Homer Fitts called this morning to let us know the Ice-Out flag is now down. Apparently the contraption sank during the night. You can see all that was left is a mark in the ice where the rope was. It's going to be hard to haul everything out, but Ray Richer told me he'll do it once his pontoon boat is in the water.

Fred took this photo of the water coming out of the pond this morning. We had rain most of yesterday and this morning. No downpours, but fairly steady, and as you can see by the picture of the hillside across from us above Rt. 15, there's hardly any snow left. All melted and running down Joe's Brook.

I have been busy letting reporters know about Ash Desmond being the winner of the contest - those that did stories earlier like to have a follow up. We're hoping at least some of them will come to the state fishing access tomorrow at 5 p.m. when we present the check to him. Any of you who would like to come are welcome. I think it will be a lovely warm day, and by then the whole pond may be free of ice, so you might enjoy the ride out to the pond.

Jeff Bonneau, Channel 7 News out of Lyndon State College, did a nice feature piece on our contest. It aired on Wednesday. Fred has put a link on home page of our web site so you can see that newscast. The bit about Joe's Pond is at 7:17, so you can fast forward if you don't want the whole news program. It takes a little time to load, so please be patient. Homer Fitts and Don Walker do a great job, and so does Ray Richer. They did the interview the day Ray was putting the flag out, and then waited for word from us that the ice had gone so they could tell people the rest of the story.

The Caledonian Record did an article yesterday: Caledonian Report
The Times-Argus did a short piece today: Argus Report

I just realized Ms. Cook from the Caledonian got the wind directions mixed up, but I'm sure those of you who know the pond understand it was a southeast wind that took the flag away from Homer's, while a north wind will always send the ice into the cove by the fishing access. It's all over, however, and we're happy to have a winner.

Gee, I just looked out my window and it was snowing, then it turned to driving hail. It only lasted for a few minutes, but was accompanied by a stiff wind out of the northwest. We've had a few spots of sunshine this afternoon, but it remains only about 40 degrees and right now there seems to be a duel between sun and snow. I can hardly believe it will be close to 70 degrees tomorrow - and even higher over the weekend. We'll probably pay for that later . . .

There was a comment yesterday from someone named Joy in New Jersey, asking if the wind really disconnected the clock and ended the contest. I hope she reads the reports on the blog - I have no way to communicate with her, but perhaps she will send a message to us at jpwebmaster@fairpoint.net. Thanks for commenting, Joy!