Looked back in the diaries and when the ice in this picture is gone between us and East Allie that we could canoe across it averages 22 days later we can boat to town.This usually happens Early to mid April. With the minus temps. the last 3 nights in a row this open water has skinned over with ice and does not melt till late afternoon,when it did open yesterday it was full of Golden Eye ducks and seagulls.Tonight is our last minus temp and if we get the heat as forecasted will really speed up this process. We have not heard the Loon's calling yet but friends in Tranquil channel said they are back,lots of open water down that way.Another friend who has been travelling from Mud Portage Area to Moore Bay reports that the ice is getting bad in that area and can only travel by ice boat.