Hi N -
It is okay to be vague on dates.  I just suggested the 1st as a possibility.  Today is the first day of noticeable melting and we have a LONG way to go to get rid of this snow!  The ice may be somewhat thinner (under the snow) than usual since it has been blanketed all winter.  Reports of 22 inches of ice from fishermen drilling holes on Vermilion.  The next 10 days look to be melters without more snow; that will be a good start.
Would like very much to have your company on the trip.  V