Icy winter hazards lingering

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Here we are, a week away from the theoretical opening day of open-water fishing season, and everywhere we look … it’s still winter.

Just look around: There’s snow in the hayfields. Snow in the woods. All the lakes and ponds are still ice-covered … and most are still being fished.

While I’m a firm believer in milking the most out of all five Maine seasons (I’m among those who officially recognize “Mud” as a season unto itself), a reader checked in this week with a cautionary tale we all should heed.

Mike Phinney of Ellsworth lives on Green Lake, one of Eastern Maine’s most popular fishing and recreational waters.

According to Phinney, ice conditions have begun to change … unbeknownst to at least one lucky motorist.

Phinney headed onto Green Lake the other day on his snowmobile, and found a massive pressure ridge on the west side of the lake, not far from Jenkins Beach.

He also discovered evidence that someone else had “found” the ridge of buckled ice.

“[I found what appeared to be] the air dam or plastic molding from the bottom of a car,” Phinney said. “There was a place where [you could see] a vehicle had actually gone airborne.”

Airborne … vaulting over a stretch of open water … and landing on the other side.

The pressure ridge in question – one of three Phinney has seen on the lake recently – was a monster: It was about three to four feet high, and the ice sloped up at a 45-degree angle.

On Tuesday, Phinney said the big ridge had “relaxed,” possibly because of water being released from the dam on the east end of the lake. Now it’s about 18 inches high, but still a hazard.

“It doesn’t appear to be anywhere near as steep or as high, but it’s still something that’s gonna wake you up if you’re not ready for it,” he said.

Phinney’s concern: Even someone who has spent considerable time on Green Lake this winter may be in for a surprise if they don’t pay close attention.

“If someone’s been fishing here earlier in the year and think they can come out and drive like crazy, they can’t do that now,” he said.

Spring is coming (after Mud gets through with us, of course). And just because the lake looks like a wintry wonderland, it doesn’t mean it’s as safe as we were a month or two ago.

Stay dry. Stay warm. Stay safe.

Let’s not try to milk too much out of the winter that was.

‘Tis the season for outdoors enthusiasts to sample a variety of trade shows, and another option is available this weekend.

The State of Maine Sportsman’s Show, which proudly bills itself as the state’s largest, is back for its 24th year, and more than 200 exhibits – along with 91 seminars – will provide attendees with plenty to do if they choose to head to the Augusta Civic Center.

One of the show’s highlights this year: Brody, a 1,200-pound Kodiak grizzly bear.

If that sounds neat … and you’ve never seen a bear that big … let me assure you: You’re in for a treat.

I went down to Augusta last year and saw Brody in action. I stood a few feet away and watched him eat. Watched him growl. Watched him pace.

Words can’t do him – or his trainer, Jeff Watson – justice.

Harry Vanderweide, the show’s publicist, said Brody was a huge draw last year.

“The thing that’s astounding to me is people want to go [to the show] who have no interest in hunting and fishing,” Vanderweide said. “They want to see the bear.”

Another highlight of the show is a traveling collection from Odie Sudbeck’s Awesome Antler Museum.

“He travels around the country with these record-book-quality antlers,” Vanderweide said. “He was going to come last year, but he actually broke down on the way and never made it.”

The show’s hours: Friday from 4-9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets cost $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 5-12. Children under 5 are admitted for free.

For those who like to live life on the edge, the University of Maine is hosting an Adventure Blowout Weekend on Friday and Saturday.

One highlight of the weekend is the appearance of Outside Magazine’s “Outside University,” which will feature climbing star Timmy O’Neill.

O’Neill, who is known as “The Urban Ape,” will appear Saturday at D.P. Corbett Hall at 6 p.m. O’Neill is a comedian and adventurer who has drawn attention for occasionally scaling city buildings. He combines standup comedy with tales of adventure.

The Sawtooth Film Festival will be held Friday at 6 p.m., with adventure films from around the world being shown. Admission is free.

In addition, several free climbing sessions are scheduled at UMaine’s climbing facility. Those sessions are scheduled for Friday from 3-5:30 p.m. and from 8 p.m.-midnight, and on Saturday from noon to 5:30 p.m.

John Holyoke can be reached at jholyoke@bangordailynews.net or by calling 990-8214 or 1-800-310-8600.