Callendar Bay - Vehicles on ice?

[Whynot]

I'm seeing reports of up to 13" solid black out around the Manitous - what's like in the bay and how is shore access?

We're coming up next weekend (24th) for first time in bungalows and of course bringing machines/huts in case we need to try other areas. But with fishing and personal gear, it sure would be nice to take the truck right out to the bungalow if there's a road and decent ice, which by next weekend should surely be getting close to 18-20".

Everything I read says minimum 12" black for up to 8ton, which would be my F150 loaded with 14' dual wheel trailer holding a sled and atv (at max weight I'd be 7.5, probably 6.5 given the tailer isn't anywhere near max weight).

I know - no ice is safe ice, trucks are risky, etc (I heard it all from my insurance broker, except a straight answer on whether I have comp coverage on ice or not!). Just curious given local experience when people generally feel comfortable and start taking lager vehicles on the ice.

[Hunterman]

If you’re in an outfitter bungalow they can inform about driving to their stuff. Beyond that I wouldn’t say anywhere is all equal. I saw some cracks this morning and also some wet looking spots (likely due to the cracks). Not gaping cracks like on way to islands but still disrupted ice. I haven’t come across 13” yet.

[Whynot]

Thanks for the response!

[Northhunter]

Operator's discretion, even if you think it's "safe".

The weight of the huts, plus accompanying vehicles/equipment can cause the ice to bow and force water up the holes. It's not just your 7.5 tons. Early in the season it's happened that they don't drill holes inside to prevent flooding.

13" by the Manitous doesn't mean 13" everywhere. There's soft spots, pressure cracks, etc.

Driving out an F150 loaded with gear, hauling a dual-wheel trailer with a sled and a quad this early in the season would immediately get you a label, IMO lol

[Whynot]

haha! Yeah, probably a label I've heard from my wife before!

Based on all the reading I've done I don't think I'd take that load on ice until at least 20" and only on a road, so we'll be packing up our crap and making a run (hopefully not 2!)


Daily chuckle:

I made venison for my kids one day when their mother wasn't home for dinner.

My son looks at me and asks, "Daddy, this tastes different, what is it?"

I replied, "Well, son, that is one of the best meats you can eat. I'll give you a hint, its something your mom calls me from time to time."

Suddenly his older sister spits out her food across the table and shouts, "Don't eat it! It's a f'ing DICK!"

[Icemanjay]

LOL!!!