A Walk On Kennebunk Pond

After the shopping was done and the chores were finished, my husband and I decided to take a late afternoon walk out on the ice. We had each taken our little dog out earlier, so felt less guilty about leaving her behind, as we knew for sure; she could never handle these temperatures for any length of time.

I've included a picture of me to show you what one needs to dress like to be warm enough (note the fourteen layers and that by the time we were home that hood was up and cinched tight) plus another picture of how quickly the day is over. Remember, I am writing this before 5:00 in the evening, so that speaks for itself. Having lived in Alaska for some time before coming to Maine, I always appreciate what the day has to offer, as those daylight hours can be very short, and should you suffer the woes of seasonal disorder; (thank heavens I do not) you certainly need to pay homage to the sun's presence, no matter how short.

We made the trek out to the middle of the pond to talk with a few of the Ice Fishermen about the day's catch, and to get the latest scoop on what's happening on the pond. We heard that most of the fish were not the coveted rainbow trout that had been stocked in quantity earlier in the year, but only a few "measly yellow perch" had been caught for an entire days effort. However, there was a vast quantity of antifreeze of various brands consumed, as was evident buy the boxes laying about the site surrounding their Ice Shanty.

This is Ice Fishing at it's best or perhaps I should say winter! The last piece of advice one of the fishermen gave was, "A walk around the pond requires at least a fifth, so you shouldn't venture too far away from home without the proper beverages." Probably good advice, as once we made it back home it was getting dark and we were both cold and ready to go in and sit by the fire.

Ahhh, the comforts of winter . . . and now for the impending snowstorm. We are ready and may even drop a line (that's Ice Fishing terminology - and we would hope to see the flags fly which refers to the tip-up flags that pop up when you have a bite) tomorrow. The "low pressure"; one of the Ice Fishermen told us, would surely help in the fishing, versus the full moon that was messing up today's efforts.

Must go stoke the fire . . .
MJ

Classic Cottage Living (website soon to come)

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A Cold Winter's Day on Kennebunk Pond

As most January mornings are in Maine, today is no exception. We have single digits on the thermometer and the constant sounds of new holes being drilled where the next big fish is sure to be caught. Last time I counted we have somewhere around 35 plus Ice Shanties scattered around the pond.

It's quite a site when they show up on New Years Day. This year proved to be no exception. At exactly 5:15, the sound of the first Ice Auger firing up woke us out of a short winter's night slumber. We peeked out of the bedroom shade to see folks with their miner's lights strapped to their mad bomber hats, getting a head start on claiming the "best spots" on the pond.

As it stands, for some reason; just feet from the shoreline behind our house seems to be one of those spots and our little dog is none to pleased to find people mere feet from our house - in the dark no less. If you calculated the time I just mentioned and remembering that it was New Year's Eve that had just passed some 5 hours ago; it gives you a new appreciation for celebrating sober.

Here we are 10 days into the New Year and the exuberance to be the first out for the day has waned to waiting until after the dawn's first light (thank heavens). We have yet to venture out but are prepared with all of our gear right by the back door but still need to pick up some fresh "shiners". As we approach February, the talk is turning to our annual Ice Fishing Party that is more party and less Ice Fishing but none the less a good time for all. Plus it's an excuse for me to cook all my favorite party foods and make the most of living in a cottage on the pond.

We're expecting another 6 - 8 inches of snow tonight and tomorrow, so we will join all of the others that go and stock up at the grocery store; just in case. You might think that once it begins snowing we are all going to be shut in for months, which is really quite ingenious marketing from my perspective.

Winter is one of those seasons that you either love or hate. I love the fact that we are more or less forced to slow it down and work on projects that if it were warm outside, we just wouldn't take time to do. Plus you somehow feel a little less guilty snuggling up with a good book in front of the fire if it's snowing out! Best go bring in a load of firewood, come to think of it.

'till next time,
MJ
Classic Cottage Living (website coming soon)

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