Last Sunset of 2014

After a series of long and cloudy December days the sun came back for it's last hurrah.  We celebrated the Holidays at the Lake with good food, warm campfires and card games into the wee hours.

The sun sets so far to the southwest at this time of year that I needed to go out onto the ice to get a photo.  In spite of recent warm weather, ice fishermen in the family reported that the ice is about a foot thick.  I was pleasantly surprised to find areas in excellent condition for ice skating.

A few minutes later my son headed out to take his final Smith Lake sunset of 2014.  As he was lying on the ice taking the shot he felt a rumble and nearly shot into the air as the ice boomed, expanded and shifted underneath him.  The sounds from the frozen lake are so unique and unexpected - a low, rumbling growl like a 50's roadster in the distance making a single slow engine rev.

Deep in a fog

It's been a long time since a Smith Lake Sunset has been posted and it looks like we'll have to wait longer.  The Lake was shrouded by fog and mist all weekend.  Late on Friday afternoon one lonely ice house across the snowy lake could barely be seen through the mist.

Ice house in the fog.

Saturday was much the same.  The far shore was invisible until the breeze picked up between 3 and 4 PM and cleared some of the fog away so that the far shoreline came into view.  The unseasonably warm temperatures have melted most of the snow, and anywhere from an inch to a foot of standing water is on top of the lake ice.  In some places the water is deep enough to ripple in the breeze, and gives the illusion that the lake is open and ready for boating.

Standing water on top of the lake ice.

The mild temperatures were perfect for evening campfires, and it was not too difficult to keep the cabin warm.  About an hour of ice fishing was attempted, but it was just too wet.  The fish weren't particularly hungry either.

As we headed  home Sunday afternoon, we saw an unfortunate pick up truck submerged in Lake Mille Lacs right across Hwy 169 from our road.  The driver made it out of the truck without injury from what I hear, but only about the top foot of the truck could be seen.  The Sheriff was on hand and a tow truck was getting into position to retrieve the vehicle.  A reminder that the ice is not safe for vehicles, especially after this December thaw.