Ice Out

 With the chilly spring and winter extending late this year, much talk was when the ice would go off the lakes, and if in time for fishing opener. Watching the stages of "ice out" is one of the most fascinating things living by a lake. The ice changes colors as the wind, rain and temperature all play a role on the progression on the ice disappearing. Last week when the ice was getting ready to break up, we had a rain shower move through and 30 minutes later it cleared to the northwest and allowing the sun to shine through and light up the southeast shore. A rainbow also appeared making for a rare and beautiful scene as fog rolled off towards the south.

I tried to get on the ice one more time with the fatbike but the last time I tried, there was too much water from the sudden melt of snow. making it very mushy on top. The ice was solid and safe but hardly possible to ride.

 Once again, Jens was one of the first ones to test the open waters.

 The final stages of ice out see slivers of ice that remind me of the early Superman movies when Superman was looking for kryptonite.

 The loons were ancy, waiting for the ice to go off and returned with just a little bit of open water which was unusual compared to other years. I was in the kayak exploring the open waters when one came bombing down and literally belly flopped on the open water. Never seen anything like it.

 Fun exploring on the open water with the kayak. Depending on the wind direction this crack would be as wide as the paddle, open up 20-30 feet than close back up. Eventually it was the crack that split open the lake and provided the open area for the loons to return on photo above.




I was in Bemidji last Saturday and found over 90% coverage. The ice was pushing up on the south shores making for another spectacular scene. The same day was when Mille Lacs and Lake Winnipeg had some incredible ice push.

 In the woods, the smaller lakes went off a bit earlier and always a sign when the trails will be rideable (if no rain) as the frost is out enough to have good riding surface. Jake back home last week for a few days and fun to hook up for a mtb ride, rolling past twin lake.

Fishing action has been quiet. Have seen one boat and Bruce was fishing from the dock this week when he was visiting.