Ice, but not solid.
Thrill-seeker? Avid fisher?
Brave? Nuts? Maybe both.
When we explored eastern Arizona recently, we caught sight of people on top of a frozen lake. Sure, we’ve seen some partial freezing, but none solid enough to bear such weight. I commented on what a cool picture it would be and that was all hubby needed to head back to check it out.
Those who know me would say I’m a big chicken by nature (I prefer “cautious” because it sounds less poultry) so it’s no surprise that I was skeptical about the wisdom of testing the ice. My skepticism turned to wonder as I noticed the lake wasn’t even all the way frozen. They seemed so unconcerned with silly things like falling in and getting trapped under the ice.
I might be under the influence of too many made-for-TV movies.
Now if I’d found this lake in Canada, or Minnesota, or some other place with temperatures cold enough to freeze this desert rat to the bone, perhaps I may have ventured out to feel the slickness under my soles. Then again, it’s likely I would’ve remembered the misery of falling* and still been content observing from shore.
* When my older son was five, we gave in to his begging and took him to a roller skating rink. All went well until I heard him squeal behind me, so I turned around…just in time to see his legs come out from under him and slide into me, tumbling me like a domino. For weeks, it hurt to sit and I sported this massive blue/purple/green bruise on my right cheek/hip. The worst part? Due to its location I couldn’t even show it off to garner sympathy 😛
I hope you have a wonderful weekend, whether you are normal, insane or anywhere in between!
JannaTWrites 
Love the haiku!
Those icy lakes scare me. Don’t know if I’d dare to tread across…a little creek ok, but a big lake!
There is something scary about walking on a lake because you just done know how solid it’s frozen. On this day we visited, the temps were in the fifties, so not solid enough for me!
I’d be content to stand on the shore without testing the ice. Oh, who am I kidding? I’d prefer to sit fireside (or on a warm beach) with a drink. 😀
Haha, you crack me up, Nancy! Stretched out on the shore of a beach sounds pretty good to me. Too bad we don’t have those in Arizona!
Thanks, Janna. My sense of humor far exceeds my sense of adventure . . . especially in colder climates. 😆
Haha… I can relate, Nancy!
Last night they showed a video of a group ice climbing up a waterfall (rare frozen event).
Now that’s scary!
My husband’s grandmother used to tell the tale of when she was a young mother in Kentucky where kids were skating and playing on a frozen lake when one broke through and was lost. Can’t imagine anything more desperate or worse. Enough me to scare me off the idea.
Going to be wet dog and cold weather starting Sunday and lasting for days here…if the fog/mists/drizzle lift – I’m dropping everything to go outside.
Have a nice- hopefully sunny wekend
Climbing a waterfall? That’s a new one to me, Phil… no way would I ever do that!
That story you shared is EXACTLY what runs through my mind when I see a frozen lake.
We’re due for rain tonight and tomorrow, so it makes sense it would reach you by Sunday! California has been getting a good soaking, so we’re hoping for some of the same.
Woohoo! That must be freezing cold but, nonetheless, full of adventure. I’m also a big chicken..hehe
I was perfectly find snapping photos from the shore, Vishal! It really wasn’t that cold (which is another reason I was so surprised that they stayed on the lake like it was no big deal.
Got a kick out of your story about toppling on the roller rink (sorry to laugh at your expense, but it was a well-told tale!).
When I was a kid, we went ice skating on the frozen lake, and it was FUN! I enjoyed seeing the “frozen” fish suspended beneath the surface. Of course, our parents checked to make sure before we ventured out that it was frozen deep enough to hold our weight — with heavy coats, hats, and mittens on! Don’t know that I’d find it so enjoyable today, though!
Debbie, I have to say, falling on roller skates hurt much more at 34 than it did when I was a kid!
We never lived near lakes, so that’s an experience I never had. Kids do have more fun with ice, snow, and the like. Sometimes, I wish we’d keep our sense of wonder through adulthood.
I love your haiku!!! You wouldn’t catch me fishing or out on the ice. LOL I will pass on both. ♥
Thanks, Kathy! I’m not a fisher, either… the kids have gone a few times, but thank goodness they haven’t caught anything 🙂
You’re right, Janna – probably both 🙂
Hehe, I wondered, Eric!
Even here in Canada I’m not going to trust that solid water stuff!
That’s a smart move, Widdershins! Now I don’t feel so much like a big chicken 🙂
Insane, standing on that ice. And folk risk their lives to save them.
I hadn’t thought about the rescuers, but you’re right, Totsymae. We should think twice (or more) before trying something daring/dumb 🙂
I’ve never been on an icy lake, Janna and I don’t think I would stand on one if I did. Too many tv shows where someone falls through and can’t get out – yikes!
Ah, another TV watcher 🙂 Maybe we can watch the crazies from shore 🙂
nice haiku
I would be skeptical of thin ice as well.
I’m glad I’m not alone in that, Patty! Not cold enough in AZ to get me out on the ice, that’s for sure 🙂
Haha, love the humour in this. We have no such thing here in Australia, and I too have seen too many made-for-TV movies reflecting the dangers of ice in the US – so I would share your hesitation!
I’m glad I’m not the only cautious one, GodGirl! I don’t have the nerve to challenge the ice 🙂
I agree–both! I’m not a thrill-seeker and would stay away from such things at all costs. But what great pics to go with the wonderful haiku! 🙂
Thanks so much for reading, Sandra! The last post I did kind of carried through and prompted me to do this one 🙂
“sounds less poultry” You crack me up!
Haha… “crack” you up? You’re good, Patti 🙂