What are the options????

[Tighe]

So some of the forecasts are calling for the possibility of 8+ inches from this storm in the first part of the week. Are the lakes still safe? who knows some good fields? Who's in?

[Elkman]

I saw that forecast as well. I have to say it'll be awfully tempting to take a snow day next week if we actually get that much snow. Maybe I can get another lesson in before the water season starts, too.

Of course, that doesn't mean there's a 100% probability of snow. The forecasters have tended to go overboard with storm predictions this season. ("Well, we promised you 6 inches of snow, but it slid off to the north and west of us and we just got a dusting. But hey, at least last night's ratings were good.")

[tom_latcham]

Mike B and Bryce are in Bayfield. They left me a message that it was not worth the drive. The new snow was gone and it was icy. I think I am going to Clear Lake Iowa for water kiting tommorow, unless someone knows a closer place than Lake of the woods to find snow and safe ice. I would not go on any local or southern lakes. The wind and the rain really eroded the ice. I would want to get an early start since the best winds are predicted to be from 10am to 3pm. Today it out performed the forcast. I saw 13 and 14 when 10 was perdicted. Tommorow they say 12mph.
TL

[torisspacedog]

For those of you that have been to Coburns. How much snow do we need to make that work? That area looks like it could be alot of fun. Yesterday I was at Calhoun and walked out on that dock and was still able to break through the ice with a hockey stick. Now if only there was a board that worked on water and ice you could skip across the open water to get to the ice. I think I better stick to land. Any other large fields anyone?? Mark L

[Mike B]

Bryce, Al and I kited Bayfield today. The snow has mostly blowen off, but there was reasonable edge hold on the hard ice. The ice is in great shape and plenty thick. You can go for many miles in any direction. If we get big north winds on Sunday, we may do a 20 mile downwinder to Ashland. With the forcast, the ice could be good here for at least a few more weeks. If this area gets more snow this week, it could be great! This is an awsome place to kite. Good safe ice between Bayfield and Madeline Island, but just on the other side of the island, it's open water for way over 100 miles.

[Stroh]

tory snowboards work great for skiping accross water.

im weary about going to ashland cause the shipping season starts tomorow on the great lakes... im not sure if the coastgaurd breaks the ice there.

Jon

[Al C]

Mike, Bayfield is a great spot! With it's miles of riding, smooth winds and lake effect snow I can definitely see the potential mid winter. Nice little town with friendly people, the big windsled running from Bayfield to Lapointe was unique. I could imagine how surreal it would be to drive over to Madeline and watch the breakers crashing up on the other side. Nice kiting with you guys!

[Prof Marc]

I second Tighe's suggestion: if the storm dumps significant snow, can people from the Cities post where they plan on kiting, on Wednesday in particular? It seems to me that finding good fields is non-trivial. (Driving down to Rochester this winter, some of the fields off of Highway 52 looked promising to me, but the storm is tracking north).

--Marc

[scottman]

Anyone have any info on Millacs? Isthe ice still thick enought to walk on, if it dumps North that might be the palce to go for one last snow day?

[craigb]

I drove by Mille on 169 yesterday...

It looked like there was a pressure ridge building up about 100-150 yards out in garrison bay and continued beyond the point into the next bay (St. Albans bay?). The ridge was maybe a foot or two tall. No one was fishing out from garrison.

At the southern corner of the lake there were about 10 trucks parked along the service road a couple miles south of the casino. The ice looked really good down there.. 4 wheelers all over the lake, no pressure ridges or anything. I'd say that would be the ticket if east winds stay in the forecast.

The ice is quite safe up there yet, watched snowmobilles ride all around North Long Lake too. I would advise you bring a ladder or something to walk on the ice with tho, it was really soft for the first 5 feet on North Long.

[rahlberg]

If theres significant snow, I would be willing to hit up some fields. I plan on staying off the lakes though.

[jrjohnson1]

I agree with Scott, things are looking favorable North of the cities for one last snow day. I'm thinking of taking a day off from work to hit Mille Lacs Wednesday. Is there anyone else going?

Jesse

[Elkman]

I'm thinking about it. I put in a call to a friend who lives up in Isle to ask him what the weather is doing up there. I'll ask him if it's raining or snowing (or doing something else).

Is there any possibility someone might be up there with enough experience to show me how to fly that 9m Slingshot TD2 that I just bought? As I think I mentioned earlier, I took my first lesson in Florida on the water and learned enough to fly a big kite, but I could probably use a few pointers. If that doesn't work out, I could just fly the trainer like I did at Kite Island.

Oh, and where's the proposed starting point on the lake?

[jrjohnson1]

Well, my boss stymied the plans for my day off Wednesday. However Al Clemens and I will likely be at Mille Lacs Saturday. The starting point will be the downwind side of the lake.

[Elkman]

I talked to my friend Paul who lives up near Isle. He said they got about four inches of snow today, but half of that is gone now. (I think he's talking about that on the ground at his place, not on the lake.) However, he also says that the edges of the lake are starting to get wet. The public access near Isle was mostly thawed a couple days ago. He's not sure about Garrison, but he's going to be up near that area on Friday so he could take a look there.

I told him, "I might be getting a little too enthusiastic if I'm thinking about doing more snowkiting before the end of the season, but when does that stop me?"

So, we'll just have to keep an eye on the lake and hope for the best. I'll let you all know what he says on Friday.

[Bryce]

Todd and I just had a nice session on pelican. The snow was good.. but a little sticky. I didn't even have to worry about stepping in water at the edge of the lake!

[Elkman]

Here's today's report from my friend Paul up in Isle:

"I just wanted to mention that we are still getting some snow up here, but it's really wet. I went by this end of the lake this morning and there are quite a few people out with portable fishhouses. I don't think anyone is driving out, but people are walking. It looks like the snow is lasting a bit longer on the ice too, but I'm sure the snow is pretty wet."

So, I'm holding out hope. I'd like to get up there Saturday if the snow holds out, but Sunday wouldn't work out for me.

[torisspacedog]

Looks like Corey and I are heading to Millacs bright and early. So if anyone else is gonna be up that way post something before 6 am and maybe we can have a Mini end of season gathering. Hope to see some others up there. It might be the last chance Mark L

[dtownkiter]

im heading up north this weekend to ride. probably up the north shore and from what I hear some places got up to 20" about another hour from duluth. lakes are still solid but the snow is very sticky. apparently, it was too sticky to even snow shoe today.

anyone know how the conditions on island/rice/boulder? i heard island was questionable and they didnt get the major snow.

if anyone is up there let me know. probably be riding early sat and sun. wind looks decent both days.

adam t.

[Stroh]

I haven’t checked in a about 2-3 weeks but based on what I was riding on then.... I think there will be alot of open water at the access at Rice lake.
duluth didn't get much snow, it rained most of the day Tuesday. the snow in my yard is mostly slush. I looked like Tower got a lot of snow though.

Coast guard cutter was out in front of Duluth today breaking up the last bit of pack ice
I just Bought an old Nobile board and I'm desperate to try it