Watching the Ice Go Out

Guest post by: Betsi Calhoun

OK… So, this is what we do for fun in the Town of Schroon in the months of December and April. – We pull our cars up to the edge of the boat dock and watch the lake. Yes, I said “watch the lake.” If you are a true Adirondacker, there’s nothing more intriguing than watching Schroon Lake turning to ice in December and then melting away in April, which we call “the ice going out.” In fact, many of the good folks who live in our little town actually have “friendly wagers” on the day, hour and minute the ice will “go out”!

Today I parked next to the lake that always overflows its borders this time of year due to the snow run-off and watched the water undulating for the first time in three-and-a-half months! Slabs of dark slush floated here and there – subtle reminders that we still aren’t out of the woods yet. Easter is this Sunday, and it has been known to sleet and snow many an Easter morning. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by Mr. Schroon Loon majestically floating around on the rippling water like he owned the entire nine-mile lake. Every now and again he’d dive just for the fun of it, showing off his derriere as he flipped upside down and into the depths to snag a fish or two. I’m certain he recognized me and was showing off!

So why in the world is moving water after the deep freeze of winter so intriguing anyway? – I suppose it’s a bit like Narnia when the spell of The White Witch and winter were broken and spring emerged in its entire glorious splendor. On Friday we commemorate the winter of Jesus’ death on Calvary: the dark, cold day that made all mankind shiver in their sins. But then comes EASTER! New life! A living, reigning, glorified Savior!

WOWzers! Let me watch that water a bit longer!

Betsi is the wife of Mike Calhoun, the mother of three children and one incredible granddaughter. She has an extensive speaking and writing ministry and loves any activity that takes her outdoors in nature.