Need a Great Ice Breaker? Take a Look at Lake Michigan!

Now, here’s a scene that isn’t often seen on Lake Michigan in Chicago: bits and bobs of ice chunks!

Having been in Chicago for many years, I have only seen what is called “shelf ice” on the surface of the lake a handful of times. It’s called “shelf ice” because it builds outward from the shore and forms long, floating ledges (or a “shelf” over the lake.

As the “shelf” isn’t deep or steady, the ice begins to crumble, causing all kinds of interesting floating patterns.

There is usually a wee bit of ice on the shoreline, but to see it extended as far as the eye can see is uncommon.

Meteorologists certainly have some “formal” explanations for the various ice formations on any given body of water.

However, I think I’ve found a rather “fowl” explanation:

I present to you one dedicated, determined, and ice-breaking duck! Look at how much ice he’s cleared already! *biggest, frosty grin I can muster!*

I have some more icy photos to share with you for this week’s “Wordless Wednesday.”

Have you ever seen interesting, bewildering, or unusual ice formations on water?