Spring Thaw

Took this picture of French Narrows (Dorian Island foreground)from 500' heading South.There were 12 geese swimming in open water.
Quad travel has come to an early end down here,there is a huge crack in ice cutting across our ice road from Queer towards French Narrows.And too much open water between Queer and Pipestone. The open water from the Elbow has almost reached SE tip Queer.The couple of cold nights last week caused pressure ridges to form on entire lake,the ice was so loud it woke us during the night.
There were a lot of people out fishing on North side of Scotty's.
The only new wildlife sighting was March 24th we had 4 European Starlings in feeder--1st time ever.Our forecast has changed several times for next week but still calling for double digits for highs and above freezing for lows,with a mix of sun and rain-either way good for melting ice.
Best get those boats tuned up should be boating in April!!

town trip

Made a trip to town by quad,followed the ice road to Rocky Narrows and cowboy across to Bare Point.There are some open water patches along edge of road(you could troll the length of them) From our place to 12 Mile Portage there are 4 pressure ridges but can still cross them by Quad. The melting seems to have stalled with cooler temps.No new wildlife sightings in the area.

Spring sightings

Today will be the last trip with the truck,taking her off the ice this afternoon.We have only had 3 mornings with a minus temp since this mild spell started beging of March.Here are a couple of sightings we have observed.
March 01 1st Eagles returned.
March 14th 1st Motorcycle(in town)
March 17th 1 st Goose
The Grosbeaks have moved on, Last night the wolves were very vocale and close.

French Narrows Ice Road

Had a call from Rick Jackson who informs me, he has closed off access over the portage towards his place due to "bad ice". No longer accessable beyond that point. Warm weather and lots of rain could bring us an early spring.

Beautiful day in the neighbourhood,sunny,calm,high 0c. Lots of ice fishermen out today,Boucha's were plowing the light snow we had Sunday(little ground drifting)
Took this picture of Keewatin Channel @ 400' heading West, an ice boat had entered the water bottom middle of picture by wing strut,crossed the open water and exited @ west end. The boat broke up the ice and from the air looked like a giant jig saw puzzle.

Looks good out there. Most driveways are in. A few did not go in due to slush, but this cold weather should tighten things up. Not much snow to deal with.

Ice Road Conditions

The colder weather had certainly helped the ice road conditions. As of today, Leonard is out widening the road and things are looking good. Should be attempting to put driveways in today. I was out yesterday to check my camp. Not much snow, lots of ice fisherman/shacks out there already.