We made it up to the lake after sunset (which occurs at 4:12 PM) on Friday then headed to Crandon to get some supplies and view the Christmas lights.
Some of the best displays in the state, if not the country, are located in the Crandon area.
There is a house in the south eastern part of the city that has a light show that sould not be missed.
We spent almost and hour seeing and hearing the lights and sounds of the town before heading back to the lake.
I really wanted to get a final lake level reading before the end of the year. If the ice is not too thick it could be chipped away from the pier and the nail exposed to get the last appraisal. As soon as we hit the ice I knew this was not going to happen. The next lake level evaluation will be in spring. Until then, bring on the snow!
Knott lane itself isn't as treacherous as it looks to drivers experienced with winter conditions in the northwoods.
After carefully moving about 200 feet out onto the ice we drilled a hole to check the ice depth. Much of the snow on the lake had blown off and the powder that remained was less than an inch deep. I would be remiss if I did not mention the air temperature: it was cold.
Seven inches of very good ice. As the ice grows it expands and makes noise that sounds a little like whale song. Pressure cracks also can be seen forming and after seeing and hearing one form close by we quickly scampered off the lake surface.
Mrs Nemo and I went hunting for a Christmas tree on a small acreage we have on westshore drive.
The hardest part was hiking from tree to tree. It was like walking through deep snow.
A good candidate was selected and hauled out. We set it up that day and all that have seen it have asked if I ever saw "A Charlie Brown Christmas", but I like it anyway.
The tree extended more then 2 feet past the bumper and we lacked a red flag as required by law so "Bill the Cat" was pressed into service. To all those that consider cats nothing more than allergy producing, hair ball spewing, affectionate, stupid, and useless beasts please note that they do have their uses.
Construction continues on Knott lane.
I like the front V facing the lake.
Shortly after we left the clouds and sun produced a winter glory that remained very intense for almost a half hour.
It was not even 1:00 PM when the sun began to be obscured by growing clouds and we had to leave.
