Icy Hiking At Island Lake

Molly taking the time to enjoy the fresh air.

We began our hike in the sugar bush. You know it's getting close to spring when buckets are on the trees. The sap running into the buckets sounded like a river.

The lines are already hooked up between the trees.

The sugar shack. As I was trying to find a good spot to stand and take this picture, my feet slid out from under me and I went crashing to the ground. Not the best way to start the walk. I had been a little too eager for spring weather and was wearing running shoes that had no grip. I should have kept the boots on a little longer! My wet jeans and sore hip were a reminder to be careful for the rest of the walk.

My first good view of the ice from the trail. There were anglers out on the ice, but they were not allowed this far back on the lake. There was a lot of water on the ice and the warm weather is going to finish it off pretty quickly.

Some stretches of the trail were ice free...

...others were not. On the stretches covered in ice, I used Darrell as an anchor - he's much more steady on his feet than I am.

The end of the line. Eventually the trail will include a boardwalk that will cross the lake and form a continuous loop.

The sign explaining the trails and the plan for continuing this one. Funding help is needed to complete the trail, check out www.creditvalleyca.ca for more information on how you can help.

Anglers out enjoying what will probably be the last of the safe ice.

This hut was set up right by the sign warning anglers from traveling beyond that point.

Several Christmas trees are waiting to drop into the lake and provide more habitat.