When they lived way up in Maine, with a large lake just down their road, I remember hearing Eric tell about the morning he looked out the window and saw a traffic jam. Miles and miles from the nearest traffic light, here were bumper to bumper pickup trucks heading to and from the lake. Soon, he realized they were removing their bobhouses before the ice melted.
Bobhouses, of course, are part of the male culture of northern New England and many other frozen parts of the world. Since I don’t fish, no matter how much I admire fly fishermen and their skills, I really don’t appreciate the special savvy of landing one’s meal from under the ice. You can do it, of course, by drilling a hole in the thickness underfoot and then sitting or standing out in the cold. But the really serious guys build or buy their own little houses for the tradition – some are quite basic, while others, I’m told, come with TVs and Web connections. Still, I’m curious about what draws men from their warm homes to spend long days or evenings in a very cold environment. One of the answers is that it’s an excuse to drink with your buddies. Another is that it’s just to get away from the women. Except that it turns out some very adventurous women join in on the expedition. Are the fresh fish really worth this much effort?
Even so, that afternoon, Eric looked out again and saw another traffic jam, this time with trailers hauling their boats to the water. Presumably for more fishing.
How did they know this was the day the ice would go? What clues am I missing?
Jnana's Red Barn 
Are you in NH?
Yes. Alton Bay’s about a half-hour up the road.
I would gain little pleasure in sitting in a cold hut for hours but I can see the drawcards for others. I’d like to try it once though.
I have often wondered why I would trade my comfortable bed for a mat on the ground, my fireplace for a fire pit, my sofa for a wobbly stool during a camping trip. Not sure that I would enjoy sitting atop an ice hole in a bobhouse for long. I would have to try it to test its addictive qualities. 🙂
Don’t forget the hot shower or deep bubble bath.
Though, as I recall, they can be especially appreciated on returning home from the wilds.
Ah, yes. 🙂