So mark your calendars. February, 2, 2008 the first time yours truly had to chip ice. We have been existing on water from the fall and two freak rain storms late into November and December. Maybe it was water gathering experience, maybe luck, but being February and chipping ice for the first time has been nice! It takes about hour and a half to chip and usually I go southwest of town to a couple of small lakes. Luckily yesterday, I followed a guy out to his spot. Usually, I just drive the snowmachine around until I happen chance on a spot. There are many holes like this out on the tundra. They have to be outside the flood plan, so that the water is fresher. Hopefully fresher. Once we melt the ice, Steph and I distill the water to make it safe. Hopefully, that makes it safe. We haven't gotten sick yet! In ice chipping there are two rules. #1 Don't hit your foot. #2 Don't hit your forehead.