I visited Long Level along the Susquehanna River over the weekend and I was absolutely amazed at the lack of ice build up on the York county side of the Susquehanna River. There is practically no ice on the York county side - some very thin ice -- but nothing major. Considering we have just come through one of our coldest winters - February was the coldest February on record since records were kept in Harrisburg. February was also the 4th or 5th coldest month ever recorded since records were kept. January was also rather cold. Many nights the temperature was 0 or below. We should have some very thick ice because of the temperatures. I remember 25 years ago and before we would see ice sometimes two feet thick along the banks of Long Level when the ice would break -- sometimes it would wash up on the River Road along Long Level and have to be plowed away. Actually while I was thinking -- we had very thick ice about 8 years ago. I remember being fascinated by the thick pieces of ice and seeing streaks of blue color in the thick pieces. I may even have a photo or two showing this interesting coloration. There does appear to be more solid and thicker ice on the Lancaster County side of the river this year. 

Did anybody ever hear the loud cracking noise of ice breaking up on the river? My father used to tell me about that sound but I have never heard it. Speaking of ice build ups along the Susquehanna River - I remember about 35 - 40 years ago there was a tremendous ice jam on the river above the Safe Harbor Dam and authorities were considering calling in the U. S. Air Force and having jet planes fire missiles or drop bombs to disengage or break up the ice. To my knowledge that plan never materialized but it was being considered.

Of course ice jams were responsible in taking out the Columbia - Wrightsville Bridge on at least two occasions before the great cement bridges and piers were constructed.

We obviously do not seem to get the thick build up of ice that we once

Recently there was a story in our local newspapers about the serious problems and difficult decisions facing the York County Historical Trust (Historical Society). Because of impending maintenance and increased costs and dwindling funds the following actions and/or other ideas are being considered.

Option #1 the Status Quo with liquidation of the J. E. Baker Buiding (currently used for storage) and reduction in times of operation and cutting some employees,

OPTION #2 Consolidation of York County Historical Trust Properties and disposing of the Agricultural and Industrial Museum

OPTION #3 Consolidation of York Historical Properties to the Agricultural and Industrial Museum on West Princess Street.

OPTION #4 The buying of the old Metropolitan Edison Steam Plant Complex and refurbishing the building.

These are only the general ideas of each of these proposals. You can stop by the Trust and get full details.

Meanwhile each of us can do something to help. First, after many years of letting my membership expire - I went to the Trust Museum and started a new membership - you can do the same. You can also make an outright contribution to help the Trust which I have also done . Secondly, you can visit the museum properties - a great percentage of York County residents have never visited any of the York County Heritage Trust properties. Third, you can find out more about the options currently being considered and let your voice be heard, but hurry your comments must be heard before March 31, 2015. You can respond by phone, mail, email, in person or on the Trust's website.

There are some very important and long reaching decisions which will impact this wonderful Trust and its long standing vital contribution to the history and culture of our community. It would be really helpful and convenient and perhaps stir up greater public interest and sentiment if a public hearing/informationa/discussionl meeting were held somewhere that people could express their views publicly.

Kudos to the Pennsylvania Game Commission for developing this webcam site. This was money well spent. This particular webcam has created a wonderful upsurge of interest and appreciation for the wildlife of Pennsylvania. This webcam has stirred much interest in the community, state and nation. It has sparked stories, commentaries and editorials on televison news and lin ocal newspapers. Recently I saw the male and female switching jobs and the two eggs were very visible. What a winderful thing! It would be really neat to have the Game Commission install other live webcam stations revealing the habitats of some of the other birds and mammals native to Pennsylvania. Although it is probably very difficult to locate and remain at the site of many of our mammals because they move around a lot. It would it be neat to have a live webcam of a beaver and its dam, or the den of the elusive mammal called the Fisher, or the red or gray fox, or a porcupine, or a weasel, or even the common skunk or groundhog. I wish to commend the Pennsylvania Game Commission for this exceptional project. It is doing so much to get young and old, alike, to become interested in our wildlife.

Flowergirl, Thanks for the info, I just found this interesting article that says sometimes an eagle will lay a second egg 2 days after the first. -- so that would be about tomorrow - Monday February 16, 2015. The article also says that sometimes they have been known to lay three eggs. I will be anxiously watching. this is so neat. http://www.baldeagleinfo.com/eagle/eagle4.html 

Thanks, Lager, I will try it.