February 5, 2012 - 7:19 a.m.
Yesterday was a pretty good day for us. Ron helped Dan out so he didn't have it as tough as usual. They didn't end up moving the huts as there's nothing to bank with. Dan is hoping to move a couple of huts today and/or tomorrow as it's suppose to get to zero or just above so will soften what little snow we have on ice and he'll be able to bank. I did a town run and then had a burst of energy so did some cooking. Made some of "Annie's" coleslaw (best we've ever had) which consists of a hot dressing which basically pickles it. It'll go great with the fish I'm going to catch today. Cocky this morning, aren't I? Also some cucumber soup and a beautiful chicken stir-fry with spinach salad for supper. Was craving the veggies obviously. Have a full morning and some work to take care of today but should be done in time to get on the ice around 2-3:00.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
A rich man's joke is always funny.
Thomas Edward Brown
February 4, 2012 - 6:52 a.m.
The weather has been unbelievably mild. Went to +1 yesterday and we finally got seasonal temps overnight. Is currently -13 so that's a good thing. Going to -4 and sunny today so suspect most will be fishing outside. Have a full house and a great group of guests in for the weekend. If we could just get some snow, would be perfect but nothing in the long-term. Pretty hard running on our equipment so hopefully we'll get something soon. I'm heading to town first thing this morning (as soon as everyone's on ice). Ron's in helping Dan today so they may move a hut or two if they can find something to bank with. Lots of traffic out on the ice last night (sleds) but still haven't seen alot of vehicles in our area to date. Had quite a few sleds come up our trail last night (lost) as we basically are the only tree line in the area. Not too many people put tree lines out this year for some reason.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Literature is my utopia.
Helen Keller
February 3, 2012 - 6:46 a.m.
We aren't getting anywhere near the temps they've been forecasting. Was suppose to go to -12 overnight and currently -4. Suppose to go to -16 tonight (overnight) so we'll see but it's doubtful. Been very mild and easy to run in these temps. Had a big group check in last night around 9:00 so am hoping the fish are decent for them this morning. Some of the group are "self sufficient" and have their own atv's and portable fish huts so see how they do if they venture out. Likely send them further out to a few spots we know about. I've a cottage to clean first thing once the current guests vacate for an early afternoon check-in and then I'm done cleaning for the rest of the weekend. Doubt I'll get any fishing in this weekend unless I fish outside. Don't do that much anymore but since it's suppose to be mild and sunny, might go out just to get some fresh air and sunshine. Going up to -1 today and suspect it may get even warmer. On a totally different topic...Smudge, my white cat for those of you who know him...has arthritis. He is after all 13 but in very good health otherwise.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Doodling is the brooding of the hand.
Saul Steinberg
February 2, 2012 - 5:28 a.m.
Happy Groundhog Day. Don't care whether Willy sees his shadow or not, I'm predicting an early spring this year. Considering the mild winter, think that's a given. Was suppose to reach -12 overnight and it's currently -4 so those temps didn't pan out. Calling for flurries today and this evening but there isn't anything on the radar. Colder temps moving in for night time lows but sun is going to shine over the next few days. I'm hoping to get Smudge (my 13 year old cat) into the vets this afternoon as he's been limping pretty badly. Thought it as old age but he was really bad yesterday so thinking he just may have hurt himself at some point. Still could be old age but doesn't hurt to get it checked out. Dan's going to be on ice for a good part of the day. I saw on the weather network that Chris Dawson reported about all the vehicles going through the ice and how the conditions aren't good. Some parts of Lake Nipissing maybe, but not where we are so not to worry. If the ice wasn't safe, we wouldn't be out there.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Macho does not prove mucho.
Zsa Zsa Gabor
February 1, 2012 - 6:46 a.m.
We did get some snow yesterday and then later on a little freezing rain out on Lake Nipissing but none on shore. Good thing we did get some snow yesterday because we're currently in a thaw. Went up to just below zero yesterday and then above zero with a little rain overnight. Hit +3 but temps currently falling while the pressure is rising. Suppose to go to about -3 today but can't see any precipitation in the forecast for today. Hopefully the forecast rings true and we have the sun coming our way from Thursday through Monday (although we could use a little more snow). Would be really nice to see the sun again as we haven't had a whole lot of it this winter. Have more guests checking in today and tomorrow and going to be very busy this weekend again. Have our work cut out for us, for sure.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
We're eyeball to eyeball, and the other fellow just blinked.
Dean Rusk
January 31, 2012 - 6:55 a.m.
Managed to get all the cleaning done yesterday, at least for now. Have the mid-week cottages to do later in the week for the weekenders. Am hoping to get into town today but don't know about this weather. Calling for snow this morning, then this evening, suppose to get rain, changing to freezing rain, changing back to snow so likely the best day to head to town. After we get through tomorrow, going to be sunny with pretty mild temps for the entire weekend. At least that's the forecast we're getting now, so remains to be seen just yet. May dip a line this evening if I feel like it as the pressure is dropping so fish should be biting. Currently -6 so still very mild and we did get a little snow overnight. Maybe an inch at the most. Just enough to slick everything up.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
A work of art cannot be satisfied with being a representation; it should be a presentation.
Jacques Reverdy
January 30, 2012 - 5:17 a.m.
Rest time's over. Dan and I pretty much vegged all day yesterday. Afternoon naps were the call for the day. Have guests checking in this morning at noon so we've lots to do this morning. Temps stayed around -4 yesterday but dipped to -13 here overnight. Calling for possibility of flurries this evening. Pressure's high and on the rise so don't know how the fishing will be today. Calling for a chance of rain/showers come Wednesday so going to get very mild again although night time temps will be more seasonal. Mild winter, for sure.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
The test of a man or woman's breeding is how they behave in a quarrel.
George Bernard Shaw
January 29, 2012 - 8:23 a.m.
Since this is pretty much the only Sunday we don't have to run this season, Dan and I slept in this morning. How wonderful!! Temps were mild yesterday and managed to just get everyone off the ice before the winds hit last night. Was snowing on the way in and just beautiful out as everything was calm and mild but once the winds started, got down right nasty. Didn't last too long but lucked out as it would have been a white out if we had stayed out any longer. I did well fishing so Dan and I had a nice fry of fish and wontons last night (no calories in that!!) and then we went to Meff and Diane's for a bit. Most of our guests already checked out so going to be a pretty quiet day. And yes, we're going to thoroughly enjoy it once we get a bit of work done. Currently -4 and staying around that temp for the duration of the day. Mild weather all week with possibility of rain and/or snow. Hopefully, snow.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
'For example' is not proof.
Jewish Proverb
January 28, 2012 - 7:04 a.m.
Was a busy day yesterday. Weather was good although we didn't get any snow to speak of. Few flurries, nothing major. Went to a high just above zero (no melting though) and low of -7 overnight. Fishermen happy, so we're happy. Ron was in to help Dan run and unfortunately, the rad hose in Ron's car came loose and leaked fluid all over the place. Tar was there immediately so we had to get rid of it before he consumed any. Going to be mild again today, high -1 with possibility of snow. Winds suppose to pick up after supper into the late evening hours. Going to stay mild though. I'm hoping to fish this afternoon as it's been awhile but I'm pumped as I'd like fish for supper tonight. In fact, I'm planning on it. Made some wontons yesterday to fry up with the fish. Am I a tad over confident? We'll see....
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Every year it takes less time to fly across the Atlantic, and more time to drive to the office.
Anon.
January 27, 2012 - 7:04 a.m.
Is very mild and will be for the next couple of days. Calling for some badly needed snow today and tomorrow. Don't need alot, just enough to "grease the path" which looks like we're going to get. Radar shows a big low system coming through with snow but Lake Nipissing is currently splitting it. Should start to snow within a couple of hours. Low wind, low pressure, good fishing for sure. I'd like to get out there but there's no room for me in the people mover so until we get snow, I'm stuck on shore. Not taking my sled out on just ice (pretty bumpy) as my wrist isn't strong enough for me to steer properly. Learned that the hard way when I nicked Craig and Ginny's breakwall last weekend. If I have my way, I'll definitely be fishing tomorrow afternoon though. Stayed just below zero yesterday and only down to -4 overnight.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Invalids live longest.
German Proverb
January 26, 2012 - 4:58 a.m.
The temps went up to -7 yesterday but for some reason, felt much colder. Down to -12 overnight. Bad news is, we didn't get any snow yesterday and none in the forecast for today. Good news is, the pressure is falling so fishing should be good. Desperately need some snow on the lake though. Until we do, everyone's in for a very bumpy ride :o) Dan and I managed to get caught up on a lot of things yesterday so we're good to go. Guests checked in yesterday and the remainder in today so going to be another busy weekend. Once Dan gets everyone on the ice, I've got to zip into town first thing this morning as it's the only time I'm able. Was hoping to fish yesterday but didn't pan out. Maybe later this afternoon, although doubtful. Nothing too cold in the long term forecast so pressure should stablize for a few days. Calling for some snow here and there over the weekend so hoping we'll get that as well.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
A mother who is really a mother is never free.
Honore de Balzac
January 25, 2012 - 6:52 a.m.
Didn't get as cold as forecasted overnight. Only went down to -9 but everything has firmed up so shouldn't be too bad pulling tomorrow morning. Dan's picking up his sled this morning. They think it might be the voltage regulator so have replaced it. Hopefully that's it for the season. I've one more cottage to clean this morning and we have guests checking in this afternoon and tomorrow so going to be busy for the rest of the week. Not going to get any warmer today but temps suppose to rise during day time highs for the rest of the weekend so shouldn't be too cold at all, which means fishing should be good. The deer have stopped coming up. Haven't been around the past couple of days. Usually happens this time of year as the noise level is just too high and they startle easily with all the commotion around. Too bad, I love to see them. Come the middle to end of March, they'll be back.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Do not mistake a child for his symptom.
Erik Erikson
January 24, 2012 - 7:04 a.m.
We kind of dodge a bullet yesterday weather wise. We did get a thaw as the temps went up to +5 here accompanied by rain but we didn't get as much rain as forecasted. It was enough to compact the snow and we have lots of slush on our path going out to the huts. That said, it's currently hovering around zero and suppose to drop to -16 this evening. Calling for windy conditions this morning with some blowing snow and looking at the radar, we're definitely going to get something. After the temperature drop, going to remain pretty mild for the rest of the week with the temsp dropping for the weekend. Dan took another trip to Bonfield yesterday. Still having problems with his wire harness on the snow machine. Sampson's (dealer we bought the sled from) is doing all they can for us but Ski-doo is basically hoping we'll go away. Not being very helpful or cooperative. Go figure. Why is it some manufacturers want to sell you their product but once it's out the door, you no longer exist?
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
You build on cost and you borrow on value.
Paul Reichmann
January 23, 2012 - 7:08 a.m.
Had a pretty busy day yesterday and another one in my schedule for today. Cleaning, of course. Dan can take a well deserved day off if the weather cooperates, which I think it's going to. Calling for freezing rain, turning to rain, turning to snow so depending on how much precipitation we get and how high the temps go, have to see what kind of mess we're dealing with on Lake Nipissing. We've too much snow on the lake currently so a little compacting will do us good but the temps are going to stay mild for most of the week. Got to a high of -1.8 yesterday and only down to -5.6 overnight. Calling for a high of anywhere between +4 and +7 today. Had a little freezing rain a bit ago but looking at the radar, aren't going to get anything more for a few hours. Fishing's going to be excellent this week but don't know if we'll be able to get out there. Certainly not today at any rate.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Work is more fun than fun.
Noel Coward
January 22, 2012 - 7:04 a.m.
Was pretty cold out yesterday but temps did manage to rise to around -16. Had a group of our guys walk back from the huts yesterday to get some exercise. At least the sun was shining and all in all, not a bad day for a 3 mile trek. Temps dropped to -21 overnight but things are going to warm up today and bring in the nasty weather front. Calling for the freezing rain to start overnight, turning to rain tomorrow. We had a small group coming in tomorrow but found them alternate accommodations as we really don't think we'll be able to run. Wouldn't be too bad if there wasn't so much snow on the lake but with the rain coming, way too hard on our equipment. Some colder evening temps to follow the rain so hopefully everything will firm back up. Regardless of us running or not, we're in for a busy week so I may or may not go fishing tonight.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Only man, among living things, says prayers. Or needs to.
Peter Bowman
January 21, 2012 - 5:38 a.m.
The temps peaked out at -30 yesterday before all was said and done. Only got to a high of -16 and had some sun throughout the day but mostly cloud cover. Fishing wasn't very good due to the high pressure system but it's on the decrease today so hopefully things'll pick up for our guests. Was -11 this morning when we got up and not going to get a whole lot warmer today but by Monday, calling for a high of 7 with rain. We don't even know if we'll be able to run at this point. Slushy conditions make it too difficult to pull and the rain is too hard on our equipment but we'll see what comes our way. Ron's coming in this morning to help Dan out and hopefully give him a bit of a break. I've things to do but am also hoping for a little down time. Been a very busy month for us!!
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
The whole of what we know is a system of compensations. Each suffering is rewarded; each sacrifice is made up; every debt is paid.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
January 20, 2012 - 5:31 a.m.
Was it windy yesterday!! Our poor guests out in the huts were nearly blown down the lake. Thank God Dan had the huts banked so well because it was blowing at least 70 km/hr. Had white outs in the afternoon and likely got another inch of snow in a very short period of time. At one point, the roof covering on one of our huts was blown off and down the lake (not the roof itself, just a protective covering we had on it). Dan figures there are quite a few huts out there that were blown over completely. Temps went from a balmy -8 in the afternoon to -25 this morning. The wind kept me up a good part of the night but it's calm now and suppose to go to a high of -11 this afternoon with mostly sun. Sunny tomorrow and even more mild. Calling for rain or snow on Monday with a highs just above zero. I'm hoping for the latter. We've really lucked out this year by not having a rain event (knock on wood) but lots of snow.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Psalms 30:5
January 19, 2012 - 6:57 a.m.
Had my work cut out for me yesterday and man, did I get a work out!! Shovelled snow for a good 3 hours and then had to clean a cottage. Hope we don't get a whole lot more snow as we're running out of room to put it. Not so bad with the stuff Dan plows but around the cottages and house, the mounds are getting pretty big!! Not going to have to worry about water levels in Lake Nipissing this year, that's for sure. I just hope we're in for a slow thaw. We'll likely have snow piles around the property until May if this keeps up. Have one more cottage to clean today and then that's it until Sunday. Yippee. Went to a high of -12 yesterday and then gradually got warmer throughout the night time hours. Currently -8 going to -5 but extremely windy. Warm front coming through followed immediately by a cold front. Going down to -24 overnight and then back up to seasonal temps. Nuts!!
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
A hungry man is not a free man.
Adlai Stevenson
January 18, 2012 - 6:14 a.m.
We certainly got our share of snow yesterday. Glad we got most of our work done before the nasty stuff hit. Managed to get a good foot of snow but the conditions on the lake were horrible right at dusk last night. Blizzard conditions so Dan had to pull the guys off earlier than usual. Had to stop several times along the path as he couldn't see the tree line. He doesn't move the machine until he can see the next stake. Was pretty scary for him but he got home safely. Went from -2 in the morning to -17 overnight and the wind didn't stop until just around 4:00 this morning. Dan's currently plowing us out but has to take our guests out fishing shortly. I've lots of shovelling to do as well as more cleaning today so will be awhile before I can relax. I willing to bet there are 4 to 5 foot drifts all along our path today so Dan may have to groom it. He's going to be busy today for sure.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
By the work one knows the workman.
Jean de la Fontaine
January 17, 2012 - 7:00 a.m.
Thanks to Eadie helping me out yesterday, Dan and I were both able to get some much needed rest and relaxation. If this storm they're forecasting hits us, play time's over. Calling for 15-25 cm through Wednesday but as of a few minutes ago, there is nothing on the radar. It's very mild, only -2 but this storm is bringing in the cold front and suppose to drop to -10 this afternoon. Dan figures he may be running in white out conditions. Our guests aren't due to arrive until around 11:00 but don't know what kind of weather they're going to be travelling through. Again, it's going to be up, down, up, down all week but calling for a mild weekend now. Hopefully that'll mean good fishing!! I'm cleaning all day today and have some other things to get done. Dan's psyching himself for snow plowing later today. Seven deer were up last night and a few of them kept coming back now that it's quiet around here. They sure don't like it when we have a full house but they've stayed around longer this year than in the past. Must be liking the corn!!
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
The tyrant dies and his rule is over; the martyr dies and his rule begins.
Soren Kierkegaard
January 16, 2012 - 9:02 a.m.
As you can see, I slept in today. Dan and I are taking the day off, well, as much as we possibly can. Eadie's helping with the cottage cleaning so I'm just vegging today as I'm burnt out. Nice day for it. It's overcast but the temps are rising to a high of -1. Currently -9 but peaked at -20 last night. Warm front coming through but the temps are going to be up and down again all week.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
In other words, apart from the known and unknown, what else is there?
Harold Pinter
January 15, 2012 - 5:59 a.m.
We have cold. Ended up going down to -24 yesterday morning and only up to -18 yesterday. Was so cold, even had a young buck come up to eat corn around 8:30 yesterday morning. None of the deer came up last night so likely were all bedded down somewhere to get through last night. Was -29 when I got up so will still get a bit colder before the sun comes up. Suppose to climb to around -10 this afternoon and then more seasonal temps for most of the week. Saw a fox running out on the lake late yesterday afternoon right in front of our house. Don't know how animals survive when it gets this cold but nature has a way of taking care of itself. Alot of our guests were hoping to leave early this morning but I honestly don't think their vehicles are going to start. Had one guest leave yesterday afternoon as he had to get back home and his car wouldn't start and that was during the warmest part of the day. Going to be alot of booster cables used today, no doubt.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Her face looks as if it had worn out two bodies.
New England Saying
January 14, 2012 - 7:12 a.m.
She's a cold one this morning. Reached a low of -21 overnight and we had blowing snow to contend with yesterday. Dan actually had to groom the trail as 2 foot drifts were forming all the way out to the huts. Calm this morning and going to be sunny all day with a high of -17 so shouldn't be too bad once the sun is up for a bit. I've lots to do today, including my town run and have lots of stops so will take a good portion of my day. Dan has his hands full but Ron's helping out. Going to stay cold again tomorrow but warm up considerably by Monday. Going to a high of -1. The weather this winter has just been crazy but at least we're making more ice today. We've got about 16 inches were we are but still don't see any vehicle traffic out on the lake. Unless you know exactly where you're going, not a good idea as the pressure cracks are pretty brutal. Haven't seen the OPP or MNR out at all this year either but now that the snowmobile trails are open, you'll see stop checks on shore.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
The most delightful advantage of being bald - one can hear snowflakes.
R.G. Daniels
January 13, 2012 - 7:36 a.m.
Late this morning as I've been shovelling snow. Dan was up at 4:00 this morning and had the tractor out by 4:30 plowing snow so people could get out of their cottages. We certainly got our share of snow yesterday and overnight. I'd say about 7 or 8 inches of the white stuff. Dan was banking huts and running all day yesterday while I concentrated on the books and managed to get my year end done so that's one thing off my plate. Temps were around -3 yesterday and stayed close to that overnight but the winds are starting now and bringing in a cold front. Suppose to hit -16 by this afternoon and -26 overnight. Going to stay cold for a couple of days, warm up for a couple of days and then back down to the cold again. Just nuts this year. Have some cottage cleaning today and a bit more digging out to do but suspect by this afternoon, I'm going to want to stay indoors for the rest of the day. Winds are suppose to gust to 60 km this morning and settle down this afternoon so hopefully Dan won't have to do alot of pulling during the nasty winds. Doubtful, but one can wish.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
The first half of our lives is ruined by our parents and the second half by our children.
Clarence Darrow
January 12, 2012 - 5:50 a.m.
Both Dan and I got alot of work done yesterday and that's a good thing considering this storm that's coming through some time today. Temps rose to +2 yesterday afternoon and down to -7 when I got up at 5:00 this morning. The wind is picking up and we're suppose to get 10-15 cm of snow before it's over, likely by tomorrow morning. Good thing we're getting the snow because there is one hut in desperate need of banking and no snow to do it with. I was hoping to head to town today but if the snow starts, will wait until after the storm. I want to get my yearend books finished before Sunday so either way, I've plenty on my plate to keep me busy. Not fishing for a couple of days so hopefully they'll be there for our guests. After the storm, the temps are dropping considerably for the weekend (-20's) and then back up to seasonal early next week. This certainly has been a crazy winter so far!!
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Life is like playing a violin in public and learning the instrument as life goes on.
Samuel Butler
January 11, 2012 - 6:32 a.m.
Was pretty uneventful yesterday. Temps went down to -4 during the day and only -6 overnight (were calling for -9) so pretty mild. Suppose to get some snow tomorrow as we have an east wind coming in. Calling for 10-15 cm, which we really need on the lake. Suppose to get colder for the weekend which will help the lake conditions if we do, indeed, get some snow. Dan went to town for a new hut heater, bbq for the ice and hardward for our new tip-ups. His new sled was out of commission so he's picking that up today. Hopefully that'll be it for the rest of the season. The dealership made a couple of screw ups so was no fault of the machine itself. We've a full house this weekend with some check-ins tonight and tomorrow so don't think I can get to town until Friday or Saturday. Was kind of hoping to get there before the snow hits but doesn't look like I'll have the time.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Life is ours to be spent, not to be saved.
D.H. Lawrence
January 10, 2012 - 6:04 a.m.
Was pretty nice and mild yesterday. Reached a high of +2 and very calm. Snow started just after supper - the big heavy wet flakes - but didn't get much of it. Windy out this morning and temps are currently dropping as the cold front is coming back through. Again, what's up with the constantly fluctuating temps? Going to get to -10 this afternoon and then should be pretty settled for the next days. They are calling for snow nearly every day but don't think we'll get much of it. I cleaned cottages yesterday while Dan went on ice to clean out the huts. Have an early morning arrival today so we're ready for them. Have some work to do today but may get out on the ice later this afternoon. Fishing being this good, be a shame not to go...
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
We can always redeem the man who aspires and strives.
Goethe
January 9, 2012 - 6:14 a.m.
I could have slept in this morning but so use to getting up at 5:00, here I am. Temps started rising yesterday afternoon and it's currently sitting at -6. Suppose to go up to zero today with a little snow. We had a dusting last night and it's beautiful this morning. Full moon, lots of stars, so very bright. You can see everything for miles. Went fishing yesterday afternoon and did really well - see report - and then Dan and I went out for a quick supper. Eadie's coming in today to help me out with the cottages so have lots to do today. Have to give my wrist a break so likely won't be fishing for a couple'll days. Dan's plate is pretty full this week. Had to take our new machine in as he thinks the wire harness has come loose (again!!). There's been no vehicle traffic at all on the lake so good to know people are using caution. Another pressure crack opened up in our bay yesterday. Just a very small one but they seem to be all over the place this year. This one will heal in no time (likely already has) but the big ones are going to be a problem for everyone all year.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Until the day of his death, no man can be sure of his courage.
Jean Anouilh
January 8, 2012 - 7:35 a.m.
Would like to wish my father a very happy 80th birthday. You're getting up there old man :o) We had a very mild morning yesterday as the temps were +3 and it was sunny. Just a beautiful day until around noon when the clouds and wind moved in with the cold front. Dropped to -11 overnight but another warm front coming through this evening. Was going to fish in the afternoon but it really got windy and the path was pretty soft so didn't end up going out. Suppose to rise to -7 this evening and going to above zero for a few days. This weather's just been nuts this year. Up, down, up, down. I think we're going to have to deal with it all winter. Just one of those years. At any rate, while Dan was running, I got caught up on my housework and cooked a beautiful meal and then we were in bed by 9:00 last night. I think I may fish this afternoon but see how I feel come 2-3:00. The deer are still coming up, which is surprising but by the 3rd week in January, they're usually gone deeper into the bush. I'd love to see them stick around for the entire winter but they have to follow the food source as they can't survive on the little corn I give them. Still looking really healthy though...
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is a lost tradition.
Jacques Barzun
January 7, 2012 - 7:09 a.m.
Weather is extremely mild right now. Went to a high of +2.2 yesterday and only down to +1 overnight (was suppose to go to -8 but didn't happen). Cold front coming in today and sticking around just briefly and then another warm front. The weather, I think, is the attributing factor to the fishing more than anything. Fish are finally coming on and we think they were just late this year due again, to the weather. Lots of big fish being caught in our hole this year though. I went out for a bit yesterday afternoon and a heavy ground fog moved in around 5:00 and you couldn't see much but it dissipated pretty quickly. Was quite eery to say the least. I've work to do on shore today and then may head out later this afternoon if I'm in the mood.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
The difference between landscape and landscape is small, but there's a great difference in the beholders.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
January 6, 2012 - 6:48 a.m.
Was a very long day for me yesterday. Cleaned 3 cottages and had all our guests check in for the weekend. We're a little concerned with the huge pressure crack by our huts as it's just not "healing" and if anything, it's getting bigger. One guy ventured out to it yesterday and tried to cross it and went through. Had his floatation suit on (good thing) but we're warning everyone to stay clear of it. Just no telling some people!! Just the way the fishing has been going, I think we should try fishing well in front of where our huts currently are. We've tried behind and beside them and found a few perch, which have been scarce so still need to do some R&D. Today's the day!! Went to a high of -7 yesterday but was -4.8 when we got up this morning and going above zero today. Pressure's low so fishing should be good but cold front coming through again tomorrow and dropping to -10 throughout the day. Lots of flurries in the forecast and we received maybe an inch of snow overnight, which we do need.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Pride, avarice and envy are in every home.
Thronton Wilder
January 5, 2012 - 5:54 a.m.
Very mild yesterday and did get a little snow but lots more in the forecast over the next few days. We need it, so we'll take it. Reached a high of -3 yesterday afternoon and only down to -7 overnight. Calling for above zero tomorrow but just briefly and then going to more seasonal after a quick warm front goes through. More huts went out on the lake but still not safe to vehicle travel as there are pressure cracks everywhere and the one by us is disconcerting. Have some avid fishermen in today who are going to explore around our huts and do some R&D for us as we just haven't had time. Perch are hiding this year so need to find some. I've got cottages to change over today so will be busy but if I have time, may venture out and drop a line in one of our huts that doesn't seem to be producing much. Sometimes all it takes is a few feet. Funny how fish are like that, fickle creatures that they are :o)
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
What is the test of good manners? Being able to bear patiently with bad ones.
Solomon ibn Gabirol
January 4, 2012 - 7:50 a.m.
These temps are way more like it!! Went to a high of -24 yesterday but didn't have the wind chill as the previous day so was quite bearable. The sun shone all day and Dan ran his butt off getting one of the big huts on and banked and the rest of the tree line in. He was sound asleep by 8:30 last night. I went fishing for a bit in the afternoon - see fishing report - after I got my work done. It was up to -17 by 12:30 last night and -11 when we got up this morning at 5:00. Suppose to reach a high of -4 today so Dan will be drilling holes outside for our guests. Calling for flurries which we are in need of as there isn't any snow to speak of on the lake right now. We've got a good 12" of ice where we are but still wouldn't advise anyone taking a vehicle on Lake Nipissing just yet. Still alot of "iffy" spots and there are quite a few thin sections. I've added a great fish that was caught yesterday to the site under "ice fishing", main page.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
A half-truth is a whole lie.
Jewish Proverb
January 3, 2012 - 7:11 a.m.
What an absolutely nasty day yesterday. The winds were horrible and we kept getting whiteouts on and off all day. Quite a bit of snow but with the wind, none of it stayed on the lake. Can't believe I ventured out to fish and hit a white out on the way to the hut but got there safely. Was an okay ride coming home but it's still somewhat windy and bitterly cold this morning. Currently low of -24 with a wind chill of -37. Brrrrrr. Dan actually had to muscle our door open to get outside this morning. Pressure is high and still rising so don't think the fishing will be great again today and can't do a thing about it either. Hopefully our guests will catch something though. We're in a good spot at any rate. I've work to do today so doubt very much I'll be fishing. Dan still has a couple of huts to pull out and the rest of the tree line to get in. We've some new tip-ups so I may spend the afternoon stringing them if I have time.
January 2, 2012 - 6:30 a.m.
Man is she windy out there today!! Winds started around 1:00 this morning and have kept up all night. Temps not dropping too quickly though so cold front coming in slowly, which is a good thing as far as fishing goes (see fishing report for yesterday's catch). Was above zero when we went to bed last night but currently -5 and suppose to go down to -15 with a wind chill of -33. Dan went fishing yesterday afternoon and I don't know how he toughed it out as he wasn't being very entertained until around 4:00. I stayed on shore and didn't go but may try this afternoon if the wind dies down. We have our first ice fishing guests of season in this afternoon who may or may not go fishing at this point. She's pretty windy out there and Dan already indicated if there are white-outs or diverse lake conditions, he's not pulling. We had rain and snow mix most of the day yesterday. When it snowed, the flakes were enormous but didn't get enough to make a difference. The sun isn't up yet so am hoping everyone with huts out there had the common sense to either bank them or tie them down. Wouldn't be surprised if some of them blew down the lake, as happens every year...
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
When they came to shoe the horses, the beetle stretched out his leg.
English Proverb
January 1, 2012 - 8:24 a.m.
HAPPY NEW YEAR and hope 2012 brings only the best of everything to everyone!! We worked our butts off yesterday and are ready to rock, so to speak. Took the sled over to Ginny and Craig Baker's last night to ring in the new year with a few neighbours - had a great time and lots of food!! Was a later night than expected (think we got home around 3:00) and are still hoping to go fishing some time today. Weather conditions good right now as it's currently -1 and overcast but that's going to change this afternoon. May or may not get high winds and/or snow/rain but it's going to be short and only overnight. Suppose to go back up to -15 tomorrow so suspect we'll at least get some wind. Had a beautiful doe and two fawns out my bedroom window this morning so great way to bring in another year. Lots of huts went out on the ice yesterday afternoon and there was also considerable snowmobile traffic - there will be even more today. Hopefully there'll be fish in the fry pan for supper tonight :o)
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
No man understands a deep book unless he has seen and lived at least part of its contents.
Ezra Pound
December 31, 2011 - 5:59 a.m.
UPDATE:
I stand corrected (and yes, I can admit I'm wrong when I am)...Dan pointed out we're 550 FEET off our regular spot, not yards. Sorry, thought that's what he told me last night and I haven't been out yet. That said, the pressure crack is basically the same as last year, just a slightly different path, with us being the same distance away from it. Because the sand bars change, etc. we're expecting the same fisheries as in the past. We also made another inch of ice overnight so are currently sitting on a solid 9". Likely make another couple before having to pull our guests out so we're ready.
Yesterday was a bit stressful as it always is when Dan ventures on to the ice for the first time of the year. He managed to get a thin tree line in to mark the trail and then decided to get a hut out around 3:30 yesterday afternoon. Due to an enormous pressure crack, we are about 550 yards off our usuall spot so will need to do some R&D to see how the fishing is. We aren't actually starting to pull until Monday afternoon at the earliest so hopefully will have time to drop a line. One thing we do, is try to ensure people catch fish. That's first and foremost. For safety reasons though, we can't get any closer to the crack, that's for sure. Dan figures the thing is at least 4 feet high and even if he built a bridge across it, it would be an obstacle all season (opening and closing). He's going to get some more huts out today before the warm front hits tomorrow. Went down to -9 yesterday and was -8 when I got up so will get increasingly warmer as the day goes on. Calling for snow, rain, then snow again with a high of +2 so just have to see what Mother Nature throws at us. I didn't get as much cleaning done as I wanted yesterday as I was sitting by the phone in case Dan got into trouble. There are quite a few huts on ice now, going from our place towards Callander Bay but nothing really heading west towards/past Lonely Island. I'm sure that'll change over the next few days. Here's hoping everyone has a happy and safe New Year's Eve. Be careful folks (don't drink and drive please) and enjoy!!
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
How do I work? I grope.
Albert Einstein
December 30, 2011 - 6:00 a.m.
UPDATE:
Dan just finished measuring the ice to our "fishing hole". We have a steady 7 inches so we're running on Jan. 2nd. Sorry, no vacancies but try us the following week...
Temps stayed around the -15 mark all day yesterday but was -14 when I got up this morning. Temps going to rise but only Sunday calling for just above zero and then back down to seasonal temps (one day event). Currently have a few flurries and more snow in the forecast before it gets really cold again. Dan spoke with Shawn yesterday who indicated he found 8 to 10 inches where he tested the ice so he's putting his huts on today. Dan's going to measure our path and likely put the tree line in as he does so and then decide if we're putting the huts on or not. At this point, we're just concerned about the one day thaw on Sunday. We could get more snow or rain so it's tough to call and just have to wait and see what Dan finds when he ventures out today. On the whole, Lake Nipissing looks completely frozen (no open water anywhere) but as of yesterday when I went to town, there were no huts at all on ice and very little snowmobile traffic with none that I could see away from the shoreline(s). I know everyone is anxious to get the "go ahead" so please be patient for one more day.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously.
Hubert Humphrey
December 29, 2011 - 7:20 a.m.
BBBRRRRR, now this is more like it. Had to get up last night to let Tar out around 3:00 and the temp was already -24.5. The trees were going off (popping) like firecrackers and everything was cracking. When I got up this morning, it was -26.5 and will likely get a little colder before the sun is fully up. Gotta have ice by now. Problem is, there is a warm front due to come through on Sunday when the temps will go above zero and calling for rain and/or snow. Basically just a one day event but they certainly didn't call for the temps to get this cold overnight either. This is definitely 'nostril sticking' weather and there is hardly any humidity left in the air, which is a good thing or it would seem REALLY cold outside. This weather usually hits just before Christmas so we're a tad behind. Wouldn't be surprised if we see some action out on Lake Nipissing later today. Suppose to climb to -11, which is more like it. Guess it's a good thing we did get some snow at these temps. Once it warms up a tad, I'm heading to town and wouldn't be surprised if some people's cars won't start today. On another note, our hearts go out to the Nelson family and friends. Paul Nelson, age 21, who is a volunteer fireman, lost his life December 27th responding to a house fire on Hwy. 534 (between Nipissing Village and Restoule) and they hadn't been salting the roads (although there had been numerous complaints). Taking a bend, the fire engine flipped and he was, unfortunately killed in the line of duty. So tragic so close to Christmas. Our greatest sympathies.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Computers can figure out all kinds of problems, except the things in the world that just don't add up.
James Magary
December 28, 2011 - 7:44 a.m.
May be a few days late but winter finally came in...like a lion!! Wind started around 7:00 last night and it's been really blowing hard ever since. Temps dropped in a hurry and ended up at -15 with a wind chill of -29. We also got about 3 inches of snow prior to the wind coming through and likely another 2 or 3 overnight. Going to stay cold today and tonight with winds diminishing later this afternoon (likely at dusk). Cold temps in the long term so looking good for the opening but don't know that for certain. We're going to call it one way or another on Friday. Some overnight bungalows have already cancelled for the opening but they have a longer set up time and are much heavier huts. Couple of more days of these temps and conditions will be good. No animal tracks around the property this morning so nature has bedden down to ride out the storm. The trees were popping on my way back to the office so you know it's cold. I'm planning on doing some cottage cleaning/reorganizing today. I think shovelling at this point would be futile until the wind dies down some.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Technology - the knack of so arranging the world that we don't have to experience it.
Max Frisch
December 27, 2011 - 7:14 a.m.
We're back!! Happy holidays to everyone and hope all enjoyed a safe and memorable Christmas. Can't believe the difference in the climate from Southern Ontario to Northern Ontario!! People were still launching boats on Lake Erie while we were there (duck hunting) and we came home to a light dusting of snow and a frozen Lake Nipissing. Still don't know at this point how much ice we have but there were no huts on the ice yesterday so it can't be safe enough yet. Calling for really cold temps the next two days (minus mid to high twenties) and staying below zero for the long term and two week trend (good to know). Snow also in the forecast so may affect the ice thickness. Keeping our fingers crossed at any rate that we can get on this weekend at the latest. Had a great trip to Chatham. Dan drove the six hours down, I drove the six hours back. Long trip but once passed Toronto (either way), it's enjoyable enough. We lucked out and didn't really have any bad weather to drive through. I went for a 5 mile walk with my dog Tar on Christmas Eve day to check out Erieau as it's been a while since I've been there. The shoreline along Lake Erie looks the same but the horizon is certainly different with all the wind mills everywhere. Progess, I guess. Had a great visit with family and friends, some who have not been seen for quite some time so was a very enjoyable trip. Now it's back to work. We have a very heavy schedule ahead of us this week and will definitely keep you posted on the lake conditions. I do know that not all parts of Lake Nipissing have completely frozen just yet (open in spots where there is a tributary) but we look to be ok at our place.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Experience teaches only the teachable.