The harbour ice was beginning to break up though the ice was still on-shore.
Then the wind changed direction overnight and much of the ice moved off-shore. However, along the shoreline in the outer part of the harbour, huge pans of ice were stranded because of the low tide.
It made me think of my Newfoundland home.
During the spring years ago in the coves and bays, any chance they had, youngsters were copying, jumping from pan to pan of floating ice, following a leader as they went. Imagine the ice as thicker and far less even as it floated around with the tide. A combination of broad jump and balance beam skills were required as each child in turn crossed a cove pan by pan. A false step could be deadly as falling or slipping into the cold Atlantic was a real threat. Over the years some young people lost their lives.
Many a parent threatened their children with serious bodily injury if they were caught copying. Meanwhile youngsters looked for opportunities when their parents were occupied so they could play on the ice.
Here in Summerside, the ice is too thin and isn’t floating so it wouldn’t be much of a challenge though it looks like someone checked it out.
The next day the ice was gone into the Northumberland Strait where 7 degrees Celsius quickly melted it.
However, I enjoyed the memories of home.