Drive to South Bass on the Ice??

[jerry]

I have read reports of ice being over a foot thick on Erie around the Bass Islands. This may sound like a very stupid question but here goes. Is it possible to (safely) drive a standard size auto from the mainland over the ice to Put-in-Bay? Our drive to Port Clinton is about 300 miles (north) and we fish in that part of the lake in the spring but have never been there during the winter. Thanks!!
Jerry J.

[RANGER]

Actually, even if it were possible, and ANYTHING is possible, I wouldn't do it for any number of reasons. 1) I hate to swim in water less than 72 degrees; 2) the ice will surely have thin spots somewhere along the route (Murphys Law) guaranteed; 3) I have heard way too many accounts of flows breaking away carrying cars and people with it; 4) Mama didn't raise no fool!! 5) Rarely is the ice surface smooth, there are always fissures and upheavals that could be far more wider, deeper, higher than a car could navigate. Etc, etc,......I don't need to go on, do I?


RANGER


"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD"

[Fuzzy]

It might be better to wait until Mid March and give it a try then. I can hang onto any valuables while you are visiting the Islands.

[Stormsearch]

Seen two vehicles drive from Bass Island to mainland Sunday morning. Personally, I wouldn't do it. The ice is thick enough in a lot of places but we found some thin spots (6") that even made driving our 4 wheeler around on nervous. There is a pretty good path out there, but the main trail also has developed a few holes. One section is 10' x 12' piece of ice that will flip on you and another section that has been beaten down enough for the water to swamp most vehicles. A sign should now be posted as of Monday morning and hopefully people are using the new trail a few hundred yards west.

For me the risks are too heavy, for one if you survive, the insurance will not cover any damage on the ice; and if the vehicle sinks you will be fined daily until recovered.

It was pretty windy Sunday and again today so I could imagine more stress cracks are developing as well as more open holes. Be safe, please.