Lake Morey: Sharing lessons from a simple setting
Allan Reetz
In the spirit of active reporting from all group participants on outings long and short, here is my basic report from Lake Morey. It feels a little weird to post about a basic skate in light of the amazing reports from Lakes George and Champlain. But I know someone might gain from my experience, so here goes.
I approach excursions – be it any time on ice, a bike or skis, as a chance to practice something or assess my preparation (clothing chosen or gear brought based on weather).
First: The ice report…
Nice ice, yet there are cracks every 10 to 15 feet that present a tripping hazard. Cracks tend to be about ¾ - 1 inch wide. The ones going out at about 45 degrees are ideal for grabbing your full blade. They were very easy to see until a fun snow squall came through and covered the trail. Then, it was a matter of trying to see patterns in the snow that would indicate a crack. (Having just read the group post about someone taking a fall and possibly dislocating a shoulder fits the risk in this scenario.) It was a nice skate in all respects. I connected with another group member for a pleasant loop and chat.
Sunday’s simple skate was on a thick plate of ice (10 inches, at least) and made for an easy excuse to not use my dry suit, life jacket, ice picks, throw-rope, drybag, spare clothes, etc. But, regardless, I chose to go full gear. With perhaps 100 people skating around the lake, I was the only with any of the above. Knowing that I looked totally overdone, I didn’t care. That skate was a chance to refine the little things and confirm/question recent gear modifications. I subscribe to All the Gear, All the Time.
General list of my gear and choices:
1. Under the semi dry suit, I remain fan of using Brynje* base layers on my core with Merino wool over that, and a low- or no-collar vest on top. Skipping the collar avoids having it get in the way of the dry suit neck.
2. Below the waist, I use tail bone and hip padding (gear for downhill mountain biking). Knee and elbow pads too. I don’t want to get sidelined from landing hard. Helmet, of course
3. I wear knicker style long-underwear pants.
4. For socks, thin alpaca wool. My dry suit has booties, so a thin sock is all I can do without restricting blood flow in boots, and thus, getting cold feet.
5. On top of the dry suit is the life jacket with a mesh backpack clipped on. I’m still questioning this arrangement. Even though it works very well and negates the need to have pack should straps over top of life jacket. If I were solo, I could unclip the pack without taking off the PFD, but it would be awkward. In an emergency situation where I need to ditch the pack, it would be tough. I chose a mesh backpack to avoid having it turn into a bucket if I were in the water for any length of time. Best solution is obviously a dry-bag-backpack. Still shopping for that.
6. I’ve sewn a crotch strap onto the backpack, and the pack carries dry bag with clothing, spare items, and micro spikes.
7. I currently carry throw-rope in a waist pack with handle on the outside and accessible. Having read the recent post-thread on placement and use of rope, I feel I need to improve my good option to a better option.
8. Careful placement of two zip ties (photo) on the upper chest of my life jacket allow me to clip the ice picks in such a way that it won’t fly up so high and hit me in the face during a face-plant or swim.
9.
I’ve also placed zip ties on the zipper pull and
at bottom of zipper to make it easier to grab.
What I learned on my Lake Morey skate:
· I forgot to clip my crotch strap. So, besides looking like I had a tail, if I’d been skating solo with no one to point it out to me, I would not have noticed. That would have been an unfortunate mistake had I gone for a swim.
· With the nicer weather, I decided to leave my outer neck gaiter in the car. When that robust squall came through, it was hitting my face hard. Next time, I’ll have it on.
· My layers were good, but during my second lap that featured hard skating, I did work up a sweat. Fortunately the Brynje and the wool handle that quite well.
· Need to pack goggles
· Really like the compass tip from Laura’s post. Simple plastic compass belongs in my backpack rather than on my dresser.
· That casual skate would have been a good time to practice using the throw rope. Opportunity to practice with a skating partner was missed.
Well, I have managed to turn a short skate on Lake Morey into a long post. I’ll close by extending appreciation to all who are helping make this group an important resource. Kudos to the Town of Fairlee and Lake Morey Resort for making the trail into a regional asset…there were people of all ages and abilities having fun this weekend.
Another way to thank Fairlee is the shop the community stores and café, and top off your gas tank. For a town to host so many folks, it can be inconvenient…especially to those living quite close. Spending a little money in town delivers an economic benefit to go along with all the smiles locals are helping to create.
See you out there,
Allan
* https://www.brynjeusa.com/product/unisex-long-sleeve-shirt-super-thermo/
https://www.brynjeusa.com/product/unisex-super-thermo-long-sleeve-shirt/
Brynje is worth the price. I have a number of their products. It changes the way you layer, and prevents chills by keeping moisture farther from your skin.
Allan Reetz
