The ice actually rises now as the lakes fill with run-off water. Then the ice is magically gone. It's a quiet time in the northwoods. Most visitors are gone. Seasonal residents not yet returned to their cabins.
Travel is restricted by unsafe ice on the lakes.
Even the animals are confined to their ancient trails on land. Animals looking for sun. Feeding on early spring greens. Preparing nests and giving birth. Side roads are softening.