Shining through the darkness...

Just had to share this photo taken by my daughter on her cell phone the evening of Friday, May 27th.  Between two heavy banks of clouds the sun shot through for just the briefest of moments.  The brilliant light shining through the darkness created this dramatic sunset.

photo by Amy Tromberg

New lodge on the lake

Lots of things happening at Smith Lake this spring.

The Beaver has helped himself to one of our best Oak trees along the shoreline over a three week period. Needless to say, chicken wire went up around all remaining shoreline trees!  It was no small tree, maybe 8-inch diameter.

 It's completely gone now, and here's where it went.  There's a huge new Beaver Lodge on southeast Smith Lake.  He's been a busy beaver, the rascal!

While looking at the beaver lodge we noticed a loon on her nest, in the area, so be cautious if you are up that way taking a look.  We want to protect our loons, their nests and babies!

January fun

January flies past as each New Year begins.  Ice formation on the Lake was late this year due to warm weather, but when it finally was thick enough, the ice fishing was good.  It seems that the best tasting fish come from icy cold waters!

The long shadows cast across the lake at sunrise are a special winter treat that you only see when the lake is frozen and snow-covered.

Thick, foggy cloud cover, and warm south winds popped the temperature up to near 40 degrees one weekend.  The snow conditions were perfect for making snowmen.  I'll never bee too old to enjoy this childhood activity!

Snowman clearing the patio.

Snowman on the lake shore.

This snowman is close to the shore to stay out of the usual snowmobiling areas.

First Sunset of 2016

What a lovely weekend at the Lake!  A little decorated tree greeted us as we drove down the road, with Holt Lake in the background.

 

The first sunset of the year in a cloudless sky, and way far around the Smith Lake shoreline.  It's always amazing how far the sun travels across the horizon throughout the year.  

 

The play of sunshine and shadows across the lake is a winter's day delight.

We celebrated the New Year at the Lake with a bit of ice fishing, hot spiced wine, working a puzzle and enjoying the company of family and visiting with neighbors.  Wishing you all the best in the New Year!