50 yards of ice to get to open water
18 inches deep and clear as a bell
Inquire here about a great deal on a swim ladder
Lead back to shore remained open thank goodness
stout icebreaker paddle boat!
A long time ago, I co-owed a small keelboat with a friend of mine. We were slightly crazy and more than slightly obsessed and we'd pick odd times to go sailing. Like Feb.2 every year. This was a tradition that went on for about 6 years. One year we got boarded by the Coast Guard who asked us repeatedly what the HECK WE WERE DOING OUT THERE!
So to keep the tradition alive I thought I'd go out and maybe just put the jib up for a little while and ghost around in the very light breeze. But there was so much ice in the creek I knew that was out. I put the kayak in with not a huge set of expectations. The ice had the harbor locked in except for where there were bubblers cranking away.
But it pays to persevere. After pounding away at the ice for 30 minutes with the icebreaker kayak, I made it to open water. About 200 buffleheads were not happy I did, but they just paddled out of range a bit and ignored me. I love how clear the water is in winter and I can make someone a great deal on a swim ladder. Just email me and this baby is yours....
Cheers to the Blackhole Creek east shore resident who yelled out, "Never seen a kayak used as an icebreaker before!"
Wx: calm and 45 F
Gear: bibs and spray top.
Critters: dabbling ducks