Lake Fairlee today (Fairlee, VT)

[Dr Jo]

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Very thick ice, softening in 39 degrees but still very skateable.  Yesterday's hard ice was better but required dodging somewhat grabby drifts and finding lanes.  Today, most of those drifts were slushy and easily skated through (see photo).  Unlike yesterday, the whole north end was in good condition, some slight surface water, slushy patches, skateable.  The southern end had some softer sections even those were manageable.  I wouldn't have wanted to be on hockey skates, though.  Overall a nice find given the brief sleet last night and warmth today.  One complete circumnavigation plus some playing around = 9 miles (see track).  Tonight's dinner is yellow perch thanks to generous fishermen!

Note:  Many fishing shacks are coming on to the lake now and, if like other years, the ice will soon be heavily tracked by ATVs, sleds, footprints, etc.  Fishing license holders have the right of way parking at the F&W access.  There is a large pullout just north of it, on the water side, with easy ice access.  May be able to park head-in to save space for others.