Koochiching State Forest: Ice Skating Moose Lake

A little over a week ago I purchased a pair of hockey skates. Despite the fact that we've had some really cold weather lately, none of the rinks in town have been flooded yet. Still, I've been itching to get out and skate for the first time in years. Today, I had my chance. I packed up my gear (skates, ice picks, trekking pole) and set out for Moose Lake near Littlefork, Minnesota. Being a small, shallow lake, I figured Moose would be frozen solid enough for skating, and I was not disappointed.

It was a bit of an adjustment, considering I haven't skated in years.

My lack of recent experience, combined with an uneven ice surface with snow cover made for a bit of a
 learning curve.

Still, about an hour after I began my skating session, I was starting to feel more confident in my abilities.
I'm looking forward to a winter of skating on ice roads and neighborhood rinks!