I've had a comment from "Jennifer" asking how come she saw people moving around at the site of the Ice-Out hook-up just about the time the clock stopped, and wondered if it was coincidence.  Well, in answer to that, yes and no.  Not coincidence really because Fred and I had gone down to check to make sure everything was intact, which we had been doing regularly since the pallet and flag had gone down.  Then Ray Richer, who had done the set-up for us in past years, saw our car and stopped by as well.  We asked Ray to check out the connection, etc., too, and then were all three back and forth observing and discussing why this was different than other years, and as we were standing next to the railing where the connection is, the rope tightened and broke the connection, stopping the clock.  

We then called upon Ray to be our third set of eyes to verify the exact time the clock was showing - we secured the line that was lying limp in the water with the floats attached and left the scene.  So checking the equipment was routine, being there when the connection was broken strictly coincidence, although it has happened in the past because whoever is in charge is generally keeping very close watch on everything when it's obvious the end is in sight very soon.

We are not surprised someone was watching - and Jennifer, thank you for asking the question.  I had not thought to describe fully how it happened we were all there.  Now, when you view camera 1, you can see the flag next to the seawall.  Later in the day, Ray was able to retrieve the pallet and secure it on shore for us.  Some of you may have observed him doing that, as well.  On camera 2 you can see that there is open water over much of the surface of the pond.  Historically, within from two to four days of the end of the contest, the entire pond is free of ice. 


I received this poster from Diane Langmaid.  Like she said - it looks like it will be a great time, and is for a good cause.  Take a look by clicking on the picture to make it larger.  Mark the date on your calendar - June 8th is in the somewhat distant future, and although I'll try to remember to post it again closer to the event, it may slip my mind, so better save the date now.  Thanks to Diane for sending it to us.

I rec'd this nice note from Homer and Margaret Fitts yesterday.  I was busy with other stuff and didn't get to post it, but because Homer was such a big part of this contest for many years, it's not surprising he know and appreciates all the work and effort that goes into the contest each year, not only by those of us on the committee, but all the other people who are part of our support group.  So thank you very much, Homer and Margaret, for this:
 

HI FRED,JANE,BILL AND DIANE,

 

A VERY SINCERE THANK YOU TO YOU AND WHOEVER  ELSE HELPED YOU WITH THE SUCCESSFUL 2013 ICE-OUT.       SURE HOPE OTHERS APPRECIATE ALL THE WORK AND WORRY THAT GOES WITH IT.

                                                THANKS AGAIN,

                                                                HOMER AND MARGARET