Carson's Bay: An evening fog is illuminated

Thursday evening. I pulled my purple beetle over, and eased down into the marina lot. A fog was clinging to the bay after the rain. I have been reluctant to post April snow scenes, which have been all too common this year.

Take a Gander at this - Across from Lifetime Fitness 101

Walk toward the light....

Wayzata Marina 2008

Deephaven Beach April 22

Monday evening's thunderstorm set my dogs a-shivering. The weight of the April rain pressed the dark and softening layer of ice slowly down into the water. By the end of the day we will probably have "Ice Out" On Minnetonka. April 22, 08


Wayzata Marina - soon the sails will return.

Of Campaniles, Lighthouses...... and the Ice Out

Wayzata city Council is planning to build a “campanile”. Working with developer “Presbeterian Homes” they plan to develop the Wayzata lakefront in many ways, one of them is a campanile. “What in the hellespont is a Campanile?” The name is Italian, and simply put: It is most often a free-standing bell tower. Sometimes a clock tower. Other times it is a minaret or prayer tower. If you put a light on top you might have a lighthouse. I encourage this option, it fits perfectly into the Minnetonka aspiration to a New England ambiance. But most often a campanile is a bell tower. The most famous campanile is the Leaning Tower of Pizza (185 feet). A campanile with an attitude. Note: Do not order pizza.
I think Wayzata would benefit from a campanile, but it must be made with great style and craftsmanship. If erected (proposed height of 155 ft) it will become a Lake Minnetonka landmark that will be constantly referenced by navigators, tourists and photographers. I might even be able to make my ice out report from atop it.

.....speaking of the Lake Minnetonka Ice Out (how do you like that segue?)
As of today April 21rst the Ice is still in! This is one of the latest in years, which should be no surprise to a native Minnesotan... and of bitter dissappointment to Don Shelby, global warming apostle.

finally, some facts about Lake Minnetonka. 

Channels: 31 connecting channels
     Maximum Depth: 101 feet (in Crystal Bay)
     Outlet Minnehaha Creek Outlet
     Upper Lake Inlets: Six-Mile and Painters Creek Outlets
     Water Clarity: 10.9 feet
 

Thorpe Park Revisited

Wayzata Marina- Waking from hibernation

Boatless in Minnetonka

A view from the marina of Excelsior Bay - sans boats. April 14, 08.

St. Albans Bay in Springtime

Thursday April 10th. Winter has held on to its icy grip. Readers checking for my unofficial "Ice Out" declaration are encouraged to wait patiently as we defrost the docks. Warm weather, and open water is being sited at regular intervals.
April is the cruelest month of all.

The Dreary Before the Storm

Confession is good for the soul. I confess that it is difficult to motivate my photogrphic-self when we are in the midst of prolonged and dreary weather. Simple as that. This upcoming weekend promises snow, and a significant amount. (Significant involves snow shovels and cursing).

Wayzata: A Bit of A wait - Ice In

The scene illustrates the current condition of Wayzata Bay, one of the key measuring points of LM Ice out. Judge for yourself. The next photo is my attempt at infusing color into the bland Minnetonkascenes landscape.

Lakewinds footprint

The Lakewinds Coop is offering a contest to the burgeoning Minnetonka greens. Demonstrate your love of mother earth with a creative way to reduce your carbon foot print. Co-Sponsored by Bokoo Bikes on 101, prizes range from a "Commuter Bike'" worth 750 bokooroos (my word), to other goodies including a home compost kit.
Frankly, I own a bicycle of the almost extinct Trek "Touring Bike" variety. A bike with narrower wheels than off-roaders, a semi-comfortable seat, drop handles and a frame that is built to resist a pot hole.

Have fun with the contest, and write your entry on a used grocery bag.....does that count?
Other suggestions include: A traveling compost/bicycle cart. - A biodegradable "mom earth' tatoo.

A Gateway to Spring

Grays Bay.

The Locust Hills Development

I made a brief stop along the way. 6:30am April 1.
I decided to capture the moment in this ongoing development. 101 and McGintey Road.Heavy snow from the previous day hung on the coniferous trees and wetlands.

It keeps snowing and snowing and snowing....

In the end all that remained was a pair of pink rabbit ears and a faint thumping sound.