on thin ice

first full moon of the year and still paddling on red rock.
http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m149/JoPears5/Red%20Rock%20January%207%202012/?action=view&current=028.mp4 credit to John Pearson for a video of what we saw.

last evening stripbuilder and i launched from cordova on what will probably be the last time on red rock this winter. the ice was forming as we paddled and an open channel across the lake to elk rock connected with a channel across to the mile long bridge (with 50' of thin ice to break through). once into the open area east of the mile long bridge we made a quick run to as close to the bridge as possible, but on the way back our connection was again iced over and the ice was thickening by the minute. we got out in the middle of what was originally thin ice, which was now 1/2" thick and difficult to break through. with some chopping and pushing my boat broke through and created another opening to elk rock's open water and then back across the lake to the ramp. as we paddled across the water was skimming with ice and threatening to close up, but we made it back just in time to see a beautiful full moon cresting the clouds in the eastern sky. on one of the most beautiful nights of calm clear water ever on red rock, with beautiful reflections and purple clouds and a wonderful sunset, i had left my camera at home. once again, no more 3x5's but the lasting memory of a time of peace and tranquility.