It's been a long time since I've had a chance to read the forums. I was reading the posts for Stephen's birthday and just had to laugh. John's poem:
"There was a young man named Jake
Who loved lighthouse photos to take
His family in tow
Jake tripped to an fro"
And Joanne finished it off with:
"and laughed when he fell in the lake"
Let me tell you about Stephen's lighthouse adventure. This past weekend we took Stephen to Door County in Wisconsin to see the laid up ships and lighthouses. When we went to Cana Island we were able to walk out on the frozen lake to get some pictures. (Even though much of the lake wasn't frozen.)When we got to Sherwood Light, the lake was frozen as far as the eye could see. There were people cross country skiing on it, snowmobiles out there, and guys ice fishing. But guess who found the one weak spot in the ice when he stepped out to take a picture of the lighthouse. You guessed it, Stephen!!! But this didn't stop him one bit. Not only did he get his lighthouse photos but he even stopped to take some photos of the ships that were laid up. But we had to go back to the motel and dry out his boots with a blow dryer so that they were dry for his night photos of Sturgeon Bay Lighthouse. The weather was nice and we all had a good time. Just another memory to add to our great collection.

Cheryl

Thanks, Cheryl.....I enjoyed reading your story and glad everything worked out O.K. after Stephen had fallen in... !

What a trooper, Jake. Now don't do that again!!

Thanks for sharing that with all of us Cheryl. We'll be awaiting Stephan's photos.

Wow, glad Stephen was not hurt falling through the ice.

Now I know what wacko really means, let nothing, not even thin ice, interfere with your enjoyment of a beautiful lighthouse. Hope the camera was outfitted for underwater photography. Brrrrrrrrrr.

~Dale

That darned Stephen. Next time ask some expert from the forums for advice before you make a trip like this Stephen . Glad everything turned out OK. Look forward to seeing the pictures. Did he get any of submarines?

Rich

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I'm sure the pictures will be great and we all look forward to their posting.

The picture we would all like to really see is Stephen "in the water".

How did the camera hold up? Any damage?

How much of Stephen actually fell into the water?

As a Wisconsin native...I learned to never really trust the frozen lakes...

Glad you all returned safe and sound.

Thanks Cheryl. I am glad Stephen got his picture. We will wait patiently for it to be posted on the forum.
Derith

[This message has been edited by Nana (edited 02-22-2000).]

Thanks for sharing Jake's tale. I glad to hear everything turned out all right, especially considering what could have happened. Take care developing the pictures and throw another log on the fire.

Polly

Glad to hear Stephen survived his swim. Maybe next year you can schedule it for New Year's Day, then Stephen can qualify for the Polar Bear Club! Look forward to the pictures.

Dave

To tell you what kind of guy Iam, my first thought was, what happened to the camera?

Monty

Glad everything worked out for Jake. I lived on the shore of Lake Michigan for 22 years, and never once had the guts to step out on the ice!

Way to Go Jakers! Hope the camera stayed dry! Glad your ok. I guess that shows you really are a wacko! Looking forward to seeing those pictures. Will you be posting them soon?

Dale L.

All kidding aside, falling through the ice can be extremely hazardous to your health in more ways than one. I grew up near several ponds and small lakes. I remember several people who drown after falling through the ice.

I remember a really freak incident where a young lad fell through the ice on a man made skating pond that was only 3 feet deep. The owner of the pond witnessed the incident and immediately ran from his house to pull the kid out. While running to assist the guy slipped on the ice, fell, broke his neck and slid under the ice. The firefighters who responded were unable to revive him. He was 27 years old.

Lighthouse lovers are known to take chances when seeking photos of lights. Please be careful and think before you do something you might regret later.

Bob