Spring Breakup Ritual

A stubborn soul, who refused to give up on the quest to be the first boat to circle the island, used the hull of his boat as an ice breaker and plowed his way through until he was stuck here, only scant yards from making the loop. After much scraping and banging he was able to manuver himself free and retreated, failing to execute the circle. Later during the evening of May 3 someone finally achieved the goal, a parade of boats commenced cycling round and round the island through the narrow path in the ice until they could no longer see in the dark. With the ritual accomplished there is no question that Spring is here, trees and lawns should be green within a week or so. Let the fishing and fun begin!

Gail Niebrugge, Alaska Artist