Saturday morning - light snow falling, SE breeze about 8-10 mph, gray sky, 40% humidity. Typical winter day in northwest Ohio. But this morning is a little different.
The Toledo Ice Yacht Club is having a race on Maumee Bay. Imagine - sailboating in January! In the snow!
The bay is well frozen and the light dusting of snow on the ice makes the whole area look surreal.
While I don't know much about ice boating, I did figure out that this is one adventurous bunch of people! And watching the sailors get their craft ready to sail was a up close observation of a labor of love. So many little things to tend to - all the while in 20 degree weather!
If you would like to know more about the local group of ice boaters, you can visit their website here .
As I stood on the shore of the bay watching these folks toil with all kinds of boat parts (none of which I profess to be familiar with!) I could not help but think that they really know how to appreciate what God has given us.
While many people will hibernate from the cold and whine about wanting spring/summer to return, these folks are out there enjoying every day. I guess it's all in your mindset.
Living in the Point Place neighborhood of Toledo, Ohio is a true treat. The proximity to Maumee Bay, Lake Erie, the Ottawa River and the Maumee River makes this an area that loves all things water.
The ice boaters were busy piecing together the boats, some kids were practicing their hockey skills and some neighbors had come down to walk the ice with their dog.
I found the boaters to be very friendly and open. They enjoy sharing their knowledge and passion with those of us that are landlubbers.
In the interest of saving space, I have created a slideshow to share. It's my first attempt at this part of blogging, so please be gentle.
Enjoy!
Carol Smith, Sales Associate
Shamrock Valley
1913 Guinness Drive
Graham, NC 27253
Office: 336-228-7975
Cell: 919-418-6549
csmith@conceptbuilders.net
15 Comments on Boating In January - Ice Boating That Is!
JAN
27
2008
Carol, This looks like FUN, I've never heard of it! It would be perfect for me, I can't swim :)
That is great Carol...now I have another challenge. How to post one of those shows! You guys really keep me on my toes!LOL
It's funny, I just saw a show this AM about Smelt Fishing in Maine(they sit in those little huts and fish through the ice.) One of he comments from a lady was..."when you live in Maine you have to find something to do outside or you would go bonkers!" Guess it's the same in Ohio!
Carole: While this is on ice, it's prudent to know how to swim. Just in case the ice breaks! LOL
Debbie: With a good coat, hat, scarf, gloves, boots and socks there is no problem with the cold. Just don't count on being too fashion conscious! LOL
Mark: Yes - the boats move quite rapidly. Depends on the wind of course. Next week is the regatta if the ice holds, so I'll be posting another segment on this sport.
Joan: We have ice fishing here, too, but the ice boating is a real hoot. There is lots to do here in the winter, never boring unless you want it to be. Come visit - I'll show you! LOL
Carol - talk about a high speed trip down memory lane. When younger (much younger) I lived in Minnesota and remember ice boating with friends on Lake Harriet in Minneapolis. Some years later I enjoyed snowmobiling in the early years of the craze in the Lake Minnetonka area where I lived.
Thanks for the memory. By the way it is much warmer here in Florida.
Ted: Minnesota has a little longer season than Ohio I think. LOL But nonetheless the fun that was being had by all out on that ice was encouraging. And I don't miss Florida - I was there for 23 years and am so glad I don't have to sweat like that again! LOL
Cynthia: Glad you learned something new! :) The whole art of guiding these boats around on ice escapes me, but I'm also fascinated with the concept. My fear of the ice cracking would be my biggest drawback. LOL I'm a chicken when it comes to that kind of thing.
This looks like so much fun!! I've never done it, but I think I'd love it. The ONLY part I would not like is the COLD. I guess that kinds goes with the territory...huh?
BTW...thanks for your prayers and comment about my girls. Just 7 days till their appointment. I can't wait!!! GBU!!
Elizabeth: You would not mind the cold if you were bundled up properly. It's all in being dressed in layers. I could outfit you in no time! Come on up! And bring those little girls with you! GBU my precious friend!
Cheryl: Nice to see you! I never understood ice fishing - drill a hole in the ice to sit in a heated shack and drop a hook through the hole. I'd be afraid the ice would melt from the heater and I'd fall in! LOL The boats look like little sail boats and WOW - they really zip around on that ice! It's quite fun to watch. I don't know if I'll ever get brave enough to get in one though. I'm kind of a chicken on that note.
Robert: There are many sayings that emanate from the south - and some are not fit for mixed company! LOL But - yes, this is loads of fun for those speed demons that don't want to worry about a ticket. Hopefully this weekend the ice will still be thick enough so they can run again. The winterfest is Feb. 8 and 9, so I may be able to get some really good shots there.
Jim: It IS cool! Literally! LOL Come on up and try it!
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