My Maiden Voyage

Today was my first trip out on the ice. We went in the late afternoon, so the pictures aren't great, but I'll get more through the winter. I did not love driving out there, I found it creepy. In time, I'm sure I'll like it better. I envisioned smooth sprawling ice, maybe with snow glistening on top. I was wrong. The ice road is bumpy (where it froze in windy conditions or had snow drifts) and black where the wind has blown the snow off. It didn't help me that it was a gray day and the sky seemed dark and sinister. Dramatic much?

I never realized they put road signs out there, but it makes sense. There are markers showing you where the road goes and helping you see it in the dark. Plus signs marking the turns to different islands and stores.

It's legal for 2-year-olds to drive on the ice.

An island.

The road developed a crack in it and had to be re-routed. But you still have to cross the crack.

Rick got out to check that these do-hickey's were set right. They are there to make sure your vehicle weight is distributed evenly as you cross over the ridge. There may be technical name for them, but I don't know it.

This is driving over that crack, but you may not be able to see the mounds of snow as you would in person.

We visited Rick's friend, Tony, at his fishhouse. His Dad, Dewayne, maintains the road and plows it. Tony had a few fish in his bucket. Tyson didn't like the fish and said they were scary. He may have a problem living here if he continues to feel that way.

This is right before he panicked at such close proximity to the scary fish.