Ice-in Watch 2007-2008

Mink Islander · 02-06-2008, 08:15 AM

You can probably get on the ice at Browns where the Mason Barge ties up. If you call Brown's, I'm sure Sue will be able to tell you. It was available last year. Even if the barge is there, youll be able to get around it on sleds or on foot. With Scouts, I'm assuming you're on foot. Between Bear and Pine, just be wary of the ice closer to Pine Island. It's probably fine, but that's always a late area for locking in. An ATV went through the ice around there some years back.

Some years ago now, I used to hike across the the carry on Bear -- the narrow pinch point between the two halves of the island. You'll come out in the cove just south of Camp Nokomis. Could be a good test for your scouts with a map to see if they can find it! Again, depending on where you're going, that could save you time.

Also, depending on where you are heading on Bear (like towards Camp Lawrence), Cattle Landing may be a better entry point. There too, so long as your mindful of the aggressive use of ice eaters along there -- wouldn't want those electric bills -- it was safe through there two weeks ago with 10 inches of ice. I'm heading over tomorrow by sled and probably from Browns so I'll send you a private message if there are any challenges to getting on the ice there.

Glad to hear Scouts are getting out there! I'm the Scoutmaster of a Troop down in Mass. The first weekend in March I'm bringing a dozen of my Scouts over to Mink for some ice fishing.

02-06-2008, 08:15 AM	#30
Mink Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 753 Thanks: 59 Thanked 271 Times in 129 Posts	Hiking over to Bear Island You can probably get on the ice at Browns where the Mason Barge ties up. If you call Brown's, I'm sure Sue will be able to tell you. It was available last year. Even if the barge is there, youll be able to get around it on sleds or on foot. With Scouts, I'm assuming you're on foot. Between Bear and Pine, just be wary of the ice closer to Pine Island. It's probably fine, but that's always a late area for locking in. An ATV went through the ice around there some years back. Some years ago now, I used to hike across the the carry on Bear -- the narrow pinch point between the two halves of the island. You'll come out in the cove just south of Camp Nokomis. Could be a good test for your scouts with a map to see if they can find it! Again, depending on where you're going, that could save you time. Also, depending on where you are heading on Bear (like towards Camp Lawrence), Cattle Landing may be a better entry point. There too, so long as your mindful of the aggressive use of ice eaters along there -- wouldn't want those electric bills -- it was safe through there two weeks ago with 10 inches of ice. I'm heading over tomorrow by sled and probably from Browns so I'll send you a private message if there are any challenges to getting on the ice there. Glad to hear Scouts are getting out there! I'm the Scoutmaster of a Troop down in Mass. The first weekend in March I'm bringing a dozen of my Scouts over to Mink for some ice fishing.