When will Lake Minnetonka Ice Out 2013 take place?

Are you an outdoorsman/sportsman, fisherman, water loving soul waiting for the word that the Lake is open for business? My daily glance at the lake reveals darkening ice and an imminent demise for the cool cover. Here is a photo, granted the snowcover is a bit distant, but it is what I have to show at this time. Deephaven Beach.

On the fringe with Roy Rogers

Dale shouted to Roy "Are you still messing those fringes. Darn you Roy, you spend more time on that jacket then you do cleaning your Peace Keeper!".
Roy Rogers was the last of the true bon vivant cowboys. A beau beau brummel at heart Roy spent an inordinate amount of time on his Western wardrobe. His lead hands would make fun of him, often asking him what his favorite color was, or if his boots were made in Paris.
But today Roy was ready for rough weather (the fringes help rain run away from the jacket), and an even rougher time at the Sawtooth Ridge. Photo: Jacket of a book viewed in "Country Antiques", Excelsior.

Historic Remininscences on Upper Lake Minnetonka

"The pioneers began coming to Upper Lake Minnetonka in the Spring of 1854, when John and Joseph Mertz settled a claim they had marked out the Fall before. One of the first settlements to be established was “German Home”. In 1859 it’s name was was changed to "Minnetrista” the name it still uses. A German Baptist Church was established, and a Catholic Church at St. Bonifacious and the school district was organized.”




The Bays of Upper Minnetonka were named after a number of its early settlers - Cook, Maxwell, Halstead, Smith and Carmen.“

Moving Water, Minnehaha Creek, Minnetonka

I walked along the snowy creek bed and saw a single furrow leading to the stream. Then I saw the sign. So it seems there already are... canoeers... canoeists, ... people who canoe, venturing down Minnehaha Creek. I post this for later reference when melting raises the creek level.

Cold but Calm. Wayzata

Taking a rest in in St. Albans Bay - Sunday morning April 21

Lake Minnetonka Ice Out 2013

The current scene on Gray's Bay. Ice certainly In!
 The following is a re-post from this blog from 2008. Freshwater Society Website, "Freshwater Society" Lake Minnetonka Ice-Out Dates: 1855-2003.
 NEAT FACTS Average Ice-Out: April 15 Earliest Ice-Out: March 11, 1878 Latest Ice-Out:May 8, 1856
Most Common Ice-Out: April 17 & 18 (9 times) I am not a gambler. Some have said this will be the latest ice out on record.
Place your predictions here, there are no winners or prizes.

April Showers

Humus, A Chickpea by any other name.....

"A traditional Middle Eastern meal is spread before the family and guests. Among the delicacies on the table is a dip or spread called "Hummus." Hummus is the Arabic word for "chickpea" which is widely known today at the Garbanzo Bean. Garbanzo is the Spanish translation of the word meaning "chickpea." Hummus is one of the oldest foods known, dating back to Egypt over 7,000 years ago. It is a popular food in Greek and Syrian cultures as well. If you like Middle Eastern food you'll know that Hummus comes in many different forms and has many different flavors." - Dawn Lewis, The History of Humus Lately, while dining out, I have found the appetizers exceeding the entrees in quality and interest. This colorful and simple plate of multi- flavored humus was a fun starter. From "Sunsets" in Wayzata.

"April is Cruel"

I overheard someone in the locker room at Lifetime Fitness say; "April is the cruelest month". A literary reference mixed among the sounds of metal doors and the rattle of towel carts. T. S. Eliot. But the guy was right, and this April is sadistic reinforcement.

A Carson's Bay ice update

Wwe're Talking Used Books in Excelsior

"Friends of Excelsior Library are hosting the annual used book sale at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church at 301 County Road 19. Take advantage of bargain prices for thousands of adult and children's fiction and non fiction books priced at $1 or less." On the subject of used books. I glimpsed this book at an Excelsior Flea Market last year. It’s title featured the dreaded words that strike fear into a man’s heart. In this copy, as you see, there are already indications of discord and disharmony.

Wayzata Yacht Club Blue

Excelsior Bay early Satuday morning