Winter in Lakeside Part II

Here are a few more shots from yesterday. A couple were taken from the dock and the other two were from the East Gate. As you can see, ice blew back in thursday night/friday morning. The frigid temps have frozen everything back up tight. Even if the weather continues to cooperated to make ice, it will be tough travelling on this rough ice. It's not really looking too good for ice adventurers this year. My time is running out for winter time fun. I will be leaving for Michigan on monday for a snowmobile trip. Soon after that, I have a beer can show for 4 nights in VA, then the month of March, I will be in the Florida Keys. I can very much enjoy winter, given the right conditions so that there are activities to participate in. However, when the cold or snow conditions don't cooperate, winter just becomes depressing, dreary, long and boring.

The Marblehead Loading Dock and Lakeside Marine stand like sentinels, guarding the shores, until they can come back to life, serving mariners, boaters and all the people that depend on them. Ottawa County has one of the highest, if not the highest, unemployment rates in Ohio. I'm sure there are many people desperately wanting to get back to work as soon as winter breaks.

Winter in Lakeside

I figured many of you would enjoy some shots of Lakeside, in a very different setting. No people, no boats, no bikes....not much of anything. I'm not sure if the cottages pictured are famous, but they are in quite the location, overlooking the Pavilion.

No swimmers, no sailboats, no children running hither. Just some dirty snowdrifts, ice floes and cold temps. It was very peaceful, calm and so quiet. I swore I could hear summer whispering in my ear, but I know that is very far away yet. My mind wanders to try and visualize this area on 4th of July. You see, I rarely spent any time in Lakeside, so this all seems quite natural to me.

The Hotel stands like a guardian of the shore. I wonder how much longer this building will stand here. I always hear conjecture about her structural integrity and vulnerability. I have never been in the Hotel, at least not past the dining room and lobby. I wonder what famous people have stayed here. What about any ghosts?

The Pavilion is a real jewel here. This was a wonderful addition and so pleasant to look out over the dock and lake. Lakeside reminds me alot of Mackinac Island in Michigan and a little of Key West...no offense. All very different and unique destinations, but all sharing that common charm that relaxes and reinvigorates the soul in their own ways.

Near Zero in Danbury !

By the time I opened my eyes this morning, it had warmed up to 6 degrees. I have to think that somewhere in the township, it was near zero or below at some point before sunrise. But for Phil Sauvey, our friend in Alaska, this would be a heatwave. My truck gave a telltale groan and squeal, as it came to life this morning. We can expect a couple of more mornings like this, before temps moderate. There was a beautiful moon and clear skies last night, that definitely contributed to the bitter cold for our area. It's amazing what a bit of sunshine can do for your attitude and warmth. On the way into work, the sun's rays actually had the cab of the truck warmed up quickly. Sunshine and peeks of blue sky very much help one's attitude after so many cloudy days. I don't see much snow in our future yet.

Frigid cold returns to the North Coast!

Woke up to dropping temps, from the high 20's, down to about 19 right now. We are in for about 3 days of this, with lows in the single digits. There is about 1-2 inches of snow blowing around, just enough to coat the highways and delay school. The wind is howling outside my lakefront office and I do see some ice forming on the open waters. With the wind blowing, it will be difficult to get any serious ice to form, so I'm not too encouraged about any ice fishing or ice travel yet. Is it just me or do people and things tend to move slower in the cold weather? It's tougher to get out of bed, get that vehicle ready for the commute and get motivated for work. Please remember to take care of any pets or animals that live outside around you.

Meadowbrook Marsh - Danbury's nature preserve

How many of you have taken advantage of Danbury's own nature preserve and walk? How many aren't even aware of it?

The Meadowbrook Marsh project began back in 2000. It continues to be a work in progress, but it already is a very usable nature sanctuary for all. It is obviously located around Meadowbrook Marsh to the south of Bayshore Rd. The current parking entrance is across from the Todd property (Don Todd class of '83). As of now, the current property consists of 110 acres of land and wetlands. It was secured in several transactions over the years using grant money and "estate dollars". The township's website boasts that there was "no expense whatsoever to the taxpayers". It really wasn't until about early 2009 did we see actual trails being cut and public access. Today, I estimate that there is at least a mile, if not more, of paved walking trails, 6 to 7 feet wide. They are beautiful and snake down to the shore of Meadowbrook, leading to a beautiful observation deck. The deck is approximately 80 feet long, elevated and completely wheelchair-accessable. It is constructed out of treated timbers, with a composite deck and benches. The paths continue to take you back through grassy and wooded areas. All along the way are convenient benches and a smattering of picnic tables. I have taken numerous walks around the preserve, often times with our dog. (Please pick up after pets!) It offers a peaceful, tranquil escape should the hustle and bustle of our summertime highways get too much for you. Future plans call for a shelter house and improved parking. I will continue to keep you posted on this beautifully evolving project.

They do play basketball in Ohio....Cavs Report.

So now that NFL football is season is pretty much over for most of us (I realize it was over a long time ago for most of you.), it's time to take notice that Cleveland has a pretty good basketball team. You may have heard of their leader, LeBron James, arguably the best basketball player on earth. Now is the time that most of us get a chance to take in some NBA basketball if you are so inclined. The action is starting to get good. The All-Star Game is coming up on Valentine's Day. After the break is when traditionally, teams start to turn it on. But just in case you haven't had a chance to check the standings, the Cavs have been turning it up all season long.

You could very well need a program for the new-look Cavs this year. Literally, the biggest addition is Shaquille O'Neal. But you could argue that new arrivals Anthony Parker, JJ Hickson, Jamario Moon and Jawad Williams have had just as big of impacts as the Shaqtus. I won't bore you with stats, because you can go anywhere for those. Let me just say that this team can now go 9-10 players deep on a nightly basis. Lately, with point guard Mo Williams and his backup, Delonte West injured, these new guys have been getting valuable, quality time. It may be a bit strange to see Zydrunas Ilgauskas coming off the bench, but combine his and Shaq's numbers and they figure out to be a formidable big man combination. Of course, perpetual motion-man, Andy Varejao is there providing energy, steals, rebounds, blocks and surprising key scoring. This is truly a different team that fell to Orlando last year in the Eastern Conferance Semis and a vastly improved team that got embarassed by San Antonio in the Finals, several seasons ago. This is a very entertaining team to watch, especially watching the Shaqtacular One do his thing. He's worth every penny just for the amazing quotes, humor, swagger and team presence. Oh, he's still quite a force to be reckoned with for the time that he's on the court.

INTERESTING SHAQ FACT:

Most fans know that Shaq is a miserable free throw shooter. Most high school players shoot better than he does. Why? I have asked myself that for his entire career. What could be more simple than a free throw? Don't get me started. Anyway, please take note of his painful attempts at making free throws....they are priceless. Anyway, my point is this: Shaq has made about 53% of his free throws in his career. He currently stands at 28,068 points. If the poor guy could have at least shot 70% from the line (which isn't asking too much for a pro), he would be pushing the 30,000 point mark, which he would've gotten very soon this year. Playing 1 more year, he could even have an outside shot at catching Wilt Chamberlain for 4th on the career scoring list.

This is what I saw today.......

As I was taking a drive around Catawba, I couldn't help but notice this airboat parked on the shore near Pebble Beach, which is on the NE tip of Catawba, just south of Mouse Island, which is the island nearest in the pic. Off in the distance is South Bass. Often this time of year, there may be several airboats parked here. Usually, the owners are from South Bass and they have vehicles parked nearby. An airboat is the ultimate in safe ice travel, however, they can be a little awkward in open water. I'm sure most people are wishing the weather would make up it's mind around here. Either get some ice back or let's just get boating again!

I was also thinking that you just don't see much livestock around here anymore, yet I drive by these guys all the time. This pasture is at the intersection of Church Rd. and Port Clinton Eastern Rd. They are sporting some thick coats and seem to be enoying being out in the fresh, crisp air. We were having a passing snow flurry and they seemed oblivious to that fact.

Is Boating season right around the corner?

The answer to my above headline is "probably no." It's still early in our winter and cold temps seem to be returning to the area. I don't see a severe cold snap in our future, but enough to skim the lake back over given calm winds. The news is a bit better for our friends in the Island area. Bud Stonerook, from North Bass, reports that ice remains locked in between the islands and to some points west. Although there are ponds and cracks that need to heal up, there is still the potential for ice fishing in the islands area. That is always a much needed shot in the arm for islanders who rely on the ice for some extra, if not critical income. Of course, the news is different for us mainlanders.

My first pic shows our harbor still locked in fairly well, although our bubblers are doing a great job around our hoist well to the left and farther in towards our gas dock. We use bubblers in key areas of our harbor to protect certain pilings and sea walls. You can see a Rescue Marine towboat in our hoist, in the ready position, should the need arise. Otherwise, the marina is a quiet place right now. A few contractors and boat owners come and go in the storage buildings. I have a small boat in my paint shop, which will be receiving a complete hull bottom re-finishing. My paint shop is the taller part of our complex near our harbor's edge.

My second pic shows our channel, with some fairly thick cakes of ice bobbing in our entrance.

My third pic shows how we get down onto the ice bridge, if it was still there. All that remains are some tracks in the gravel, some shore ice and some slush waiting to re-freeze.

You gotta have lighthouse photos !!

I've been having a blast getting to know my new Canon Powershot camera. So small and easy to use in every way. Here are a few lighthouse pics that were taken last week and a fresh one taken today.

The first phote was taken today, showing Cedar Point on the horizon. Yes, a typical gloomy winter day in Ohio, although we did have peeks of sunshine today.



The second photo is of the keeper's house, which now serves as a museum on the property.






The third photo shows a view towards South Bass Island, with what use to be Turinsky's Marina where some townhouses have been built. There is still a small, private marina for the homeowners.









And of course, the classic lighthouse shot.

Ice Bridge from Shrock's Marina to South Bass is officially Closed!

Until further notice, the ice bridge to South Bass is officially closed. Warm temps, rain and strong SW winds blew the fragile ice off to the east. This is a downer for us locals, who always look forward to some ice travel, fishing and thrill-seeking. Seeing open water in the South Passage in late January is downright depressing. Winter is boring enough around here, so a little ice and snow is usually welcome by those that like to enjoy certain winter recreations. This picture shows what we usually like to see this time of year. This was taken last January on the 21st. But those that live around here have seen it all. Jake Dunfee and I were just talking about a couple of ice rides we had back in the early 2000's when we made trips to South Bass and Rattlesnake on March 1st and 8th. The ice bridge we had this year wasn't shaping up too well, as we scouted it earlier in January, encountering weak or snow ice. We didn't see that dark, strong ice you like to see. So, here's hoping that we can get some calm, cold nights together in the coming weeks to reform our bridge.

Vikings Go Down !

I would have to say that my one, true team is the Minnesota Vikings. I don't know exactly why, but I've been wearing funny looking, purple items since I was in second grade. So to watch what went on in New Orleans on Jan. 24th was tough. They came within a 5 yard penalty, a turnover here, an interception there and a field goal attempt that never materialized, from going to their 5th Super Bowl. But then again, maybe I never expected it to really happen.

It's been a loooooooong time since they've been to the Super Bowl. 1977 to be exact. I know, still not has painful as the Browns' dry spell, but for me, pretty much a lifetime ago. Sure, I share in the successes of the Buckeyes as of late, but the Vikings have been my team ever since I was old enough to enjoy football. For the record, the Vikes are 0 for 4 in Super Bowls. Super Bowl 4 was beyond my memory. But 8, 9 and 11 continue to haunt my mind. However, the legendary players of those teams have a special place with me forever. The leader, Scramblin' Fran Tarkenton and Chuck Foreman on offense, Alan Page, Jim Marshall and Carl Eller on defense. The Purple Gang, The Purple People Eaters !

I suppose I was asking too much of the football gods to humor me one more time with a Super Bowl appearance, led by the Ageless Wonder, Brett Favre. How intriguing the match up would've been, Favre vs. Manning. That would've been too much fun for me. I suppose that's what keeps you coming back, that's what keeps you hungry. There's always next season. Oh, did I mention I was an Indians fan too?

I heard this.........

Cleats, a sports bar and restaurant in the Knoll Crest Plaza near the Cheesehaven intersection is now closed. A sign on the door says "Closed for the Season". Rumors say they could be moving to Marina Del Isle Marina, in Danbury Twp., overlooking East Harbor. Other sources say the establishment just plain won't open again. This is a shame.....we have lost Windjammer's and now Cleats, for the moment.



Wildlife officials want to lower the walleye limit to 3 or 4. It is currently 6. Most charter captains agree that this would have a negative impact on their business. They claim potential customers are already worried about this, saying that paying for a charter just to catch 3 or 4 fish apiece is not worth it. The captains would like to counter this proposal by closing the walleye season for a period of time during the spawning season, typically happening in March and April. This would at least put an end to that horrible practice that occurrs in rivers and other areas: SNAGGING. This is not sport. And it's not sport to catch or handle a female walleye, jeopordizing her offspring. It's also not a good practice to catch all males, which throws off the balance of the breeding population.

Classic winter photos from 1968

A classic 44 foot rescue boat attempts to break ice off of CG Station Marblehead.

Many thanks to Bruce Shoffner for sending me these pics.

Around the Rock is Born !

Here's hoping this is the start of something big and popular with many people. As with anything just getting started, this blog project will be constantly evolving, morphing and hopefully improving with each entry and each passing day. What can you expect to see on my blog, entitled, "Around the Rock" ?

News, rumors, information and photos relating to Danbury Twp., Marblehead, Lakeside, the Lake Erie Islands and surrounding areas.

Comments, quips, stories, memories or just passing thoughts about our area.

Personal recollections from my childhood, my years at Danbury High School and my adventures in the world we live in.

Commentary, opinion and observations on local, national and global happenings.

Helpful information about our wonderful area we know as Vacationland.

Stay tuned, be patient and help me make this an enjoyable and valuable part of your daily internet experience.