I know you're all anxious to know when the ice is going to go out. I've had a couple calls today and some e-mails. Everyone expects it to go soon, but if you've seen my pictures posted yesterday you know where the flag is the ice is still pretty solid - and there were fishermen on the ice yesterday. I just looked, and they aren't fishing there today. Here's Chico Carcoba's formula -

UPDATE: NORTH MONTPELIER WENT OUT LAST WEEKEND,WOODBURY SHOULD BE OUT THIS WEEKEND FROM MY OBSERVATION. THEREFORE JOE'S IS GOING OUT 7-10 DAYS AFTER WOODBURY. BEEN FOOLED A FEW TIMES BUT CLOSE EACH YEAR ON WHEN THE ICE GOES OUT. AS I SAID, MY TICKET CANNOT WIN. CHICO

P.S. MY WIFE IS STILL IN THE RUNNING.

We'll take more pictures tomorrow. If the temperatures continue to be in the 50's range as they were today, and the wind continues strong, melting could be more hastened. It was very nice here today - I raked a few spots that were free of snow. Actually, we don't have a lot of snow left, but in a few shaded spots and lots still in the woods. Everything is very dry, in spite of the snow melt. I've heard a couple of fire reports on my scanner today, but nothing out of control as far as I can tell. Just folks burning leaves or grass that got out of control. There was a warning to towns yesterday that no burning permits should be issued because everything is so very dry. We really need rain badly, but none is forecast for the remainder of this week.