This year has seen one of the hardest winters in the northeast of the continent in years. We've had massive snowfalls, well below normal temperatures and a very bad ice storm the day before Xmas resulting in a dark christmas for a lot of people.
One upside is the Great Lakes mostly froze over and that cut evaporation way down, so lake levels are on the rise which is very good news. The ice itself also created some interesting formations. Lake Ontario doesn't usually get much ice but this year it did. Presquile Park is on the north shore of the lake and is just a stone's throw from our house. We went over one day and saw some pretty spectacular ice along the shore. Pictures attached. Note the chimney type formations in the hills of ice, these seem to form along the edge of the ice at the open water and result in geysers shooting out now and then.
Spring is supposed to be happening this week but it was -17C last night. Here's hoping this winter finally does end very soon.
Some more pictures of the shore ice on Lake Ontario, the chimney formation is very clear in the last shot. One picture is my neighbour's house, they were lucky (smart) enough to go to Florida, they may have some shovelling to do when they get home in April.
We are seeing record numbers of visitors here in SW Florida where few days this winter had lows below 50F, and we have enjoyed an abundance of 80F days.
I am not reporting this to make anyone jealous; maybe you'll make time to visit our area next winter.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
Bud,
Really kool pix of the "Ice Waves"!
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
Bud,
Great pictures of the ice waves. We see some similar formations up here on Georgian Bay. On the northwest side of Giants Tomb Island there is a long fetch that has resulted in some pretty impressive ice caves. Here is a link to a Youtube video recently shot there.
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E-uN44i4Sg[/url]
This morning it was -23C, but eventually warmed to +3C throughout the day. I am definitely ready for spring!!!
Tom & Janis Grover
C36 #0949
SR/WK, M25XP
Midland, ON
We had planned on taking the cover off last Saturday. Until we saw the forecast. I measured 5.5 inches on my deck and they probably got more at the marina in MD. So glad we left it on. I was tired of the winter in December, so by now... On the other hand my wife likes winter and likes to shovel snow. Since I like her to be happy, I never interfere by shoveling it myself. I shoveled a bit yesterday, and my back is sore. Should have left it to her :-)
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay
Gary, what a deal, keep your wife happy and not shovel snow. Didn't even cost you any money. Awesome!
Neat Pics!
---- Howard & Linda Matwick ----
--- S/V "Silhouette" - Nanaimo, BC ----
--- 1999 C36 MkII #1776 M35BC ---