NEK Pond Trifecta

[Laura Bonk]

We crossed the Connecticut River to the land of mowed fields and open vistas.  We stopped in St. Johnsbury to pick our skating tour guide, Ken Stowe. With Ken  riding shotgun and directing us down the myriad of dirt roads over hill and dale in the Northeast Kingdom, we skated a trifecta of ponds -- Keiser, Coles, and Foster. 

Keiser Pond (Danville, 30 acres, 1300 ft) was 3 Bonk pokes (my personal edge) and 2 inches of snow.  Fortunately, the earlier skaters had marked out a loop.  Otherwise, my triceps would have had a workout of constant poking. Other than a few houses, it's undeveloped and charming.  

Next was Coles Pond (Walden, 125 acres, 2200 ft).  The higher elevation dropped the temperature and the snow.  We found plenty of ice (couldn't poke through) and 4 inches of snow. The snow had created an insulating layer and the ice was grabby.  We managed to skate the circumference and stay upright, but only due to luck.  The northern half is undeveloped and otter tracks were plentiful.  We found 3 otter dens. I recommend the pond, but better for skiing then skating now. 

Next was Foster Pond (Peacham, 65 acres, 1500 ft).  With just a few seasonal camps, this pond is a gem.  We found only an inch of snow and a hard smooth ice surface. At 3 Bonk pokes, we gave the shore a wide berth and skated a few laps. 

My recommendation for tomorrow is Foster Pond.  An extra night of freezing, will help freeze the shoreline. The thinnest ice is at the boat launch so stay 6 ft apart when accessing the ice and avoid the inlet and outlet. 

Of course, I could never find these ponds again, but fortunately, friendly Vermont skaters are great tour guides.

As for me, I need to get the outer hip muscles in shape-- time for those fire hydrant exercises. 

Happy Skating! 

Laura 

Laura M. Bonk, MS, MBA
Certified Safety Professional

PO Box 194
Suncook, NH 03275
(603) 340-3524