While waiting for the snowmobile trails to open in 2022, one of my cottage neighbours on Blackstone Lake, Ont., Michael Amaron, had the idea to make an ice bar. The plan was to cut blocks out of the lake and make a bar for us to use in the evenings when we wanted to get together after a day of winter activities. Construction involved four Blackstone Lake families that have been cottaging together for more than 40 years: the Amarons, the Hitchmans, the Franks, and the Osfolks. We waited until the ice was about 8 to 10 inches thick. First, we had to clear the lake with a snowblower. We then used a chainsaw to cut large blocks. (We changed out the chain oil with grapeseed oil as to not contaminate the lake.) We cut two legs at about 2 ½-by-4 feet; the bar top was 2 ½-by-5 feet. We used crowbars, pickaxes, straps, and a bit of ingenuity to lift the pieces out of the lake. It took six people to lift up the main slab, and, the help of 2x4s, to position it on the bar legs. When construction was complete, we moved a firepit closer to the bar for warmth and light. And when the snowmobile trails eventually did open that year, we enjoyed the bar after a day of riding. In 2023, we decided to make the ice bar again (we added patio lights this time) because we had so much fun with it the previous year. As for this year? Of course, we plan to continue the tradition: cottage neighbours getting together, having fun—and building something interesting. Cheers!
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