The Ice is Out on the Lake

The air temperature is in the forties and the ice is off the lake, but I can’t afford to get near my Laser. If I get too close I may take off its winter covering and look at it. If I look at it I may start to check out the hardware. If I check out the hardware I may start to lube the blocks.

With the blocks lubed why not clean the bottom or rig it to see what condition the sail is in? I think the sail is still in fine shape, but you really have to set it in a breeze to be sure and if it isn’t in the water then a breeze can blow the Laser off its trailer.

See? The temptation is too great to launch it and to get started on my spring training. I mean the ice is out, but the water is still bloody cold. And the air isn’t that warm either; the last few nights I’ve had a fire in the fireplace. I really need to wait another week or so to allow the sunshine to condition the lake. I mean I have a wet suit and a dry suit, but they don’t help the fingers.

The other problem is I don’t have any friends who are crazy enough to go out with me until the water temperature goes up. I mean there are plenty of people who sail all winter, just not any of my sailing buddies, and I’m not willing to go through the incredible hassle to launch my boat at the closest frostbiting venue.

Maybe I can take this pull toward spring sailing and channel it into preparation. Couldn’t I review the rules? How about reviewing rules and doing sit ups? Watching videos? I certainly don’t want to be doing any of those things when the temperature is more inviting.

Never mind, it just started to rain. The inviting moment is melting away. The ice may be out of the lake, but I’ve had all the winter chill I can handle. The Laser and my courage can be left under cover until next weekend.