Ice Harvest

Stormy weather loomed over the campsite. It had cleared by the time the ice harvesters returned.

Ice sheet has shrunk to 2.4 miles from the outpost.

Summer solstice is but 30 days away. At this latitude, nights become very short and the heavy sheet ice, which just days ago covered the lake, is retreating at an astonishing rate; the closest formation shrinking to a location over two miles south and disappearing fast.
Keeping the staff at the Ontario Wildlife Observation Outpost (OWOO) adequately iced has become a challenge for those charged with the maintenance and supply of this primitive subsistence operation living in close harmony with natural forces.
With the season's ice source rapidly shrinking, Ice Ranger Wayne Kasich loaded empty coolers, a gathering net and a photographer this afternoon, then headed southward at full throttle.
A sudden winter squall momentarily pelted the party with sleet before they arrived at the Crow Rock inlet to begin harvesting at the edge of the formation.
Wayne went right to work scooping the pristine Ontario product into waiting coolers, sorting out the finest of crystal shards from the ordinary frozen chunks.