This is a time of year when I assiduously check the temperature forecast for the daily mean. If the high and low add up to less than 64F (or mean of 32), I can hope for ice accumulating on a pond near my house.  It’s been an unusually warm winter in New England.  Unusual, but not unprecedented. On December 11, 1855, Henry Thoreau wrote of a similar season “No snow; scarcely any ice to be detected.  It is only an aggravated November.” 

I feel your pain, Henry!  Forget skiable snow, I’m just looking for walkable ice!  I like to explore the pond on foot, see what curiosities it has to offer in that condition.

    

Normally, I’m able to walk on the pond by mid December. This season, it’s been aggravatingly on again and quick-off again before taking another step, as the ice cracks under a tentatively offered foot.  This photo series, starting with a Columbus day preview and including the October Surprise snowstorm around the 28th of that month, shows the back and forth that went on right through to early January.  This morning, January 4, I was finally able to walk out on it. The daily means for the next several days are predicted to stay below 32F, so I’m hoping I have this new real estate for my ambling pleasure from now till March.

This morning, January 4, I was finally able to walk out on it. The daily means for the next several days are predicted to stay below 32F, so I’m hoping I have this new real estate for my ambling pleasure from now till March.