Four-Wheeler Off the Ice

 The four-wheeler was hauled out of the water sometime today. It was too cold for me to go down to see what was happening, and Shelly had to leave, but she told me it was gone when she got home later in the day. She said there were people kite skiing near the narrows - that's another dangerous spot as the water current through the narrows keeps the ice from freezing very thick. The weather has been so erratic this year, everyone should be very cautious about going onto the ice here at Joe's Pond and all other bodies of water.

Whoever hauled the machine out of the water put caution tape up around the spot to let people know to keep away. However, some people won't know what that's about and may go close to investigate. Please spread the word that the ice is thin in spots and to stay away from the taped-off area and away from where brooks or culverts run into the pond (there are several of those spots and they are all dangerous) so even if you are close to shore, you can still take a dunking - and in this kind of weather, that is not something you want to do!

We have many more people here this year who are unfamiliar with winters in Vermont or recreation on the pond. Those of us who are familiar with the pond should be sure to caution newcomers about the dangers. Even old timers can be fooled, but your chances of staying out of trouble are better if you ask questions of locals before you go onto the ice. If you don't know anyone - go into town and inquire at one of the stores, or reach out on Front Porch Forum. Right now it might be a good idea to keep off the ice until we've had a week or two of really cold weather; and then use common sense. Here is a LINK to an official website that anyone going onto the ice should read and pay attention to.

Please, stay safe.