Gone

We had an ice bridge for about a week this year. (This is not a photo from this year, as I wasn't willing to venture out on it - I just didn't feel it was safe enough. This picture back is from 2008. Another way you can tell it's an old photo - the driver isn't wearing a helmet.)

The temps in the high 30s (about 3-4 degrees C) caused the ice to quickly deteriorate. On Thursday morning (the 25th) a commuter actually went through the ice on his morning trip to the Island. Luckily he was able to get out of the water, but he did lose his snowmobile. By Thursday afternoon the United States Coast Guard had given 72 hours notice that they intended to break up the ice. It is nice and windy tonight, so hopefully that will help get the ice blown out of the harbors and the boats can start running again.

Tourists

 

When you see a lineup of fancy snowmobiles like these at the Mustang, it can only mean one thing - tourists are crossing the ice. We've had a couple of weeks of below-zero temperatures, so the Straits have frozen over.  We'll see what happens as Mother Nature is supposed to bring us temps in the mid 30s next week.

Teenager

Hey there. A few days ago my little blog became a teenager. Yup, The Quilted Turtle turned 13 on February 10th. 13 years, 1,026 posts, and more pictures than I can count. Not to mention all the wonderful comments I've received and friends I've made...

This  tiny turtle my son caught back in 2017 seemed like a perfect picture to celebrate today.

On Again Off Again

When you live on Mackinac Island in the winter time, a trip to a dentist appointment requires a snowmobile ride to the airport, a quick flight to St. Ignace in a small plane, and finally a car ride to the appointment. Luckily the weather today was conducive to flying, and we got the opportunity to check out the Straits from the air.

Of course, since we were on the mainland, a trip to the grocery store was also a necessity.  A one-way flight costs $35.00 per person and that includes 50 pounds (about 22 kg) of freight.

Mackinac Problems

  

My youngest and I were supposed to spend the day on the mainland at an appointment today. However, Lake Huron had other ideas.  The boat only made it part way to the Island this morning before it had to turn around due to ice. I am highly doubtful that the conditions will be any better tomorrow, so we'll fly across to our rescheduled appointment...

#2 Down

Last week Mackinac's essential workers (and senior citizens) went back to the Community Hall to get our second Covid vaccine. I'd heard stories that some people experienced side effects from the second dose, so I prepared for the worst. I had a wee bit of nausea and a headache, but nothing bad enough to keep me home from work the next day.