The first weekend in December has long been the CIBC’s traditional opening, and surprisingly, we have made it more years than not. So what a treat to have found this lovely pate of ice. Thanks to Jory Squibb for scouting it yesterday and rousing the masses. Well, not quite all the masses, but four iceboats and two skate sailors. It was very short notice, of course, which seems to be a pattern lately. And it’s not going to get any better with this coming week’s forecast throwing at us everything in the book.

Congratulations to Bob McEwen on the launching of his new Mini Skeeter, MS 106. She sailed wonderfully, keeping pace with Jory, and best of all: nothing broke. David Jones took on the Herculean task of setting up the mighty Hagary “Zeus”, which was un-catchable all day, but what a delight to be behind her and watch her sail.

The thin layer of light snow silenced the runners, but did nothing to slow them down. The SW wind blew straight up the pond and was such a benevolent breeze: steady and warm. Nothing like that capricious northwester who can never decide if he’s a west or a north.

Meanwhile on Damariscotta Lake, Jim Gagnon reports an inch of ice with the same dusting we had today. Will it survive the warm rain?

Web Cam still not in service there, but we’ll be working on it soon.