[Lakegeezer]

The ice on snowmobile route 15, over the ice from the powerline trail to Ambrose cove is probably safe, as it is has been formed for several days and is now making stress crack noises, but anything south of there is fresh ice -just formed last night. Way down into M'boro bay, south of Elkins point, it is still open water. A light coating of snow fell this morning, showing where the ice is, and isn't. There hasn't been any human activity on the ice around here yet, and you probably don't want to be the first (but someone has to be).

As for ice-spikes. Definitely a good idea and you can make yourself a pair for little money. Buy a 1 inch dowel and cut it into two 8" rods. Drive a nail into one end, then cut off the nail head at an angle, so there is a point that will dig into ice. Put a cork on the exposed nail. Drill a hole across the other end of each dowel rod, at least 1/4" from the end, loop some heavy cord through that and tie it off. The cord should be long enough to go up your arm, around your neck and down the other arm. When you venture on the ice, loop the cord around the back of your neck and hold the dowels in each hand as you put on your overcoat. Then, tuck the dowels up inside your sleeve. If you fall into the ice, the dowels are handy. Don't forget to take the extra second to pull off the corks.

It is good to test an emergency system before it is needed, but in this case, it is better to just practice getting them out of your sleeve and imagine the rest.

Happy New Year - be safe