Lake Fairlee 12/20

[Krista Karlson]

I stopped by Lake Fairlee on my way home this evening. The ice seemed sturdy (4+ inches at the northwestern pulloff on Route 244 as well as the state boat launch). I didn't skate since it was getting dark, but I'll probably head there tomorrow. The surface seems variable but worth exploring. 

[Krista Karlson]

Today a small group of us skated Lake Fairlee from the state boat launch on Route 244. This was my favorite skate of the season so far. 

Everywhere we tested was at least 4 inches thick, and in a lot of places you can see how thick the ice is based on the cracks. There was one small spot in the southwest where the ice was only 2 inches, but it seemed very localized and it was still supportable black ice. 

There is a lot of beautiful grey and black ice out there. The lanes along the cracks are especially smooth and some have beautiful patterns. There is also some bumpy ice and some shell ice, so you do have to stay vigilant. 

There was a strong wind today which seemed to be coming from every direction. But it was a beautiful day out on the ice. 

Having skated Morey yesterday and Fairlee today, I much preferred Fairlee, mainly because the ice was a more consistent thickness and easier to read.