It's January, and in Maine, our thoughts turn to the wide expanses of lakes that are covered by an ever-thickening layer of ice. I have not yet been tempted to venture out onto the lake ice, but I think the day is coming soon. Jay is itching to go ice fishing and the shallower bays have already sprouted their perennial clusters of ice houses. The prize catch is smelt and the best smelts are the ones who have just returned from the ocean. We have a few of these tasty fish generously given to us and I am looking forward to my first taste. The ice in the deeper parts of the lake have not yet been invaded by the noise and tracks of the inevitable snowmobiles and ATV's. So for now, a walk by the lake offers the gentle whisper of an unimpeded wind and startlingly beautiful views of the pristine expanse of ice and snow.
