Sorry I didn't get the information out as early as usual this morning, but it's been a busy one. Not much to report, but Fred makes it more interesting with lots of photos. As of 7 a.m., the pallet was still out there and when Fred was there it was a gray, cold morning with a few snowflakes in the air. Some of the open water was frozen in the quieter bays, but not at the boat access near the pallet and flag. We expect the clock will stop very soon, though, and will keep close tabs on it.

I had an e-mail this morning from Louise Lufkin, one of the organizers of the ice-out contest at Maidstone Lake, quite a bit north of us and near the New Hampshire border. The clock stopped there on April 4, at 8:24 p.m. Louise said Joe's Pond has historically gone out 1-2 days after Maidstone. It's time, folks!

I checked, and Maidstone is more than double the acreage of Joe's Pond (796A. vs. 396A.) but the elevation is lower. It's at 1303' and we are at 1575'. They are closer to the Connecticut River than we are, I think. Louise didn't say how many tickets they sold or how large the winnings were.

You'll notice in the slide show the Town of Cabot has worked the roads. We were pleased and surprised yesterday when they began hauling in material and then the grader came. Very nice road, and this morning they are hauling beyond us, apparently working their way towards the Walden line and Cabot Plain. This is early for them to work the roads, but none of us who travel them would dispute the need. The mud has been pretty bad this year. There are still spots where the frost hasn't come out yet, but they are becoming fewer, and Cabot seems to be right on top of things.

We learned this morning of the death of Janice M. Cody, mother of Robin Nicholson (Old Homestead Rd.). Mrs. Cody was 86, and died on April 5. You may send condolences to Robin at 76 Sugarwoods Rd., Barre VT 05641.