When the ice in Eagle Harbor broke loose from its winter grip sometime between March 31st and April 1st, it seemed early. I’ve always considered the departure of harbor ice the death knell of winter and a sunny reminder that good times are near. So the warm weather that precipitated the seasonal event was by no means unwelcome. This year marks my fifth winter spent north of the 45th parallel – something I would have thought inconceivable a decade ago, given my more southern roots. I’m not sure that I would have made it through the second winter if not for the change of pace and lifestyle that the “off season” presents. But, honestly, the more enticing incentive for muscling through cold Door County winters is, in short: summer.