LAKAWA

Just got back from a morning session at Waconia. The wind, temps, and surface are perfect! Oh, and don't forget to bring the sun screen.

two more

Just a few shots from today of Mike B, doing the sunset run. (hope these load up)

Pete

I hit Forest Lake about 9am this morning. Took a walk out on the ice/slush/water and didn't even bother getting a kite out. We either need the warmth to smooth out the lakes, then refreeze it, or another good dumping of snow.

Pete

Looks like we're starting to get a good group up here in the north part of the cities. Forest Lake is big and close enough with good steady winds on the right days. Hope to run into you guys sometime soon.

Pete

I'm going to give Forest Lake a try this afternoon. I know the ice is good just hoping some of the snow is bonding.

Pete

For what it's worth, took a trip up to Forest Lake. Walked straight out (west) from the boat ramp and planted a ice screw about every 50 yards out to 300. I never hit water with a 7" ice screw. Might try to get out early tomorrow before work.

Pete

mark,

By lake 1, do you mean the one with lakeside park on it?

Pete

Anybody hear anything about Forest Lake?

Pete

Chad

Keep an eye on Coon Lake and Forest Lakes. There's also a sod farm close to town that I've been meaning check with the owners.

Pete

The ice road goes from Bayfield to Madeline Island, just over a mile across. I'm not sure if they have it open yet with the crazy weather they've been having. The bay in Ashland has been frozen for about a month now and is safe as long as you see ice tents/shacks.

Pete168

That would be the place. Either start from Washburn or the Ashland side. Still waiting to see what I feel like tomorrow. If I want to do the 4 hour drive after work.

Pete168

Hey Mike B,

What do you think of the Washburn area for the weekend? I know it's a ways up there but it looks like they have some good snow in the bay and even a little wind forecast.

Pete168

Talked to a guy in Bayfield today and he said the snow is a bit crunchy but do-able. I don't think they got as much rain as we did.

Pete168

If you take a close look at the south west part of the lake you'll see where Ashland and Washburn are at. The bay in that area is frozen over and has snow cover. You cross reference google maps to see where the shore line is.

Pete168

Jeff,

Good kiting with you on Waconia today. Total mileage was 57.94 miles. Here's the website that has the sat images of the big lakes.

http://coastwatch.glerl.noaa.gov/modis/ ... n=s&page=1

Pete168

I like using a "ice flute" to hold my spare ice screw. It locks into one of the straps on my harnes and the orange tab keeps the threads in the holder. Add a binder to the hook and it's locked in place and always ready to use.

Pete168

Hoping to be at Waconia by 10am.

Pete168

Wac was good this morning other than limited vision. The snow drifts were starting to form by the time I left this morning

Pete168

It's not the best idea. If you use a long line and the kite lifts you to where you panic and try to bring it down too fast you will pile drive yourself into the ice. We used to do this in the early days of power kiting and after that first time you got the wind knocked out of you, you thought twice ...