Rare Site Found On Boundary Waters Lake With Crystal Clear Ice
As I look at all the different posts I see on social media these days, ice skating seems to be the outdoor activity of choice this year. It makes sense though you can be outside, social distance and get some exercise and for many the cold temperatures have allowed them to go explore one of the more than 10,000 lakes through out the state.
Right now in the Boundary Waters they are experiencing quiet the rarity on a few lakes which is crystal clear ice. So clear that you can see the bottom of the lake, or boulders and even some fishing lures that got lost in the water.
Weather conditions have been just right for this to occur, with the ice 4-5 inches thick in most spots. Cassidy Ritter, of Voyager Canoe Outfitter said she has friends who have lived in the area for 25 years and have never seen anything like this before. Matt Ritter and Cassidy decided to take advantage of the phenomenon and went for a skate, Matt said it was eerie looking at how clear the lake was and even their dog seemed a little unnerved by it.
Cassidy spoke with WCCO-CBS3 about her experience:
It was breathtaking. I couldn’t believe I was there. For one, I couldn’t believe I was on Sea Gull Lake ice skating in the Boundary Waters. It was the most amazing feeling ever. Magical, and the sunset and the snow in the trees. It was just absolutely beautiful.
I understand how cool this is but I would be scared to death walking on that ice since I am a big scaredy cat when it comes to being on ice on a lake. You can tell me it's 10 inches thick and I would still have full blown anxiety, plus I can't skate anyway. So for the rest of you adventurous types maybe a quick trip to the boundary waters is in order to skate on glass in the great Northwoods.