Lake skating

An ice skater's nightmare

Our house is situated within walking distance to a nature reserve and beautiful lake.  We went swimming in the lake's cool waters in August and at that time, I don't think we ever imagined we would be out ice skating on it a few months later.

Our first winter, we saw people walking on Lake Mälaren and thought they were insane (I still think so) and Jon and I swore that we wouldn't unnecessarily risk Calvin's life by pushing a stroller on the lake, as we saw some Stockholmites doing.  As the winter turned to spring, we saw just how long it took the frozen lake to thaw -- the air temperature has to be above 0C for weeks -- not hours or days.  The lake is really, really frozen. Never say never, huh?

This winter has been the coldest on record for the past 10 years, so we thought that the lake was good and frozen.  It also helped that a huge truck plows the snow off of the lake to create a long circuitous route around the perimeter of the lake.  OK, if a 2 ton truck doesn't fall through the ice, I suppose it'll hold little 'ole me.  I was told that the ice was 30cm thick -- anything thicker 10cm is considered safe.  Jon bought us ice skates (he bought me fancy Figure Ice Skates) while out on his winter gear shopping spree so we were eager to test them out.

Day 1 -- divide and conquer

Still trying to "play it safe" we decided to split up and skate separately while one of us stayed with Calvin -- safe at shore.  I made Jon watch about 15 minutes on how to react when you fall through the ice on YouTube (instructional video here) and some ice safety picks (kind of like these: Ice Safety Picks) so we could drag ourselves out if need be.  The ice picks were about $15 -- pretty cheap life insurance.

Calvin didn't really like it when we separated, so Jon headed home a little early while I practiced my loopdy-loops.  Skating on the lake was a little challenging but it was really smooth and there was only snow in a few places.  The snow acts as a brake on the skates and sometimes pulled on one skate more than the other.  Considering my balance was already a little off, any little bump felt like a near death experience.  Apparently being scared half to death is a good workout because my legs were sore the next day.  Skating also warmed us up really quickly -- its great for the core, legs and cardio.  Now you know why those figure skaters are so slim.  Jon will be doing Brian Boitano moves before too long

Day 2 - Enjoying the sun

We invited our friend, Pamela, to come to "our lake" for some ice skating.  It was a beautifully sunny day and she was game.  We decided to change our game plan a bit and put Calvin in the stroller, rather than the sled, to see if we'd have better luck and less tears.  Calvin just likes being pushed so he can look around. He was tired of looking at Jon's butt while being dragged in the sled.  The day was beautiful and the lake was crowded.  Kids were playing hockey, girls were practicing their loopy jumps and Pam and I tried skating backwards a bit.  After nearly falling a gazillion times due to the hidden cracks in the ice (hidden beneath snow), we did two laps and decided to head back for a warm coffee fika break.  I put out delicious muffins, digestive cookies and a banana for Calvin.  Despite being a picky eater he sure loves his baked goods!  The day was super awesome and one of those moments where you fall in love with Sweden, its people, and even its winter,  all over again.

                         

     

Snow hides cracks - where is the plow when you need it?

Post skating fika is the best

P.S. Any day when the sun is shining during winter, requires spending a few hours outside - regardless of the air temperature.