In which I walk on the lake

I did it! After years of missing my shot, I finally went out on the lake. Today, it is beautifully sunny with clear skies, and the temperatures are mild. Without the wind chill, it would be pleasant to go out in just a sweater.

The ice was surprisingly thick, six inches by my estimation, and clear enough that I could see where the ice met the cold water below. I was struck by a desire to go ice skating or try to walk across to the other side. Of course, having Honey Badger there bolstered my confidence. You know, just in case. The ice was so strong, Little Lion even came out to experience it. The poor little guy did slip and fall once, but he was alright and didn’t want to go home.

It was a great feeling to finally check this item off my list of things to do around Shadow Lake. Last year, the window in which the lake was frozen was very small, and I missed that window. The year before, Little Lion was still a newborn. and I was still recovering from his delivery. The year before, I was pregnant. And the year before, the idea hadn’t crossed my mind yet.

It’s beautiful to connect with nature, in all seasons. And there are some magnificent moments. In this season, it is the ice which beckons and adds to Shadow Lake’s allure. The cracked, yet solid, covering that tempts fishers and casual ice hockey players to come and spend time in the fresh air. The ice that both dulls and concentrates the gleam of lights from nearby homes. And the trees, which have shed all their leaves to make room for one to view that glossy beauty.

I really love this lake. And it’s such a delightful day, hopefully I can make my way out and walk the whole perimeter. Now that I’ve gone out on the ice once, I’m tempted to see just how far I could go just walking on the lake. This is the only time of year one can walk around the lake on the lake. 

Have you walked out on a frozen lake before? What was your experience?

Cheers,

Sierra