Spinning on Early Ice

Early November, the ice on the ponds/lakes begins to freeze.  This really signals the beginning of winter and a very exciting time for the ATV riders in the village.  Not only are the benefits of the snow going to be exciting for the youth (and the teacher from Oregon) but it means that there are opportunities to drive their ATV's on the frozen lakes.

Let's get a few things straight.  It doesn't freeze all at once.  The shallowest points freeze first, creeping towards the center.  Layers form and as it stays cold, the pond/lake begins to freeze towards the bottom.  I watch with anticipation/horror as the experienced students who have lived their whole lives here do something they look forward to each year and wonder if I'd ever have the guts to put myself on a bike that weighs as much as it does, on ice.  You know, that stuff we put in our glasses to cool drinks down.

Here you'll see one of the members of the village come back from testing the edges of the lake (which weren't all frozen further out) to the corner that was frozen and spin like a little kid who'd found his favorite toy again!  Please notice the differences that you will be able to see in the surrounding areas change as the videos and pictures start to transition throughout this blog from early November into December.