Snowshoeing to Rattlesnake - Feb '08
 

Thought I'd fish the well of knowlege in this forum...My wife and I are planning on snowshoeing from Minge Cove over to the south tip of Rattlesnake this coming February. We've never been on the lake during winter before and was looking for suggestions/warnings by those who know the lake in winter. I've seen the back-end of various vehicles sticking thru the ice in the Photos section and don't want to make a bad judgement call while we're 'shoeing.

Thanks in advance!
Rich n Maria

Snowshoeing to Rattlesnake
 

Rich and Maria - once the lake has frozen to a safe thickness you should have no trouble snowshoeing from Minge Cove to Rattlesnake. By February the ice should be safe, but you should check back here for an update on conditions before you come up just to make sure. The surface you'll be walking on could be soft, if there is fresh snow, or rough if the snow cover has settled and packed down, but many people go out to Rattlesnake from Minge Cove every winter ... some on foot, some on snowmobiles, some on ATVs, and some using air boats.

I would also take the advice of others on this forum and have hand held ice pick devices attached to sleeves to aid in getting out of the water should you break through.

The Bear Island web site has a page on ice safety. The link is below. Bringing along a light, strong rope is always a good idea. Often the thinest ice is over shallow water. The transition from ice to land can be the trickiest part. Don't walk close together.

http://www.bearisland.org/ice_safety_information.htm

:coolsm: Also, it's usually very easy to hitchhike a door-to-door ride in someone's big pickup truck. You may be surprised how easy it is....just stick out that thumb and wave....going my way...you'll get a quik lift. Hold up up a 16oz bottle of the ice fisherman's best friend, Sam Adams, and the entire Alton Board of Selectmen will be right there for you.....Where to, Mr President....yessuh....right away!

If it is a typical February, you will see bob houses all over the place and vehicles on the ice as well. There will be signs of snowmobile traffic from Minge Cove over to Rattlesnake as well. If all of these features are missing, you'll know something is up ... probably unsafe conditions. By monitoring this forum and the web cams, you'll have a good idea about what's happening.

Though I may not agree with you on speed limits and other issues reguarding the lake BI,I must take my hat off to you on your adventures to the South Pole.Spectacular photos and blog.What fantastic trips you have taken.You must be a very interesting person.I know we have one comman interest with snow and mountains.
If you have not seen his travels yet,check them out on the Bear Island website linked here.Great stuff!!

Thanks, they have been wonderful adventures!

I'm thinking about Everest for my next trip.

Playing on the ice is fun but be prepared
http://www.exn.ca/video/?Video=exn20020325-icewater.asx
Pirk