Footprints
Several times a day I take a break to stretch my back and shoulders while painting and I use this time to survey the lake from the windows of my studio. These respites have made me a keen observer of the ongoing activities, impacts of the weather, and peoples use of this water playground. Today it is still semi dark at 10:00AM and the wind has blown away all of the snow. I smile as I see the evidence of my last walk left in a trail of white snow-packed footprints circling across the surface of the dark gray colored ice. During these brief rests, my memories of experiences are mixed with daydreams, and I when I return to work I’m refreshed.
I remember summer and the waterfowl that patrolled the shore, now the frozen water has become a place for winter recreation, the choice of activity based on weather and surface conditions. Fresh fallen snow is one of the most beautiful times and brings out cross country skiers, kids building snowmen and snow ball fights, snow machines, and drivers practicing 360 degree spins.
Today the wind blows, this seems to happen often whenever a new front is approaching. It will buffet the snow into drifts along the opposite shore, polishing, sanding and smoothing the ice as it skitters across the surface. During wind, a few fishermen congregate in the shelter of coves and islands but most avoid the lake. Once I saw a man on skates careening while hanging on to a large sail, and sometimes a few vigorous souls try to fly kites, but the wind creates a chill that is uncomfortable for most.
Nearly everyone is outside when the weather is calm and temperatures are moderate. Glassy ice turns the lake into a giant ice rink luring skaters, and fearless kids running, sliding on their backs, knees, and bellies, or joy riding ATV’s. The more cautious strap on ice cleats and gingerly walk or use their cars to walk the dog. Only those who fear the ice will stay away.
No matter what the conditions, ice fishermen will always be somewhere. A few are dedicated and hearty and use their car as a wind break, front seat for a chair, with food and drink stored in a cooler and stay all day. Others set up shelter in a tent with a hole in the floor and fish in comfort with a heater, chairs, portable t.v. and munchies. But what I enjoy watching the most are the groups with little kids who build bonfires and fish from multiple holes, and have chairs, sleds, buckets, skates and skis, everyone having a good time.
My thoughts have run the course for now and it is time for me to go back to work on the new original painting waiting on the easel in my studio. Until my next break, watching life on the lake will have to wait.
Gail Niebrugge, Alaskan Artist
