We need an icebreaker

codprawn · 06 January 2009, 20:04

I just LOVE this weather - it may have been -11.5C last night but so what - anything is better than rain!!!

Never seen Swansea marina so frozen - they tried breaking the ice up but no success - ice easily strong enough to walk on.

codprawn · 06 January 2009, 20:06

And Brecon - looking like Narnia.

I wouldn't mind betting we will have a really nice summer - mild wet winters lead to summers just the same!!!

mdt · 06 January 2009, 20:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

Never seen Swansea marina so frozen - they tried breaking the ice up but no success - ice easily strong enough to walk on.

is it pure salt water in the marina or is there a flow of fresh water that looks like quite thick ice. you going to do the welsh copy of ice road truckers.

codprawn · 06 January 2009, 20:31

The water isn't pure but pretty brackish - there is a barrage across the river and the marina is off to the side. Of course with our huge tides plenty of sea water comes over the barrage 2x a day.

Burryport Harbour is just sea water and that is freezing over as well - nowhere near as thick though.

I have only once seen Swansea Marina freeze but it was nothing like this.

Last time was in 1984ish and look at the summer we had then - didn't rain from march until end of August - not bad for Wales!!!

Jimbo · 06 January 2009, 20:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

And Brecon - looking like Narnia.

I wouldn't mind betting we will have a really nice summer - mild wet winters lead to summers just the same!!!

I'm up in the hills near Brecon at the moment - little place called Glyntawe. Went walking today, and whole rivers had frozen solid, pretty awesome. Will try and dig out some pictures.

Brecon Town Centre tomorrow, then a looooooooong cold walk on Thursday.

bogib · 06 January 2009, 21:16

Guys, just letting you know we are up to + 12 degrees.....

will bring the good weather back with me next week I come across.....

Bogi

BruceB · 06 January 2009, 21:25

Weathers mild enough up here that for the first time in weeks I didn't have to get the guys to grit the paths and roads today.
Any warmer and the deck chairs will be out

fred bolton · 06 January 2009, 22:57

Fibreglass hulls and ice don't mix well, fine if the boat is moored try breaking the ice with the hull and you could do more than damage your gel coat

Nos4r2 · 07 January 2009, 01:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

I wouldn't mind betting we will have a really nice summer - mild wet winters lead to summers just the same!!!

I hope you're right-I booked our summer holiday yesterday!

Stoo · 07 January 2009, 03:32

I used my old RIB to break ice all the time! The trick was getting the snow shovelled out of the ramp first!

Nice pictures by the way... I have borrowed that 4th one on the second post for my desktop if you don't mind!

codprawn · 07 January 2009, 04:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stoo

I used my old RIB to break ice all the time! The trick was getting the snow shovelled out of the ramp first!

Nice pictures by the way... I have borrowed that 4th one on the second post for my desktop if you don't mind!

Not at all - will try to email you the full size image.

JSP · 07 January 2009, 12:24

Nice shots Cod!!

Cookee · 07 January 2009, 13:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

The water isn't pure but pretty brackish - there is a barrage across the river and the marina is off to the side. Of course with our huge tides plenty of sea water comes over the barrage 2x a day.

Burryport Harbour is just sea water and that is freezing over as well - nowhere near as thick though.

I have only once seen Swansea Marina freeze but it was nothing like this.

Last time was in 1984ish and look at the summer we had then - didn't rain from march until end of August - not bad for Wales!!!

Last time I was there racing there was a lock to get out to the sea preventing sea water getting in - has that gone then

codprawn · 07 January 2009, 13:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookee

Last time I was there racing there was a lock to get out to the sea preventing sea water getting in - has that gone then

Yes the lock is still there but the tide comes over the top of the barrage twice a day. The marina locks are wide open as they are being repaired.

Of course locks tend to allow sea water in when they are opened as well.........

prairie tuber · 08 January 2009, 16:27

Great pictures, Codprawn! I imagine the roads were very slick as well.

codprawn · 08 January 2009, 23:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by prairie tuber

Great pictures, Codprawn! I imagine the roads were very slick as well.

They were when the council ran out of grit!!!

Not much will grip on black ice - unless you have spiked tyres. I had great fun in our supermarket car park late at night..............

prairie tuber · 09 January 2009, 00:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

They were when the council ran out of grit!!!

Not much will grip on black ice - unless you have spiked tyres. I had great fun in our supermarket car park late at night..............

Hopefully you don't take the Aston Martin out in those conditions

codprawn · 09 January 2009, 00:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by prairie tuber

Hopefully you don't take the Aston Martin out in those conditions

If I had one I would - RWD and big fat tyres are great fun!!!