The weather has been perfect. Lots of snow, a little warming to soften it, a little plunge in temperature to set it up just right, a little sun to touch up the crust, and there you have it: packy snow that can be carved into snowstone to build a fort, an igloo . . . or a castle in Eastport.
The word was out. Master Craftsman and Sculptor Daugherty Johnson was at it again. By the time I got over there with my camera his latest creation was well advanced, but I managed to document a little of the process. He carved out his building blocks methodically.
He brought all the right tools.
Most of all, he had a vision.
For those of you who wonder about such matters, Norton Bretz assured me that the castle, built over his septic pond, is properly permitted and is rated to accommodate four bedrooms. Local realtors note that the castle is part of a trend toward exceptional structures in Eastport. To examine further details, please click on photos below:
For more examples of the oeuvre of Daugherty Johnson, please see:
- Berging the Carp and Carving the Wolf. Must be the tail end of winter.
- Babs got dig-effects! Also bears. Or wolves. Howling.
- And another view of the sled dogs
Torch Lake Views 
uphilldowndale
January 25, 2009
Wonderful, I’ve been looking forward to this, does the master craftsman do requests? I had in minds eye an eagle………..
I’m now also puzzled about how a septic pond can function in such cold temperatures, but I’m trying not to dwell on it.
giiid
January 25, 2009
They must have had so much fun, making this fantastic castle!. If we get snow here, I will try to copy the idea in a small scale.
Connie Claar
January 25, 2009
Thanks for the awesome pictures and explanations for building a castle. Sorry, we have no snow here right now….
Katy
January 26, 2009
Daugherty…would you please make me a unicorn outside the castle wall..Thanks Katy
Gerry
January 26, 2009
Katy, I am sorry to tell you that the Torch Lake Township Zoning Ordinance does not permit keeping large animals in the Village. Although, now that you mention it, we got away with the bears and the wolves. I wonder if they were grandfathered? Must ask Bill Briggs.
centria
January 27, 2009
The students at Michigan Tech in Houghton are starting to make their snow sculptures now. It will be fun to see what creations they come up with this year. I guess I’ll have to grab the camera & go next weekend for the Outdoor Blog. This looks like a great sculpture! Kathy
sartenada
February 20, 2011
When thinking that it is made by “ordinary” people, it is beautiful! In fact I will only visit them, just like I did in Kemi where is world’s biggest Snow Castle.
Gerry
February 20, 2011
Thanks, Sartenada. I think the castle was beautiful, too. As for “ordinary” – dunno. Daugherty Johnson is one of the most extraordinary people I’ve ever met.