Ice Out

I know I have written about Bob Houses going through the ice, but the true measure of springtime in my area is when “Ice Out” is declared.

July 28 028

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

This year’s “Ice Out” on Lake Winnipesaukee is one for the record books.

“Ice Out” was officially declared at 2 p.m. Wednesday, four days earlier than the previous record of March 28, set in 1921.

“Ice Out” is declared when the MS Mount Washington can safely reach all of its ports of call: Center Harbor, Meredith, Weirs Beach, Alton Bay and Wolfeboro.

map_winnip

I knew yesterday would be the day. It was rainy and a bit on the raw side, but we had the tell tale winds that cause the ice to be broken up. Perfect “Ice Out” conditions for the big lake. Our little lake iced out last week and we have been enjoying the open water once again!

Here is a little bit of information about our bog lake, Lake Winnipesaukee. The Winnipesaukee Indians, a subtribe of the Pennacook Tribe, lived and fished at a village called Acquadocton. Today, the site is called The Weirs, named for the weirs colonists discovered when first exploring the region.

Location = Central New Hampshire, USA
Area of water surface = 72 square miles
Number of islands = 253
Distance around lake = 182 miles
Height above sea level = 504 feet

Here is a live view from Weirs Beach. Remember I am in the Eastern time zone so, if it is still dark here, you won’t see anything. Come back after sunrise and check it out.

Weirs Beach Cam

Going on the Mount Washington is a fun afternoon. You can have lunch on the ship while you are cruising. They also have weddings, parties and in the Autumn they do dinner cruises.

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The first few years we lived here, I didn’t get out on the ship at all. Then once I went, I decided to go each year. It is so relaxing, and very beautiful! When my cousin Janet had a special birthday I took her out and we ate Lobster rolls and enjoyed the sunshine!

When we have company from anywhere, we bring them on a cruise if it is summer. Here is a picture of my sister and I on a cruise back in 2006!

August 22 003a

So all the area is celebrating the arrival of spring. Myself among them!

5 thoughts on “Ice Out”

  1. Wonderful! I loved seeing that live shot. You are an hour behind us, so it was 7:20 am and still -1°!! That doesn´t sound like spring, but I´m sure warmer airs are coming. You live in a beautiful area!

  2. I think Spring is here, too. Some trees are starting to get buds, the irises are perking up…it just seems springish. The ice breaker/ship is really interesting. Not a problem for us here in Texas, though.

  3. Your comment section is acting up and trying to tell me I’ve already said the stuff below. I don’t remember saying it, but if I did….it isn’t on this page. 😉

    I think Spring is here, too. Some trees are starting to get buds, the irises are perking up…it just seems springish. The ice breaker/ship is really interesting. Not a problem for us here in Texas, though.

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