Other Photos

Setting up the Docks - Spring 2020

21 April

A dreary, breezy day.
The deck panels of the main platform of the "new dock" were removed,
& some initial levelling was done the previous day.
The panels stay on the metal frame in winter as extra weight to minimize "ice lifting".
The water temp. was 5 degrees!

23 April

Sunny and no wind. (5 degrees in; 8 degrees out.)

Some final levelling of the main platform, and then

the deck panels are replaced.

The frame of the bridge is attached to the outer floating section of the "new dock".
These parts, and the diving raft (in background) are pulled in
and lashed to trees along the shoreline over winter.

Now the bridge frame is used to swing the floating section out from the shoreline, & down to the far end of the main section

Nearly there. Don't try this on a windy day unless you want a swim!

The bridge frame now connects the 2 main parts of the "new dock".

The deck panels are now back on the bridge.
The final job is to raise the chains from the concrete anchors on the lake bed
& attach them under the very end outer corners of the dock.
(Last Fall the chains were attached to a long rope that was tied back to the "old dock"
& sat there all winter so they could be retrieved now without a mask and snorkel!)

Current depth off the end of the "new dock" is 7 feet of crystal-clear water.

The "old dock" (left) comprises just 2 sections on legs, with heavy, non-removable, platforms.
It stays "as is" over winter, but needs some re-levelling in the Spring because of "ice lifting".
It's also shorter - only as long as the main section of the "new dock".
So, unless there's an unusually large thaw, it's just possible to level it by wearing chest-waders. (Neoprene, of course!)

24 April

Forecast - "sunny & 13 degrees.
Reality - cloudy, breezy, 3 degrees, and blowing light snow for most of the afternoon!
(Hey Matt - nice job with the replacement platform for the "old dock" last summer.)

25 April

A beautiful afternoon - sunny & 14 degrees.
The diving raft is towed out to its mooring spot and attached to the anchors on the lake bed.
14 feet of clear water beneath the diving raft.
The mooring ropes float to the surface once the ice has thawed.
No point in attaching a bouy to them in the Fall - it would be crushed over the winter!
Joey approved the proceedings, & we're now ready to relax.

Lucerne Lake Thaw - Spring 2020

5 April