What to say? Three weeks ago the ice was too thin and unpredictable and people were falling thro. Two weeks ago the ice seemed good.... as good as one can tell when it isn't actually visible under a big load of nice, fresh, white snow.... but there was also slush and water under that big load of nice, fresh, white snow and what fun that was! The instant our skis broke thro into the water and slush they gained 1000 pounds and we weren't going anywhere. Last week we had one good day skiing on the ice where our skis did not break thro the top snow layer.... today it is raining, the snow is again slush, the lake is coming down with grey pox (big grey patches are showing all over it... patches that could be unpredictable, unsafe and prudent to stay away from). So, so far the lakes have not been too good for skiers.
There has been quite a few people out on the ground trails tho. The trail to Kibbee Lake is fairly well broke and someone has been out on the Osprey Nature Trail. A short trail around the Government Campground is used daily for those who want to go out for an hour or so, but unless you really know what you are doing I would suggest staying off of the lakes.
I talk from a 'bit' of experience. You see a few weeks ago, in mid Dec. I was one of those lucky people who went into the lake. No... I did not fall in.... I said.... I went in.... to save the two sorry souls who did fall in!! Usually Charley is good around ice but I think he was just too excited to find his winter romping grounds back that he lost his brains for a bit. He ran out in his boisterous four legged way and promptly fell in.... about 75 yards from shore. I coaxed an cheered from shore but there was just no way he could gain his footing. I puzzled it out for a minute.... do I try to gingerly walk on top of the ice (and fall with an unexpected jolt half way there and break my knee like last winter?)... do I get down on all fours and creep out (and drown face down when the ice gives out?) Only sensible thing seemed to be to walk out into the water and git him, breaking the ice as I go to prevent any unexpected surprises!! I got about a half dozen steps from shore and G decided that he wasn't going to be left behind.... Wait for me... I'm coming tooooo!!!!
When G gets something in his mind, no amount of shouting will stop him. He got about 50 feet from shore... not bad for being 40 pounds heavier then Charley. I kept walking, busting up the ice in front of me. I walked right past G... he was not impressed....but Charley had been in longer and he's allot smaller then G... not so much body to fat to insulate him.... and drug Charley out onto good ice. On the way back I took a short detour to the right to drag G out. Back on dry land, both dogs happily romped and played, shaking and rolling, barking and jumping while I slowly sloshed my way back. Funny I thought the water would be colder .... or maybe frozen legs are a good thing when one is forced to play in ice water. One things for sure.... dragging ice-water logged gumboots and snow pants thro two feet of soft snow all the way back home is not recommended as a fun outing!!
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