Mackinac Moment: Breaking Ice

When I came out of school this afternoon I noticed a sure sign that winter is here to stay - the ice breaker helping a freighter through the Straits.

Done

As of the end of today, the boats are done for the season. Now we are hoping for calm, cold days so we can get a good ice bridge...

Wish List

This little item (details here) is now near the top of my wish list. It's a bummer that they don't seem to be available in the United States... yet. Given that it's "ski-steered" and "track-driven" it would be legal on Mackinac Island, though it does look a bit tippy to me.

I bet it gets great gas mileage. (A good thing when gas in your town runs over $6.00 a gallon.) Plus, it doesn't look like it goes too fast so it would be great for kids.  I emailed the company just to see how much they cost, but it's been several weeks and I have yet to hear back from them. I guess I'm going to have to live without one. Unless - anyone out there is heading to Zheijang, China, and would like to bring one home for me. If so, please ask if they come in turquoise.

Learning

Every time we hop on the snowmobile after school my daughter says, "Can I drive?" Of course, if we were driving home in a car I'd have to say, "No." But, since kids in Michigan can legally drive a snowmobile "under the direct supervision of an adult," K drives us home pretty much every day. 

When she turns 12, if she passes a snowmobile safety course, she can get a license and drive without an adult. (Kid's can take the class right on the island, or they can take it online here.) The only problem is that K's 75 pounds (about 35 kg) of body weight is not nearly enough to turn the 500 pound (about 225 kg) machine. She does a great job on the straight roads, but I need to help every time we have to turn at a corner. While K loves to drive, my son has absolutely no interest. He's much happier getting a ride in the sled. 

Now, I just have to get use to sitting in the back seat because I have a feeling I won't be driving again soon...

What a Difference a Day Makes

This was yesterday: gray, cold and windy. Not exactly a good day to spend even a little bit of time outside. 

Today, however, was sunny and beautiful. Sure it was still cold, but there's just something about sunshine that almost always puts me in a good mood. 

As you can see, things are getting icy up here. The boat has been going around the North end of the island and the word on the street is that the ferry will probably shut down this weekend, but only time will tell. Luckily, we're in good shape; both of our freezers are overflowing...