Raspberry Island Ice-Out 2011: Day 16

Yesterday we were hemmed in by the masses of slushy ice that kept shifting as they moved around the island, blocking and opening channels as they hit each other and pulled apart again. Today the ice has turned dark -- it's now grayer than the water -- and it's receding quickly now. We can see pure white piles of ice crystals building up on the opposite shore as the largest mass of porous ice is pushed by the wind. This has been the slowest, most undramatic ice-out I've ever experienced. Normally on the final days of ice-out, the ice starts to push up into the island from the north and we get to enjoy the sight and sound of the ice crystals. That's not going to happen this year, with the wind pushing the ice away from us.

But all is well. I will paint my toenails today and put on a clean pair of jeans and an unstained shirt, and be ready to face the world again this weekend. We'll probably put the pontoon and a dock in the water tomorrow. Farewell, ice of 2011, hello Spring!