In summer,one idea settled in my head :to go around the perimeter of the great Lake Erie by car, along the way visiting something that is there along the way.
Those who were diligent and attentive during their geography lessons as children may remember that the Great Lakes system is located on the border of the United States and Canada, consists of several freshwater lakes, the largest of which are the magnificent five (in descending order of greatness, if greatness is measured size) – Superior (Upper), Huron, Michigan, Erie, Ontario.
The system of these lakes forms the largest freshwater reserves on our planet (about 1/5 of the total volume of fresh water on the planet).
If we talk about the depth of the lakes (and the volume of water), then Erie will fall to the last 5th place, as the shallowest of the Great (the average depth is only about 62 feet, the maximum is 300).
It is this factor that makes it the most bathable and enjoyable for a beach holiday.
Despite the above fact, we did not plan to rest close to Lake Erie.
I wanted something more mobile and a real road adventure.
After several nights of planning and routing, a route was born.
Soome Especially rare sights or breathtaking natural locations were not expected in this route.
But we wanted some movement on this road trip, so in addition to the idea of a round-the-world round-the-lake three-day trip, we set ourselves two tasks: “Hello, lighthouse!” and ” See a small Europe”.
The first idea involved visiting a certain number of lighthouses.
Given the fact that there are about 60 lighthouses on quite navigable Lake Erie, there were plenty to choose from( many are located on Canada side).
The second mission was to visit the settlements lying in the immediate vicinity of the route with definite European names.
Looking ahead, I will say that both missions were completed, although not in full (after all, the purpose of the trip was rest, and not the number of ticks in the checklist).
Can You Walk Across Lake Erie?
Yes, in winter you can walk across lake Erie.
The strength of ice can be determined by its color.
The strength of ice can be determined visually: blue ice is strong, white ice is 2 times less strong, dull white or with a yellowish tint is unreliable.
Do not go out on the ice at night and in poor visibility (fog, snowfall, rain).
Tap on the ice with a stick: if a puddle of water has formed under it, then the ice is not strong enough.
If moisture appears, immediately leave the place where you are standing, taking precautions: sliding, without lifting your feet from the surface.
On every side of Lake Erie there is a police, vigilant patrol passing by.
Has Anyone Walked Across Lake Erie?
Yes, it was Dave Voelker who spent 2 days crossing the frozen lake.
Before walking he checked the thickness of the ice with the coast guard.
On Feb.
25, 1978, Voelker left Cleveland, Ohio by himself , and he reached Colchester in 48 hours.
He took everything he needed with him: including a tent, walkie talkie, and a tripod with a camera.
He always had to check a compass to make sure he was headed in the right direction.
The trip was not scary although there were many challenges on the way.
For example, somewhere in the middle of his journey,the ice breaker had gone through the lake and it caused the ice to bunch up in many places.
Are There Any Hike Trails Around Lake Erie?
You can walk inCuyahoga Valley National Park.
If you like more challenging hikes, the Ohio State Parks are sure to suit you.
There are a large number of them throughout the state, you can go hiking in nature at any time of the year.
In southern Ohio, you can go to Hocking Hills State Park, for example.
Further north, at Lake Erie, you can pass Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
If you decide to take a winter walk, I recommend Barkcamp.
Can you Walk Across Lake Erie in the Winter?
Yes.
In winter, its surface freezes solid all the way across, to a thickness that will usually support many tourists.
There are people who go hiking in Lake Erie.
Walking in the truest sense.
On foot, with a backpack and a tent.
With an average speed of a fast walker, the entire lake can be crossed in 60 hours – minus overnight stays and halts, this will take more hours.
Tourists say that at night the crackling of ice makes an indelible impression, and the walking air merges into some incredible sighs and melodies.
But you have to be lucky with the weather too.
A snowstorm can hit Lake Erie reducing visibility to a minimum.
People have to literally cut through the snowdrifts under extremely unfavorable conditions.
On the one hand, you can experience a real extreme, and on the other hand, a veil of snow can hit all the beauty of these places.
Can you Cross Lake Erie by Car?
No.
Of course, no trip to the ice by car can be absolutely safe.
By Mid of February, Lake Erie freezes to a depth of 28 inches which means that you can even drive on it.
But the ice is an unstable and mobile thing, cracks form on it, it swells with hummocks and getting stuck or seriously breaking a car here is a common thing.
Therefore, without good conductors, it is impossible to get involved in such an event.
