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Don’t Break The Ice! Our Trip To Frozen Lake Erie

frozen lake erie

As I mentioned a few posts ago, I’ve been feeling a bit claustrophobic and down in the dumps because of the crappy weather that we’ve been having.

Lack of snow and frigid temperatures that are too dangerous to go out in seem to be the theme for this winter, but I’m getting sick of bitching about it so I decided that it was time to get out and seek some adventures.

And where better to seek an adventure than the beach?

After doing some research on what the weather was going to be up to I decided that Friday looked like our best chance to head out to the lake. With a high wind advisory and temperatures around zero, the weather conditions weren’t ideal, but it was the best looking day in the forecast.

frozen lake erie

So Leroy and I headed over to pick up my Dad, because he was feeling a little claustrophobic too, and I thought it would be nice to hang out for a little while. No one else wanted to join us. Actually, there were quite a few people who were telling us we were crazy and there was no way we were going to last out there.

I’m pretty sure they didn’t know who they were talking too.

Except for my husband.

He knew exactly who he was talking to and left me strict instructions:

  • You and your father stay at least 20 feet away from the ice.
  • Don’t talk to strangers.
  • Don’t take candy from strangers.  ( He knows that chocolate is my weakness)

So with those instructions given, we headed to our destination.

frozen lake erie 2014

I have to admit that the closer we got to the lake, the more I was beginning to rethink our decision to go there. The wind was blowing so hard and as I was watching people walking on the sidewalks I began to shiver, but we drove on.

When we got to the lake it was an amazing sight to see.

frozen lake erie 2014

I’ve been there several times before in the summer but never in the winter and I’ve never seen it up close when it’s frozen.

And just in case you’re wondering what this lake is that I speak of here in Ohio, here is a little history of Lake Erie:

  • Lake Erie is the fourth largest lake of the five Great Lakes and the tenth largest globally.
  • It is the shallowest of the Great Lakes and because of this it is the warmest of the Great Lakes.
  • It is the first of the Great Lakes to freeze in the winter.
  • The lake is named after the Erie Tribe of Native American who lived along its southern shore.
  • The outflow from the lake provides hydroelectric power to Canada and the U.S. as it spins huge turbines at Niagara Falls.
  • Lake Erie is home to one of the world’s largest freshwater commercial fisheries.
  • Lake Erie is a favorite for divers since there are many shipwrecks. Currently, there are 270 confirmed shipwreck locations.
  • The lake’s environmental health has been an ongoing concern for decades.

I’m not going to lie.

It was cold, but not unbearably cold.

walking on frozen lake erie

We were more mesmerized by the sight before us, than the coldness surrounding us.

Even when the winds kicked up, all was good and Leroy was excited to explore the beach.

The lake was said to be 95% frozen on the day we were there and you could see ice as far as your eyes could see.

This picture didn’t come out very well but it really shows the amount of ice in certain areas.

lake erie

I am standing on the beach and the mound behind us is a HUGE mound of frozen ice. It basically looked like a frozen wave.

It was awesome.

And I will have you know that even though it was tempting, we did not make any attempts to walk on the ice. It was hard to tell due to the blowing snow where the beach ended and the lake started so we made sure to dig our boots in every so often to make sure we were in a safe area.

So a winter adventure was finally had and we’re hoping to get some more in after the next deep freeze passes, whenever that may be.

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The Scottie Mom

Saturday 1st of February 2014

Wow - that's a lot of snow! You both look pretty cozy, though. Heather and Mr. K got their first "real" snow in Atlanta this week...nowhere near as fun as your adventure! Much love, The Scottie Mom.

snoopys@snoopysdogblogs

Wednesday 29th of January 2014

I hope Leroy's doing ok, big hugs for him!

Those pics made me feel cold just looking at them, you're very brave!

I went to the park in the sun, does that count as an adventure?

Wags to all,

Your pal Snoopy :)

Jen

Thursday 30th of January 2014

Thank you and of course going to the park counts as an adventure....I bet it was a fun one too!

Cathy Bennett

Wednesday 29th of January 2014

First of all, next to Leroy you looked like Gracie!!! Love the pink fashion statement. Beautiful pics. Where was Sherman? I'm sure he was annoyed that you left him behind. Really enjoyed this story, and I'm so happy you shared it with us.

Jen

Thursday 30th of January 2014

Thank you Cathy! Sherman was at home. I wasn't sure how deep the snow would be and if his knee could handle it. He is going to go on the next adventure ;)

sprinkles

Wednesday 29th of January 2014

I read about Leroy on facebook. I'm so sorry, and I hope he recovers soon. Y'all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jen

Thursday 30th of January 2014

Thank you so much!

KB

Tuesday 28th of January 2014

I love adventures like yours! I bet no one else was at the lake. Perfect! You and your dad must share a few genes if you both wanted to be there! :)

Jen

Thursday 30th of January 2014

Actually, just as we pulled up 2 other people pulled in their cars and took some pictures but nobody ventured onto the beach with us ;)

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