First Ice

 

Well it is finally winter.  On Saturday I went for my first ski, and then on Sunday Nora and I went skating with Uncle Dicky and the dogs.

We went to the usual early ice spot - Jack and Lee lakes - and the smaller pond had beautiful black ice.  The ice was clear and you could see all the lily pads on the bottom.  I'd skate backwards and the dogs would chase me around and around the pond.  I'd turn quick and the dogs would have a hard time cornering and would skitter sideways.

Skating outside seems to have had a recent surge in popularity. I've been reading all about 'wild ice' and social media has been flooded with pictures of people skating on black ice in alpine settings. In the comments on an Instagram post someone even asked if one needed 'special skates' for 'wild ice'. It's sort of funny because I've never liked to skate on rinks and have skated outside my entire life.  'Wild Ice' is sort of an oxymoron - as I see it ice is ice, and it is more fun to be on ice when you are outside in the sunshine.

Patrick