you just never know

[smokepoles]

Walked onto Mantua about 7:30 with grandson pulling sled.  Could tell had been soft due to past warm days for first couple feet from shore, but froze with no problem.  Didn't expect any issues as have been fishing it regularly last few weeks and always 8-10+ inches ice. Nonetheless walking near where others have been and visiting with grandson, wham, my left leg dropped into over knee till I caught myself with other leg.  Quickly go out and watched water flowing into the dark hole like a toilet tank emptying.  The hole entrance was ragged through an ice shelf that was 3-4 inches over the flowing water.  Not sure all that played into such, but don't think size 10 pac-type boots go through any allowable size ice fishing hole unless it had enlarged owing to melting around edges with the warm weather and perhaps water from another hole......heck I don't know.  Anyway, kinda wet foot but kept on and fished the morning anyway.  Glad it was not -8 as when we went on a couple weeks ago.  

Just listening about a man died on Steinaker after falling through ice this morning.......

Two died after hitting several elk..........

Be safe, you just never know......