on our way. Especially in view of the weather forecast. Planning to start checking ice in our areas on Monday. Want to give the cold a few days to work it’s magic. The late freeze makes the water temperatures more homogenous, and should freeze very quick now. Hopefully have good things to report, but would be shocked if we are not moving next week.

[Frank Walsh]

Well, as promised, I’m back. Not much good to say, but I’m back! Things are progressing. Not as quickly as I hoped. Have 8”+ of ice in the bay. Found a nasty 20-30 foot long patch off Butterfield Point that I got all broken open, and should heal fine. Rounding the corner, I found a consistent 5” on what was water last Tuesday. Did not go further to the east, but will today or tomorrow. Instead started towards Flag, and got down to 3 1/2-4”. Walked about 4 stakes worth, and stayed pretty much the same. Quit, but at least I have a baseline to measure progress.

Tony Butler said he got a snowmobile trail to Flag, and a marginal one to Lake trails (on Oak). Talked to others working from Minnesota Point, and does not sound ready there. I don’t want to be too specific on these other trails and accidently contradict someone. But in no way should anyone go venturing on their own.

Be back when I know more.

[Jerryhal]

Seems to be the theme everywhere this year. Inconsistent ice thickness. Stay safe out there

[Frank Walsh]

About the typical variation we start with. Normally at a overall thicker level.

[Frank Walsh]

We got it marked today from Mergen’s Point to Sportsman’s. Most ice 4-5 inches from Mergen’s to Butterfield Point, with a few spots of 3”. And some 6” around Mergen’s. Ice along the north shore of Oak much better at 7-8”+. Got down to 5” at Soldier’s Point, and had to jog around a wet spot someone broke open with a heavy airboat. Most 5”, with a little 4” the rest of the way to Sportsmans.

[Tim Kelly]

What thickness do you want before it's considered safe?

[Frank Walsh]

I'd like a minimum of 5" for sleds, and a foot for vehicles and bombers. I can run the woody on 8" with a light load.

[Tim Kelly]

Thanks, interesting. How thick does the ice typically get?

[Frank Walsh]

Can get close to four feet depending on snow and temperatures. Planning on putting the houses on the lake today.

[Tim Kelly]

Wow! I had no idea it would be that thick.

[Frank Walsh]

Yeah. I hear that a lot.

[Tim Kelly]

Happy Christmas.

[Frank Walsh]

Getting there..................

Houses on the lake. Heading out in a few minutes to mark the south trails to the houses, and check ice on the big water. Tomorrow and/or Monday will recheck what's been already marked to hopefully see great progress.


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[Frank Walsh]

Life is good. Got the houses around the bend and on my normal spots. Have taken the bomber for a few trips to Young's Bay. All we need is the ice road to be complete. Duane is plowing, but working slowly as ice conditions allow.

Happy New Years!!!!

[Frank Walsh]

Pretty much business as usual, with the exception of the ice road. Not much progress lately, but this latest cold snap hopefully will get things rolling. Heading to Young's Bay this morning in the bomber, so hopefully see the snow flying off the plow.

[Frank Walsh]

Heading over to Young's Bay this morning, I noticed Duane had been plowing again. Not towards us yet, but right now

[JBlanck]

I'll bet you're making ice now!!!

[Frank Walsh]

Hear from the moccasin telegraph that he is now working this way.

[Frank Walsh]

Making ice????? Most of it on my beard.

[Frank Walsh]

Word has us out to Mergens. Will know more today.

[dpear]

You do red carpet from there in right?

[Frank Walsh]

More like the brown carpet. First V-plow pass out to us today!

[Bbahr]

Thanks Frank Had a great time last week...as always you work hard putting us on fish !!

[Frank Walsh]

Thanks Brian. Royalty check will be in the mail.