December 29, 2002
Freeze-up came early this year. I was walking on the river ice a couple of weeks ago and it appeared the ice was here to stay for the duration. The dogs as well as the deer use the frozen riparian surface as their winter highway. It’s also great for skiing (no up-hills or down) and opens up numerous trail options to explore. But then it rained, and the influx of water simulated a spring melt-off creating December ice out. The ice slabs sitting on the edge of the stream resemble an arctic deck of playing cards scattered across a table. I measured the slabs at over 16 inches thick. With the new year approaching, I’m taking this as a dramatic out with the old ice and in with the new! Already it’s reforming and I will soon be able to take a stroll upstream with a cup of coffee in my hand. But for now, I’m content to sit by the stacks of 2002 ice and bide my time…