In the 1970’s, it was so cold here in Maryland that the Chesapeake Bay froze.
The guys I sailed with on my college sailing team went ice-boating. Because of the unusual aerodynamics, an ice boat can move three times faster than the wind speed. Check out this video of iceboating on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Smith Island, about which I wrote several months ago, was completely surrounded by ice during the winter of 1977, and supplies had to be flown in by helicopter.
What’s incredible about the Chesapeake freezing so far south is that the salinity at that part is quite high… and salty water freezes more slowly than fresh water.
To everyone out there coping with frigid temperatures, please be smart and stay safe!
You find the most interesting resources for your blog! I love seeing people out in iceboats in Maryland.
ReplyDeletelove these old photos! thanks!
ReplyDeleteYes indeed! Stay very safe -- and please try to feed the birds and place out water for them too! Cheers! Jan at Rosemary Cottage
ReplyDeleteThe winter of 77 was notorious, so cold, It was also the year of the terrible lake effect Blizzard that hit upstate NY. People were let out of work early in Buffalo and then stranded on the NY state thruway, covered in drifts awaiting rescue. Crazy that the Chesapeake froze too. My son is in Ottawa right now, - 15 F. Last night he told me he was glad I made him take the rabbit fur hat w/him.
ReplyDeleteIt was an unbelievable 55 F here in Boston yesterday! But it's back down to 12 F today.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea the Bay had frozen over. If it happens again, you should organize a frost fair on the ice.
ReplyDeleteKeep safe + warm all of you in that cold brrr weather. have a son in ny! xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteOh, boy, I remember the winter of '77. It was just as hideous for those of us living in the midwest. Days and days of blizzards.
ReplyDeleteStay safe and warm, Miz Meg!
I remember that crazy cold winter, the Patuxent froze enough for two crazy guys I knew to walk across it...completely nutty since it's so deep at the point where they crossed. Our creek is frozen, but I'll let the Canada Geese use it as a skating rink for now! You and Connor stay warm!
ReplyDeleteKat