That was a LONG winter!!!

[Fast351]

After a long winter and a lousy spring (so far), I decided I NEEDED to take the boat for it's first spin this year.

The temp was VERY nice at about 68. The wind was brisk but died down after a while and it was downright pleasant out there.

However, I wasn't even close to tempted to strap the wakeboard to my feet. I think the picture below will explain:



Yep, that's ice the birds are standing on. The water was a bit chilly :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Rest of the pics here: http://www.fast351.com/boating/maiden2008/

Lots of migratory birds on the lake, in the form of swans, loons, pelicans, coots, cormarans, etc etc.

-Mike

[TRDon]

RE: That was a LONG *** winter!!!

I tried to get the wife to go the lake today but I couldt push hard eonough apparently. I will be going tomorrow to possibly surf. I also live in MN I started the boat yesterday and I hope to catch some of the nice weather tomorrow before it turns crappy again.

[TravelinTrav]

RE: That was a LONG *** winter!!!

We just got snowed on Saturday in Seattle, after the boat got dewinterized the week before!!

[chief351]

RE: That was a LONG *** winter!!!

Nice pic ! It was a long cold winter in Ontario! We got up to the lake on Saturday morning at 9:15am and the lake was still frozen however the air temp was about 60. By noon the ice was breaking up and by 4pm the lake was clear. I have many photos from the day and will post them once I figure it out. We summerized the boat on Sunday and then toured around for about 3 hours. The highlight was Monday because we did some skiing! With the full suit on and the neoprene hat it was not bad at all. The feet and hands were the only chilly items. Water temp was 31 and air temp 60-65, light breeze.

Chief

[chief351]

Ice/Boat/Getting ready to ski















Sorry about the format, just cut and paste. Let me know if it does not work.

Chief

[Kozmo]

RE: Ice/Boat/Getting ready to ski

After a long winter I am putting the boat into Deep Creek Lake this weekend. The lake temp is 54 degrees (up 12 degrees since 4/1) and I plan to do some free skiing with the air temp in the 60's. I am anxious to get out there since this boat is new to me and I was unable to ski prior to putting it into storage due to an ankle injury.

[Fast351]

Re: Ice/Boat/Getting ready to ski

http://images.kodakgallery.com/photo...8111_0_ALB.jpg

Chief

Wow, that's a magazine cover quality photo. Nicely done.

[brodie]

Re: That was a LONG winter!!!

After a long winter and a lousy spring (so far), I decided I NEEDED to take the boat for it's first spin this year.


-Mike

Is that Diamond lake by chance?

[Fast351]

Re: That was a LONG winter!!!

Is that Diamond lake by chance?

Good eye! Yes yes it is...

And, if you've been on it you know how dirty it gets in the summer/fall from algae bloom. It's nice and clean right now. Bet it had a solid 2 feet of visibility, which is amazing for that lake.

-Mike

[brodie]

I haven't been on it but have driven by it quite a few times. Is it a fairly shallow lake? It looks like it would be a great slalom lake. How busy does it get? We are always looking for alternative lakes to try for skiing and I have often thought of that one.

[Fast351]

It's shallow, but it's consistently shallow. The depth is between 6.5 and 7.5 feet the entire lake except for the shorelines. I don't go there much on the weekends, but during the week it's rare to see more than three ski/wake boats out there. everyone there is pretty good about taking a lane. If you have the patience, the wind tends to die down at about 8pm, and there are many nights where you'll be the only one out there skiing on glass.

The ramp sucks and there's no dock, which keeps most people from the lake. I haven't had any problems though, and I've been going there for better than 10 years. The water does get nasty around the middle of July though, so I head to the river then.

[TRDon]

I am off to go to owasso soon. I hope it is as cold as it was in november. lol

[CAN'TSKI]

FAST351 You included a key word in your opening remarks...MIGRATORY. Does it bother you that the birds have enough sense to come to Texas waters in the winter, yet all you Nautique enthusiasts up North huddle up in your snow covered homes, hoping you chopped enough wood, and just look at your boat in the garage?
Before you counter with "Well they come back here in the Summer", they just follow the girls back up there. Our girls stay here.
And I've got news for you, that lake is still going to be cold as h#ll in mid-August by our standards.

[Fast351]

LOL

Actually, this winter has me rethinking our geographic location. Wife's family keeps me here though. When I get closer to retirement age, you can bet your bottom dollar that Minnesota will be reexamined.

Plus, you guys get a lot of other things right in Texas :grin:

[Batman]

AH! We got the boat wet today and donned the wetsuits for a chilly yet refreshing ride! Air was 75 water was COLD! Rode pretty good after the shoulder surgery.