Playing on the Somebody Else's Playground!

Its here (The ICE) but not at my playground, so I am gonna go sample the other play grounds - i.e. lakes around the state.  The ice is somewhat safe on a few lakes and here I come.  Some of the things I think about on early ice are:

1. Where is that spud bar?

2. Is there a rope and something to throw in the sled (Ice Axe)?

3. Who is going with me? 

4. Are they bigger than me (Not usually, ya I usually get to test the ice)?

5. Ya the floating ice-fishing suit will float me I tell myself.  Tried it, its not a life jacket, floats you all over, it does fill and make moving difficult

6. Where are those ice cleats? If my fat a__ falls and smacks the ice I know its gonna break it and go thru. 

SO I have all I need, here we go out on the ice every 10 feet popping a hole or spading thru with spud bar, its safe, its clear and the spikes are on.

My buddy has a mountaineering ice axe to throw at me if the worst happens.  I have never fallen thru the ice, but have been with those who have!  Wear those safety picks.  Play on somebody else's playground until yours freezes up safely.

Enjoy and use the most important tool, our brains so we can do this all our lives, show others and enjoy our families.  Share the craft and share the joy of fishing.