Yes, it was 11 degrees outside. Yes, I was up and out the door before 7am on a Saturday. Craziness, I know. But check out what I stumbled upon! I happened to be driving past Ballston Lake before the sun came up and conveniently had my camera on the seat beside me.
I have always thought that the best part of the day happens before most people wake up. Happily, I am very much a morning person (however, I am mostly useless after 9pm). I was so lucky to have been where I was at this precise moment to watch the sky turn from night to day. It was beautiful. I was in NO WAY appropriately dressed to be standing on a frozen lake at 7:00 in the morning, and my fingers froze in about 10 secs (I had ineffectual gloves on), but I braved the frozen fingers, nose and toes, parked the car, and walked the short distance to the dock.
Frost bite would have been a small price to pay.
I noted some guys setting up for some ice fishing…decided they must be insane…but then I reconsidered. They, unlike me, were undoubtedly dressed for the cold and there’s no denying that the early morning silence and spectacular sunrise were perks to the sport they were obviously somewhat passionate about. Maybe they had the right idea after all.
I didn’t stay long and didn’t take many shots as I was REALLY cold. When I got back to the parking area, I met a guy loading up to head out to do some ice fishing himself. When I asked if he was with the other men out on the ice, he replied that he was on his own and had just moved to the area.
Me: Are you insane?
Him: No, it’s great. I’m new to the area and wanted to get out on the lake. (Not an exact quote, but something like that and he DID say that he was new to the area.)
Me: Not from Florida, are you?
Him: No, Buffalo.
Me: Oh, okay, so you’re good here. This must be cake for you.
Him: Yep.
Me: Can I take your picture for my blog? I do a photo blog for Saratoga.com…I’m legit!!
Him: Sure!!
And here he is:
Once again, craziness. But a brilliant kind of craziness, I think.
And, for all of you who slept through it or were warmly snuggled under the covers, or in your bathrobe, here’s another shot of what was happening outside.
Stay warm, folks, and enjoy your weekend!
