The drain holes from yesterday froze hard last night and gave us a go fast go far surface over the entire lake. The ice stayed hard throughout both days, with temps just over freezing, although it was just soft enough for the runners to emit a low growl. I was basking in the sun during one of the frequent holes in the wind when I heard some one coming by fully wound up. The only way I could think to describe the sound was of a large box dragging across a rough concrete floor.

There were over twenty boats on the ice today, and in addition to the wonderful tours to the south end, the strong west wind made for some extreme reaching in the broads. Up and down, drag racing at full speed. Activity generally frowned upon, but oh what fun!

This looked like a sauna enthusiast’s insulated hole with ladder, but it turned out to be a float sunk in the snow. The surface is about like this everywhere. No complaints.

Forecast promises two more sailing days, though with lighter winds, before warmth and rain on Thursday. As always, what and where comes after that is anyone’s guess. Might just be that Winnipesaukee wets out and we get a Hardway. Lets hope those responsible for that event aren’t sailing up in Maine or something…

Lee Spiller and Karin Wilson, ever the naturalists, found this poor critter. Looks like the sands of time are wearing away, offering up treasure. And just below this guy there might be a layer of pure black gold.