Drag racing at Lake Simcoe, weekend of Jan 18-20

Overall it was a perfect weekend. Lots of wind, great surface condition
and some extreme weather combination. First time a group of Snowfer
sailors from Toronto got together for some fun sailing and group
picture taking opportunity. We even held some fun drag racing.
Thanks to Ed, Giancarlo Sr and Jr, Joe, Russ and Charles.

Photograph by: Susan Vasquez
Taken on: January 18-20, 1008
at Cook's Bay Park, Keswick, Lake Simcoe

SnowferFest 2008 on Feb 8, 9, 10

Joined the Snowfer Group at Yahoo.com

January 2008 meltdown, weekend of Jan 11-13

With the temperature hovering above the 2 digit degrees temperature the whole week
plus the high wind forecast, we were worried the ice will not stay. When we came
to check it out it was still intact. Close to the shore it was a bit tricky getting onto the
ice. On Saturday, the wind came late so we decided to ice fish first. Sunday, was
more better. About 10 people showed up for the weekend by Keswick Park.

Photograph by: Susan Vasquez
Taken on: January 12-13, 1008
at Cook's Bay Park, Keswick, Lake Simcoe

Santa came on Boxing Day, Dec 26, 2007

With the rain that came on Sunday, made sailing conditions around Keswick unfavourable. The
thick fog was still lingering around so we decided to drive around the lake to see if we could find
more favourable areas to sail on. We found the perfect spot by Roches Point. Clear, black ice,
approx. 3 inch thick. A few meters away close to the shore, a newly drilled hole was made by
the ice fisherman. We took some photos of the area and drove some more to check out how
far the lake is frozen. Along the way, we spotted an eagle perch on a very high tree.

Photograph by: Susan Vasquez
Taken on: December 26, 2007
at Roches Point, Lake Simcoe

For the weekend of Dec 21-23, 2007

Sat, Dec 22 sailing condition wasn't that great. Approx. 6 inch of wet, sticky snow
with about 6 inch ice below makes sailing unenjoyable. The wind didn't help much
either. A lot of rain came on Sunday. So this weekend was a total wipeout.
Only the ice fishermen had more luck than us.

Photograph by: Susan Vasquez
Taken on: December 22, 2007
at Glenwoods Ave, Keswick, Lake Simcoe

For the weekend of Dec 14-16, 2007

This weekend was spent more on catching up on things to do at home.
A winter storm descended upon much of Southern Ontario. A forecast of
between 25 to 30 cm of snow would make the lake enjoyable for snow sailing.
A snowfer group member contributed 2 photos for our icesailing report section.
The photos were taken by Murat at Peninsula Lake in Muskoka.
For more info, please e-mail Murat at blindmud@rogers.com

For the weekend of Dec 7-9, 2007

Friday's surface condition was great and sailing was good. By Saturday, sailing condition
was okay. Most of the snow from yesterday was blown away by the wind. This little paradise
we have is now busy with the added traffic coming from snow mobilers and ice fishermen.
Sunday was a no wind condition. Hopefully, with this calm condition plus overnight
minus temperature will create more ice for other areas of the lake.

Photograph by: Susan Vasquez
Taken on: December 8, 2007
at Walter Drive, Keswick, Lake Simcoe

For the weekend of Dec 1-2, 2007

The bay looks great with all the 4 inch snow on top of the 5 inch ice but
the wind didn't cooperate for us this weekend. Forecast of minus overnight
temperatures predicted for the next couple of days will make the ice that
much stronger. Hopefully, mother nature will cooperate and give us
that much needed wind to enjoy for next weekend.

Photograph by: Susan Vasquez
Taken on: December 2, 2007
at Walter Drive, Keswick, Lake Simcoe

For Sunday, Nov 25, 2007, Best Time for the start of the season

About 10 guys showed up for the start of icesailing season.
Everyone had a good time. Even the York Region Police Marine Unit
showed up to check-in on us. Hopefully with the mild weather coming and
the forecast of 45 km wind coming from the north won't break-up the ice.
Keep in touch at this page for your uptodate icesailing forecast.

Photograph by: Susan Vasquez
Taken on: November 25, 2007
at Walter Drive, Keswick, Lake Simcoe

For Saturday, November 24, 2007, Early Teaser

After a late season start last year, for this year it looks a lot more
promising. It might even make-up what we lost in December 2006. In April
2007, we were still sailing on the ice. See picture gallery. Ice measured today
was about between 2 and 2.5 inch. Barely, the minimum to sail on. It might not
be safe for everyone. But Im sure that a few of us will show up tomorrow and
might give it a try. Were thinking about putting dry suit underneath the
the snow suit plus lifejacket just in case.

Photograph by: Susan Vasquez
Taken on: November 24, 2007
at Walter Drive, Keswick, Lake Simcoe

Snowfer Sailing Hotspots