12-29-2023, 03:16 AM
(12-27-2023, 07:54 AM)lavaman Wrote: Be advised and be careful of the many springs in there. Definitely not worth the dip. Happens every year about this time.
You are correct. Current conditions are such that a spud is your best bud. Ice varied from 4"- open.
Ive noticed a trend over the years though. Every year I admittedly go out a little sooner than some, BUT..... I am very cautious, fully prepared for a self rescue, and check as I move along. I know its no substitute for waiting for the typical 4". I do watch the ice pattern as it forms days, sometimes weeks before I actually hop aboard. The scary part I see every year is- while I carefully pick and check a safe route to destination, there is undoubtedly some young soles that show up, look around, see me, assume as is well and proceed to run onto the ice. They are usually goofing around in street attire armed with nothing more than their magic selfie generators. Thankfully I haven't had to lend any of them my spare change of clothes.