Post #354654 by Lake Surfer on Sun, Jan 13, 2008 2:33 PM

Mooney, thanks so much! The same surf stoke that keeps you going runs strong up here. Surf sessions are few and far between, but that just makes the next one all the more sweeter. Same with the tiki creations, I can't wait to get on to the next new challenge.

harro, thanks... you have to move around a lot and keep busy to stay warm here in the winter. :wink: I've been using a router for large jobs like this, (80 + feet) as it is the most sensible tool, but I find the work is just as physical as hand carving. I still prefer hand carving smaller work such as panels and masks, just a little more control and I guess I'm just a traditionalist.

Foundation is a great project that just keeps getting better. We've got plans well into the future to keep adding work. Within the next few months I'll be working on Two 7 foot poles that will flank the entrance. Those will be a lot of fun to carve and will make the entrance look impressive.

Surfing here... we've been lucky to snare a few Aussies who met their wives here and decided to stay and surf our frigid waters.

This is Grant snagging a few at a reef break here on December 2nd of last year...

Water temps in F: December -March 32 degrees - 36 degrees, April - June 40 degrees - 52 degrees, June - September 52 degrees - 74 degrees, October - December rapidly falling temps from 60 degrees to mid 30's. So gear is important here and your main gear is a 4/3 suit, a 6/5/4 hooded, 5 mil gloves, and 7 mil boots. We have been lucky enough to trunk it in the summers and early fall though.

The bottom of the lake averages 279 feet deep and reaches 925 feet at its deepest part. We can get upwelling at any time of the year depending on winds and that can drop summer temps from 70's to 50's overnight. Lake Michigan is the sixth largest lake in the world, with a surface area of 22,300 square miles. It is 307 miles long and 118 miles wide with 1,660 miles of shoreline