Island Girl's April Ice Out Tour 2005 - Part 2,page 2
Back on the road, down Rt. 11 in Gilford, a quick stop to get a picture of the ice. I did not stay long here at the side of the road with cars zooming by.
The same story at Rattlesnake Landing, lots of ice, with a little melting at the shore... Remember this is only five days before ice out!
This small marina is clear of ice at the slips but locked in at the entrance.
Finally on the airboat, we begin the ride out to our island. This boat went out the day before and we can see the tracks it left. This is Cub Island in the front, then Sleepers, and Rattlesnake further away and to the right. A gorgeous morning for a boat ride.
Coming around Sleeper's Island there is more open water than last week. That is ice in the distance.
Diamond Island is straight ahead..... the same view as last week's picture.. much thinner ice this time. What looks like open water in the forefront is glazed over ice. It was probably open water the day before.
A view down the lake, more ice.. "Will it ever melt", I wondered. Although thinner than a few days ago, it looks like the ice will be with us another week. (Little did I know what would happen)
Once on the island, a little walk to the NW tip reveals more ice. It is quite thick and snowy at this end of the island.
Off to the north a view of the broads reveals more of the same.. ice... too much ice!
Looking to the west.. ice piled up on the shore and the remains of the last snow. That is Diamond Island in the distance.
Down by the shore, the water is clear and cold. Here thicker ice can be seen. That is about 8". In some places it was 12" on the ride out. The far shore is Tuftonboro Neck and Cow Island.
This was the first boat in the lake this season, contrary to someone else's announcement. It has been in the water since January. My host is off to do some chores. It is quiet and peaceful on the island just before ice out. No boats, no snowmobiles, just us and the wildlife.
.... continued....