by Doug Merrill

From most points in town, we can see that the higher elevations of the Green Mountains have snow cover, but in our own backyards we have spent most of January looking at the cold, hard, brown yards that an almost snowless winter provides. While I'm sure many of our neighbors are pleased that they don't need to shovel, salt, or snowblow, those of us who look forward to a layer of snow for our winter activities have been frustrated.  

Those of us who spend time outdoors know that some of the most popular recreational attractions are our waterways. While just about everyone appreciates swimming, fishing, and boating on our rivers, ponds, and lakes for most of the year, only a few people venture out in the winter, when the water freezes, or "turns hard" as some say. Most years find Shelburne Pond, Shelburne Bay, and the LaPlatte River frozen over to the point where they can be enjoyed outdoor enthusiasts. There are also numerous ponds and neighborhood rinks to enjoy! Skating, skiing, and fishing are the most popular pastimes, but others sail, run, climb, or bicycle (with studded tires) on these large frozen surfaces.

This year the lack of snow has left many of our ice surfaces free of snow and in great shape to skate on.  Shelburne Pond, in particular, has been widely enjoyed by skaters, fishermen, skiers, and sailors (on iceboats). The LaPlatte River has seen skaters and skiers from Bay Road to the Route 7 bridge. It can be accessed from the Nature Conservancy trails off of Bay Road.  I've been told that ice climbers have been enjoying the ice faces of the cliffs on the LaPlatte River in the LaPlatte Nature Park. Shelburne Bay freezes over in most years  and when it does it provides the largest expanse of ice in town. This year it has resisted Mother Nature's attempts to freeze so far.

Safety must be the primary concern for anyone planning to venture out onto natural ice. Never go onto ice alone. Start out with someone who has experience checking ice conditions until you have gained experience yourself. The thickness and composition of the ice both need to be carefully assessed before making the judgment that it can support your weight. Carry the appropriate safety gear with you, including ice claws and a throw rope at a minimum. Supplies can be found at "The Nordic Skater," a business in Norwich, Vermont, which specializes in outfitting long distance Nordic Skating enthusiasts. Ice claws can be made at home very easily as well; search for 'home-made ice claws' on the web and you will find several designs that can be made by a novice carpenter for less than $1. Slips, trips and falls on natural ice are common, so a set of creepers for your boots and a helmet for your head is a good idea.  

Remember that there is no such thing as "safe ice." Caution is called for at all times. However, for those that make the effort to get out there and stay safe, you will find that few winter activities are as rewarding as enjoying and exploring the "hard water" of our region's waterways in the winter.