So sorry for your loss. Not only is your post a nice tribute to a friend, but also an important reminder to all winter sports enthusiasts. Sometimes the excitement of the "hunt" clouds our good judgement, and your post reminds us to stop and think. I waterfowl hunt near those waters, and tried to go out in my canoe last week, but turned back after 50 feet or so due to high winds. After all of the morning prep, it's hard to "abort-mission"--but sometimes common sense kicks you in the ass! Thank God for that...

Joe