Mantua

[SkunkedAgain]

Be advised and be careful of the many springs in there. Definitely not worth the dip. Happens every year about this time.

You are correct. Current conditions are such that a spud is your best bud. Ice varied from 4"- open. 

Ive noticed a trend over the years though.  Every year I admittedly go out a little sooner than some, BUT..... I am very cautious, fully prepared for a self rescue, and check as I move along. I know its no substitute for waiting for the typical 4". I do watch the ice pattern as it forms days, sometimes weeks before I actually hop aboard. The scary part I see every year is- while I carefully pick and check a safe route to destination,  there is undoubtedly some young soles that show up, look around, see me, assume as is well and proceed to run onto the ice. They are usually goofing around in street attire armed with nothing more than their magic selfie generators. Thankfully I haven't had to lend any of them my spare change of clothes.

Shawn, I think that is very well spoken and I have noticed the same thing over the years how some folks never even think to check the ice, they just jump on and go and I have no idea why there aren't more ice accidents than there are...  Your spud bud is for sure the best council this time of the season.  Those spuds are worth their weight in gold, and sell for the price of steel, so they are a pretty good bargain...  I just need to follow that advice better later in the year... Last year I headed out on Bear Lake from the condos instead of the usual path... I was following a trail that had been packed out there the day before and didn't even think of using the spud... About 100 yards onto the ice sheet I took a step and my foot started to drop right through, so I dove forward and only got a wet foot, but sure scared me when I was expecting 12" of ice... funny how those springs and methane bubblers can sure change ice conditions so we always need to be prepared... Thanks for the great insight... J