SUN JOURNAL • January 8, 2022
Each year about this time, the Maine Warden Service urges us to use extreme caution before venturing out onto any ice that may be covering Maine’s waterways. This is timely advice. Almost every year, especially at night, a snowmobiler perishes or gets in serious trouble trying to cross thin ice or inadvertently driving a snowsled into black, open water. This year, because of the extended period of unseasonably warm December weather, many ponds and lakes remain open, even in the northern part of the state. As January progresses, many bodies of water should “button up.” Still, caution is always advised. Maine’s lakes and ponds may appear to be frozen, however, safe ice conditions cannot be assumed. ~ V. Paul Reynolds