If there is a oft-used spring term known as "ice out," then we are currently in the "ice in" stage of the year, as this photo from the Belgrade Lakes area demonstrates.

One regret I have about winter is that I never took up ice-fishing. It seems like fun to go with a bunch of friends, and while away an afternoon waiting for the fish to bite.

I do not regret not taking up snow-mobiling over lakes. There are tragedies each year, such as several weeks ago near Sebec when a machine went through thin ice causing a death.

But most snowmobilers have a grand time. I would stay on the earth if I ever got involved. In recent year, snowmobiling has become a major tourist activity, with Rangeley, Greenville and even Aroostook emerging as major destinations.

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