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[Copycatted]

I've been in the Mountains of North Carolina all week so I don't really know what the weather has been like around here, but is the ice already thick enough for pond hockey?

That's enough to even ask the ditto question to matt_s. With global change and now even geese can keep it open there is one area at the Head (referred to) on Hamilton Lake that just hasn't been freezing well since. It also is known to be an major spring that feeds Hamilton Lake and why too it doesn't freeze-over with these milder Winters. And I think even seasoned ice Drivers who knew better avoided that particular thin ice potential area in better days.

Anyway a friend I went to School with there and we even went Polar Bear swimming a couple of times back in the days when Hamilton had an Winter Festival and that lake played a major part of it told me a story about being on an snowmobile after dark and at top speed and of that unusal open water (unusual from our younger years) In fact by accident (or near enough to obviously) I think he invented that Sports thing of just how far will snowmobiles cross water before they and the Rider gets wet.

But anyway he asked me what was I suppose to do when going top speed on clear ice at night and all of a sudden open water is in your headlight beam. Both he and the snowmobile made it SAFELY across though.

[kingster]

I'm sure some of you can remember when we used to have alot more winter activities on Bixler Lake.I was young but I remember going there and spending alot of time in the winter.Wasn't their a kind of a Winter Festival.It seems I remember some snowmobile races.

[LuciusBeebe]

I've been in the Mountains of North Carolina all week so I don't really know what the weather has been like around here, but is the ice already thick enough for pond hockey?

Yesser you betcha

[james_t]

Oh, heck no! I love this stuff. More snow would be nice. When I retire I'm moving North.

The forecast calls for temperature highs of 5 to 10 above zero today with west winds 10 to 15 mph. Wind chills will be 14 to 24 below zero. Tonight’s low temperature will be 15 below zero with wind chills 24 to 34 below zero.

Friday’s forecast is for highs near zero with wind chills during the day of 25 to 35 below. Friday night’s low is expected to be about 5 below zero with wind chills 16 to 26 below.

Are you happy yet?

[MarcoB]

It's now about 13 degrees F and it almost feels warm outside.

I'm convinced that hell is not a very hot place at the center of the earth...it's January in northern Indiana.

[HoosierHelen]

It's now about 13 degrees F and it almost feels warm outside.

I'm convinced that hell is not a very hot place at the center of the earth...it's January in northern Indiana.

and....Heaven is found in front of the fireplace with our flannels on. LOL!

[denali]

You speak so fondly of Alaska Denali, I want to ask would you prefer to return? My husband spent 5 yrs up there (before he was my husband) and he swears he's taking me back to visit. I've been to many corners of this world, but Alaska never called me until recently.

I'm becoming curious. Is there a state of mind I need to experience there? I lived in the Oklahoma, Texas area for approx 15 yrs in my younger years..that was sure a different "state of mind" to absorb. I unfortunately understood George JR Bush's personality more than I was comfortable with when he became President due to my time spent in that area. LOL!!

Alaska is a pretty amazing place, you have to see it to believe it. The mountains are so huge, pretty humbling. I loved it there when we lived there, the spirit of the people, the adventure, the city life in Anchorage, the country life in Homer, the light, beautiful snow, the sun most of the winter, the long days in the summer, the midnight sun, I could go on and on. But as I age I really would like to be someplace warmer in the winter than here or Alaska. I can actually say I enjoyed winter more in Alaska than in Indiana because of the sun, and the attitude that people have about winter. Alaskans are so diverse and adventurous. I really would not have a problem living there again, I have wonderful life-long friends there and you have to see those mountains.

I was flying from Fairbanks to Anchorage one beautiful sunny day and the pilot got permission to fly in between Mt. McKinley (real name "Denali"-Athabaskan Indian name meaning "The Great One") and Mt. Foraker, I can't describe the feeling of being able to experience that. There are so many of those moments ingrained in my soul thus the love of Alaska.

And did I say,"YOU'VE GOT TO SEE THOSE MOUNTAINS"?

[HoosierHelen]

Alaska is a pretty amazing place, you have to see it to believe it. The mountains are so huge, pretty humbling. I loved it there when we lived there, the spirit of the people, the adventure, the city life in Anchorage, the country life in Homer, the light, beautiful snow, the sun most of the winter, the long days in the summer, the midnight sun, I could go on and on. But as I age I really would like to be someplace warmer in the winter than here or Alaska. I can actually say I enjoyed winter more in Alaska than in Indiana because of the sun, and the attitude that people have about winter. Alaskans are so diverse and adventurous. I really would not have a problem living there again, I have wonderful life-long friends there and you have to see those mountains.

I was flying from Fairbanks to Anchorage one beautiful sunny day and the pilot got permission to fly in between Mt. McKinley (real name "Denali"-Athabaskan Indian name meaning "The Great One") and Mt. Foraker, I can't describe the feeling of being able to experience that. There are so many of those moments ingrained in my soul thus the love of Alaska.

And did I say,"YOU'VE GOT TO SEE THOSE MOUNTAINS"?

We have friends who did a cruise off the coast of Alaska this time of year about 3 yrs ago. I think maybe that might be a good way for me to first experience dipping my toes into the area without making a full commitment for 6 months of experiences to begin with.

I am extremely curious, however, also cautious about making a long term commitment at this point in my life. The countryside looks marvelous, I do want to experience the travel. I also want to not risk myself on the local wild life and not have the priviledge of telling tall tales to my Grandchildren next year.

I really enjoy hearing of your experiences Denali. Still working on my personal courage right now. LOL!

Thanks for the feedback.
Helen

[denali]

Alaskan cruises are nice BUT many times you are herded like cattle, taken to the tourist traps and I have heard stories of some people getting to their hotel in Anchorage at 8pm at night, you are supposed to eat, sleep and then have your bags outside your hotel at 4am for pick up. If a cruise is your only option then go for it, you will see some pretty cool things but there is nothing like driving around and exploring Alaska. We took three weeks when we drove out, stayed in Dawson City for days, took ferries around, spent a lot of time exploring the gold rush adventure, Lake Louise, the Top of the World Highway, gosh it was another highlight of my life.

[HoosierHelen]

Alaskan cruises are nice BUT many times you are herded like cattle, taken to the tourist traps and I have heard stories of some people getting to their hotel in Anchorage at 8pm at night, you are supposed to eat, sleep and then have your bags outside your hotel at 4am for pick up. If a cruise is your only option then go for it, you will see some pretty cool things but there is nothing like driving around and exploring Alaska. We took three weeks when we drove out, stayed in Dawson City for days, took ferries around, spent a lot of time exploring the gold rush adventure, Lake Louise, the Top of the World Highway, gosh it was another highlight of my life.

Your recommendation sounds more appealing to me than being herded around like cattle. My hubby and I will be discussing this. Thanks again Denali!