Ice Out
Published April 6, 2005 | 
Insert an insightful lyric from “Consolation in E Major” here.
On April 3rd the water was solid. By the afternoon of the 4th leads had opened up to the middle of the lake. Yesterday the 5th, the lake was clear of everything but drift. Gryphon and I spent a couple hours walking along the shore and watching the loons diving for long forays under the water and then coming back to the surface a good distance from where they went under. Last year we had an ice island floating on the center of the lake for days on end. Today, I have to try to get my work done by 4 pm so I can get the boats loaded and be out on the water by 5. It’s great to think of getting out on the water in terms of minutes again. Joy! Rapture!
Everyone wants to get out and paddle this time of year. If you are a water person it’s only natural. But again it’s time to review the effects of hypothermia. Something very obvious to us year-round folks but often is forgotten on a 70 degree spring day in Wisconsin. Don’t forget that water is cold! I’d like to see everyone have a nice swim in the gear they plan to go paddling in before they go out. If after spending about 10 minutes in the water in your gear and you still feel like paddling, then jump in your boat. No one “plans” on falling out. I’m always amazed when some one says to me something like, “well, I’m not planning on getting in the water.” Yikes! I’m not planning on ever getting in a car accident either so let’s skip the seat belt and airbags. . . .
Sorry, just nagging again. 
For review, see the Hypothermia Table and Symptoms of Hypothermia in the Handout section of the site. Even though I think I know this stuff I still review it myself.
cheers!
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3 Responses to Ice Out
Well I’m glad to see I’m not the only nag out here. This time of year, you just see so many people out there wearing such totally inadequate gear & assuming they’re going to be fine. I figure if 60 experienced paddlers on our local NYCKayaker list read my little seasonal noodge & think “yeah, yeah, tell me something I don’t know, Ms. Knowitall”, and one person reads & says “Wow. I didn’t know that”, I’ve done something worth doing.
I’m getting my kayak today! The truck driver just called and he said he’d be in Appleton around 3 pm! I’m giddy with anticipation. It’s a good thing that I always keep straps in my car as I’ll be sneaking away from work for a half hour to pick it up!
Hi “BK”,
Good. I’m glad you are nagging too! There have been too many accidents this year already!
Hey Alex!
So, did you do some yard paddling or did you get out on the water? I look forward to seeing your BBK!