Feb. 15th Meeting on Wake Boats; Ice Report

 Here is a recap of the meeting in Greensboro held on February 15th where Vermonters came to express their views about wake boats on Vermont lakes and ponds - MEETING

 In case you have wondered what the crazy up and down temperature swings have meant for the ice depth on Joe's Pond, I spoke with Bob Mackay, who ice fishes just about every day on the big pond, and he told me on Friday that he had measured the ice that day and found 21 inches. He described it as "soft," rather than the rock-hard ice that we often see in January that is clear blue and glass-like. He also told me he feels safe with that depth and quality of ice. However, wisely, fishermen aren't bringing heavy vehicles onto the ice this year, and also, there may be thinner, softer spots in some places. The weather was warm and for several nights temperatures didn't get below freezing - and then Friday night I got a low reading of only six degrees. 

It has been sunny today with temperatures hitting the low 30s briefly about mid-day; tonight I have a reading of 27.8F, so probably not much melting going on for the past 24 hours or so. I will try to keep you posted on ice depth. The block and flag for the annual Ice-Out Contest have not been put out on the ice yet, but that will happen soon.

Ice-Out ticket sales are picking up, and some folks are predicting the block/flag will go down earlier than usual this year. That is certainly a possibility, but there may be some much colder weather in our future, and there are still six weeks before the contest closes and all tickets must be in, and old timers are predicting it will hold until early April. Tickets are still $1 each, and you will find them at the usual local outlets or go online to purchase ten at: www.joespondvermont.com  Good luck!