The thaw is on!!! I went by the dam about 11 am and there was some open water north of the island at Redbud. The coves were still iced over around the dam and Rebud. I then drove out onto Goose Island and there was open water looking back toward the dam. I wished I would have had a video camera with me at Goose Island. There was ice for about 1/4 mile south of the island that was still in tact but cracked like a windshield when it busts. The wind was pushing it into the island in one big sheet, but when it got to the island it was busting into the small pieces and piling up. It was one of the neatest things I have ever seen. I know my description doesn't do it justice. I went to Sunnyside ramp here by the house about 4 pm and the lake is still iced over up here and looking north. I talked to 3 guys at the ramp and they said it was too thick to launch their boat so they were headed south to the dam area. I told them this morning the gate to Hawthorn and the gate at redbud were both locked. I figure they opened this afternoon or will open up tomorrow. If they open and it's not too windy I'm going tomorrow. This cabin fever has got me down.

Odie