This Lake’s Melting Ice a Big Deal Since 1888
This lake, the largest in New Hampshire, is a popular destination in the summertime.
But did you know that a considerable amount of time and energy is devoted each winter to the lake’s melting ice?
The lake has kept records of its much-anticipated annual Ice-Out for the past 127 years. Today, there’s a small plane that flies over the lake several times a day, so someone can inspect the ice. There’s also an annual contest to guess when the ice will finally melt. Are you wondering how officials know when the Ice-Out has officially happened?
The M/S Mount Washington cruise ship plays a big part in the lake’s annual Ice-Out.
The Ice-Out is official when the lake’s ice melts enough to allow the historic M/S Mount Washington cruise ship to navigate to all of its ports of call. Why does everyone care so much? It’s considered the first sign of spring on the lake.
The Ice-Out usually happens in April (as it did last year), but it has also happened as early as March (like it did in 2010) and as late as May (like it did in 2001). Folks at the lake have kept detailed records of each Ice-Out since 1888.
Think you can predict the 2015 Ice-Out? Prove it by entering the annual Ice-Out contest, in which folks spend the month of February guessing when the ice will melt. Ice-melting enthusiasts guess down to the month, day, and minute. Last year’s Ice-Out was declared on April 23 at 2:10 p.m., and the contest winner came within a minute of guessing exactly right.
What do you win, exactly? Bragging rights when your guess is posted on the lake’s website.
But not everyone is counting down the minutes until the ice melts. Ice fishermen love the ice and come out in droves for the The Great Rotary Ice Fishing Derby, which takes place on the lake the weekend of February 8 and 9. The fishing extravaganza draws participants from across the country as well as Canada. The ice takes on a carnival-like atmosphere, and the town joins in with many festivities as well.
Tickets to the derby cost $30 and are available at more than a dozen locations around the lake as well as online. The winner of the derby gets his or her catch hung up on the wall of fame and wins a cash prize. Last year’s first prize was $15,000.
Do you know the name of this lake?
Check back with us tomorrow for the answer. And get travel inspiration every Tuesday on Twitter using the hashtag #TravelTuesday.
The answer: Lake Winnipesaukee
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