Dorks, Wusses and Ice Crossing....

“Any comments on crossing bodies of water in the Adirondacks during the winter?

I have taken shortcuts across frozen lakes in the winter with a full pack and would do it again...

Some TTers are somewhat apprehensive of that task though...

Could you calm their fears and explain to them that it is quite common and safe to do this in the middle of the winter especially this winter.

Also any advice on checking to make sure the ice is safe?”

“Yeah, let Adventurist go first.”

“Wear your skis.”

“Wait till you see the new set-up for my sled.....

I rigged it up so it will attach to the back of your sled.”

“Don't have skis...

We are using snowshoes and pulling sleds behind...”

“Sorry man, New York state law prohibits double trailers. Love to help you, but you know what a good citizen I am.”

“I'd be apprehensive if I didn't know the area. How much of a short cut is this?

Can you call the park or a forester/warden/ranger and check on the thickness of the ice? Do you know the lake well (i.e. depths, warm areas, natural springs, etc), or is it one frequented by snowmobilers and/or ice fisherman?

Probably most ice is safe this winter but you never know.”

“Hi Adventurist!

I live in an area with lots of lakes. Lots of it is local knowledge. I'd head out to the local bait shop and ask about ice conditions in the area.

I'd also bring an ice auger and cut some test holes. From what I understand, anything over 4 inches is pretty safe.

I might also look at lake contour maps. If there is a spring in the lake, don't walk over it. Springs cause instability.

I've also heard that a good ice axe and rope to pull yourself out of a hole in the water is good. Also, don't do this alone. Some gear sleds can act as flotation devices.

That's all I know.”

“Seriously, RL?
and an ice auger weighs....?

Definately ask locally. However last year the commercial shacks were on the river and the river was open very close to 'em. Some guys in their own shack broke away and floated down the river and the coast guard had to rescue them. So local knowledge can be a little flawed, depending on how badly people wanna fish. "plenty of ice" in local terms could mean, "I need to get away from the ole lady" or "I'm drunk anyway, so who cares?" lol

So you're gonna carry the ice axe in your hand the whole way just in case you fall through? I think it would be kind of a surprise if you feel through and you might not be quick enough with the axe.
Once you're under the ice you can't tell which way is up and you tire very quickly. Any movement of the water is gonna take you away from the hole you just fell through. With all the gear you have on, and being attached to a heavy gear sled (don't forget the auger, lol) I bet you'd sink right to the bottom, pronto.

I'm sure the lakes are fine this winter, and I'm out on some of them as well. I think it's a personal decision and don't let someone talk you into doing something you don't want to do.

A couple weekends ago, a friend of mine made the half mile trip to get water. I went down the banking with my axe, and she kept saying things like, "do you think over there would be a good place?" and finally I said, "let's just fill these jugs with snow." Sometimes it isn't worth it.”

“concern lessens depending on how many days below freezing its been”

“Falling through ice holes has never much appealed to my tastes. I'd walk around the lake myself. It sounds like one of those deals where it's always safe except (ker-splash!).”

“I hate crossing lakes on skis, but snowshoes are all right. If you ski into slush your day on skis is pretty much over. If there's a good trail and no obvious slushy spots I'll try it. Recent cold weather doesn't make these spots disappear because they get trapped between layers of ice. It only takes a short warm and/or sunny period to make the surface ice thin enough for you to break through. Staying close to shore doesn't always help. I don't think there's much danger of dropping right through this winter, however.”

“Be careful around inlets and outlets, they can have thin spots where the water is flowing underneath.”

“If you have to cross the ice unbuckle your hip belt and sternum strap while crossing incase you fall in you can remove your pack quickly. You can make sort of an ice cleat for your hands by taking 2 of the small wooden handled ice picks grind down the metal pick so it’s about an inch long with a point on the end. Drill a hole in each handle to run a cord through a couple feet long. While crossing the ice keep this over your shoulders hanging in front of you. If you fall in use these to pull yourself out of the hole up on to the ice.”

“My technique works better!”

“Where is MSilver on this thread? That guy is absolutely fearless when it comes to crossing frozen water.”

“Geobeet I agree with you, but some people just won't listen.”

“throw a hand grenade at the water crossing to make sure it will hold you”

“This thread reminds me of something I saw on a cold Alabama morning.

My wife and I were driving to visit her family in Boaz, AL. It had been extremely cold for several days, and we were crossing a shallow patch of Lake Guntersville on a bridge. I looked out over the frozen lake, and saw what looked like a snowmobile path crossing the snow on the lake. Well, crossing about halfway anyway. It ended suddenly at a dark-looking spot on the ice.

I'm guessing some redneck lost their snowmobile that day....”

“After all the cold weather we've had I'll bet the lake ice is currently frozen pretty thick.”

“About 2 years ago on the lake where I live a father and son lost their lives by falling into the lake on a snowmobile.”

“I'm w/ Geo. I don't really think I'd fancy entering God's kingdom through the "frozen arse" enterance. There may be warmer options for death, if that is what you are after. (Then again, I might be wrong. I don't do any winter bping, especially if I have to cross large bodies of frozen water.)”

“Just use your head, Adventurist- it's all in the hands of Darwin...”

“I can't think to many rednecks in Alabama HAVE snowmobiles. More than likely, it was a fourwheeler.”

“Cut a pole. Carry it.”

“Probably SS. But you never know. I have seen all sorts of ridiculous stuff down here.

My grandfather had a snowmobile, but he lived a couple hundred miles further north, so he got to use it from time to time.”

“Hey Adventurist, this thread is not calming my fears.....lol Thats ok, we'll just take an ice test dummy....cough cough Adventurist....cough cough.”

“You know bitpusher, he could have been one of those "damn yankees" that more and more of are moving down south to live. Brought the snowmobile with him. He was so overjoyed with home like weather he had to take it for a spin.

Any of you northern people know the difference between a "yankee" and a "damn yankee"?”

“One is smart the other is smarter?”

“One pissed you off the other didnt?”

“I would feel really sorry for him if he was living in Guntersville. It's a nice place, but it would be a hell of a culture shock.”

“Now the difference between a "yankee" and a "damn yankee" is rather subtle. (southern joke)

A yankee comes to visit, while a "damn yankee" comes and stays. ...”

“We'll be okay. I'll pull ya out if ya fall in, as long as you give me a beer, of course.”

“I might as well give you a 6 pack now.”

“I think if we run fast enough so that we don't actually "touch" the ice but glide over it....”

“Ok speedy, I think you have been watching too many cartoons....lol”

“Ya I like to take a ice drill out before I go accross it!!!'

Ya right!!!!!

8P”

“I fall into the wuss category. We could have saved a lot of miles on one trip in the Adirondacks but opted for the long way around. Where do I apply for the skirt?”

“At a frozen stripmine pond I saw deer tracks leading out to a big hole in the ice.

Maybe we should just stick to the trail ;)”

“Geez, people. The question was asked: How do you cross the ice safely? The opinions of others are fine. But there is no substitute for direct data. You don't need anything really big to cut through, but if you are unsure, you should test ice depth.

We always have people who fall through around here. People do die this way. But there are ways to make it safer.

But everyone can make their own choices.”

“wait till spring and then hike .....”

“if your feeling froggy...........leap”

“if your feeling froggy...........leap"
sirpeteofmillwork
09:28:11 PM
01/27/03

With this bunch, you might want to add a disclaimer or something Pete, jeez, do you have no soul man!”

“hey pal can't wait to see ya at the FYAO!!

Don't be busting to hard on ole Pete he's a friend ya know. don't wanna have to take a road trip and kick some Ohian arse.

He he”

“Wow!
Masked Marauder, Do you know Sirpete? Ever hiked with him? He's pretty cool for a Giants fan ain't he.”

“LOL you Damn Southern!!

What's up bud. Hey did you look at the pic's on the Catskills tread? check'em out”

“So I guess Violin would SKIRT the pond all together.

I like twigeater's assessment.
"...need to get away from the ole lady..."
"...I'm drunk anyway..."
I knew some Vermonters like that.”

“I guess the simplist and safe thing would be to just call the park service and ask them.

btw - after witnessing Pete's leap of faith this past weekend, I bet he could froggy leap over the lake.”

“Look....its a bird,....no its a plane.... No, its SirPete. Able to leap frozen lakes with a single bound, Able to swoon 70 year old waitresses in New York with a single smile, able to........”

“Hag-shaggin'?”