T-t-too c-c-cold to f-f-focus

It has been rather cold for walking but Rick and I, instead, went for a drive with the intention to get out of the car and walk a little if we found a place out of the wind.

Pancake ice on the lake.

Sea mist evaporating off the lake

hiding the Laker.

First stop was down to Port Dover harbour to see where the waves had created ice sculptures.

It was so cold that my camera groaned when I turned it on

and it took forever to focus.

Ice pancakes in the harbour

and the pier covered with ice.

We drove down to the lake at various places on our way to Long Point.

Ice fishing huts, awaiting the start of the season.

Near St Williams, in the Inner Bay, we were told that the ice is 5 inches thick.

At 6 inches thick they will start putting the wooden ice huts out instead of these ice fishing tents.

Of more interest to us was this home made ice sailboat.

He was dressed in a snowmobile suit and a helmet

and with a strong wind and smooth ice he really sailed along fast.

The Nature of Norfolk facebook page had so many Snowy Owl photos that we were scanning for them constantly but had to settle for this windblown

young Bald Eagle

and a mature one in flight.

On a slightly warmer day we went to Waterford ponds. Silly swans could have flown south!

instead of huddling on the ice.

They were skating on the other end and the trail was icy enough we felt we could have skated on it. We didn't walk far as it just didn't feel safe even though at 4 degrees it was much warmer than the previous day

and my camera was much happier. I think this is a Sharp Shinned Hawk.

Next to the Antique store in Waterford there is now a craft Brewery

so we popped in to Wishbone brewing and Rick bought a can of IPA to try. The old building has also been converted into loft apartments with one Airbnb.

Back home and I have finished hooking my Tree Spirit and now have to decide how to finish him.

Stunning sunset

before the snow storm.