The perpetual transformation of the lake on a daily basis as a result of the continually evolving weather patterns continues to fascinate me, much like Nick D, who requests an ice report daily via text message. My recent journeys through the country backroads, which revealed that not a single lake in the area harbored any remaining ice, validated Mel's hypothesis that North Sand Lake would indeed be the final body of water in the region to thaw.

Correspondingly, the exposed ring of water bordering the lake, which measured approximately forty feet from the shore yesterday, expanded another thirty feet today as the sheet of ice continued it's retreat towards the center. The lake rested unusually still tonight, calls of birds perched in nearby trees audibly illuminated in the absence of wind, while the water acted as a natural mirror, perfectly reflecting the magnificent spectrum and cloud patterns of the evening sky.