Just because it is cold outside does not mean that the fun stops on the waterfront in the Portage Lakes. Boat traffic has slowed or stopped. The leaves are down, giving us a larger unobstructed view. When the frost or snow is on the ground the whole area sparkles. It can be very quiet.

Once the ice forms and is found to be thick enough, the activity begins to increase. We start to see snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles, four wheelers, motor bikes, motorcycles, cross country skiers and hikers with and without their dogs out enjoying themselves.

The motorized traffic starts to build about noon most days and increases steadily until after dinner, with many continuing until 11:00 pm when the state park rules say that all activity must stop. (See photo at end of this post)

Occasionally there are some hardy souls who ignore the rules and keep going throughout the night, making a lot of noise and generating complaints by nearby homeowners. Their machines do produce loud noises; some say that the noise is some of what makes it fun.

At times we hear loud "booms" as the ice moves, expands or contracts, creating cracks that can travel all the way across the lake. If the water level drops a little the ice has no support, and when it rises it lifts the ice with it.

While the ice seems solid it is always changing, and this can make it dangerous. There are springs pumping in warmer water everywhere, and in some places the water moves very fast. Fast moving water does not freeze as readily, so this combination means that soft spots in the ice can appear without warning.

Occasionally we hear of someone going through the ice, sometimes on a snowmobile and sometimes just walking. Snowmobilers sometimes get going at a high speed and try to guess how much open water they can cross.