Fishin' With Ty and Damen

After lowering Long Lake of numerous panfish, it was time to fish closer to home. Though the fishing isn't as good here, I could have cared less as I took Al's boys out for the day.
We only picked up a couple of keeper crappies in the morning. At noon, we motored over to the local bar, docked the boat, and stopped in for a burger and fries. After lunch we tried a spot where we had some luck last August. Well. maybe this August as we marked nothing.
Trolling another shore, I lost what appeared to be a trout. Moments later Damen did indeed catch a trout. Heck we didn't even know there were trout in the lake. Though the boys had trout stamps, none of us knew if the season was open so we let it go. I checked later and indeed the season was open and the fish was of legal size. No big deal. We all had a good laugh over it.
I expected the fishing to be better but there's always next time. I wouldn't have traded this day for any other.

Back to Long Lake once again.....

Just can't resist the temptation to drive 225 miles just to catch crappies. Fortunately, for me, I've still got Mike anchoring the front of my boat. We share the same desire to ultra light for crappies and sunnies. We probably caught over 400 fish the three times we hit the water.
Now I guess it's time to hit up one of my local lakes. The action is no where near what I have on Long but it does help to keep fishing in it's proper perspective. It's not the catching so much as it is just being able to get out on the water, and hopefully, have someone along to talk to and tell stories with.
Don't know that I'll have that luxury but I do have that new secret bait I need to try out.......

50 Years Ago In a Galaxy Far, Far Away

When I was in 8th grade, I met a couple of guys. They are still my friends. I was honored by being chosen to be the godfather of two very nice young ladies. A daughter from each of them.
Saturday we were down at Macalaster College as Jim's daughter graduated. Jim lives in Montana so we don't see each other very often. Last weekend we were able to spend some time together both catching up a bit and, of course, reliving some of our past history together. We had more than a few laughs. It's amazing that we can remember so much stuff with our advancing age and all. Fortunately, if one of us forgot something the other usually managed to fill in the blanks.
We're planning a road trip out west next year and plan on stopping by to see Jim and Chris. I'm already looking forward to it.
I've had people tell me that it's pretty rare to have a friend for 50 years and I have two of them. That says a lot about them. They've had to put up with me....

Spring Turkey - 2013

I've been hunting turkey for about 30 years. Only 5 years ago did I start doing it in Wisconsin. Since you don't get drawn every year in Minnesota but can in Wisconsin, even if you are a non resident, I asked my buddy Al if I could hunt with him. We hunted 4 years together down in SW Wisconsin. He had some contacts and I was introduced to some really great people.
After Al was killed last year, Johnny and I had to make a decision. We had already applied with Al for this year. Should we go or not? We decided to go. It was what Al would have wanted. My buddy Kurt was interested in joining our party and so, well, a new hunting party was born.
I wasn't sure how we would be received with Al being gone, but the local people were absolutely wonderful to us. I now have new friends....
We hunted hard for 4 days. I was the lucky one as I called in this big guy late Wednesday afternoon. I clobbered him and told Al this one was for him.
We had some other opportunities but were unable to connect with another bird.
As is always the case, we continue to learn each time we hunt and will be just that much smarter next year. Is that possible??
We'll keep on keeping on. I know no other way. It's what we do.....

March 27th, 2001

                                         YOUR NAME
                                            
You got it from your father
  It was all he had to give
So it's yours to use and cherish
  For as long as you shall live
If you lose the watch he gave you
  It can always be replaced
But a black mark on your name, son
  Can never be erased
It was clean the day you took it
  And a worthy name to bear
When he got it from his father
  There was no dishonor there
So make sure you guard it wisely
  After all is said and done
You'll be glad the name is spotless
  When you give it to your son

Eric - I remember that conversation we had on the phone....
          You were, and are and always will be my hero. I love you my son.... Dad

Hi, My Name is Cody

Yesterday I was just laying around with my brothers when these two people showed up. They put me in their car and drove me four hours to a place called "Wisconsin". I don't know much about that place except they eat a lot of cheese and worship something called "The Packers".
I guess there have been dogs that came before me. There was Daisy, Sadie, Max and Sam. I hear they were all pretty smart and good hunters as well. I know one of my new owners wants me to grow up and be like those other dogs. Well, that's not gonna happen. You see, I'm me and he's just going to have to accept that. I want him to love me for who I am. I'll be smart and maybe even find a bird if he can manage to knock one down but I won't try to be like those other dogs. They are his fond memories and it's my turn now.
I understand my name comes from a black lab that my owner and son hunted behind long ago in a place called North Dakota. Ask my owner about that if you want and you'll hear the story, I've already learned that my owner tells a lot of stories....
Well, I gotta go now. There's lots of new places to discover and smells to investigate. And if I move real fast, I have learned that they will follow me, wondering what kind of trouble I intend to get into. So much to do and so much to learn.
Bye for now..... Cody

My New Partner

It's been three years since we had to put Sammy down. I said, "That's it" I didn't want that feeling ever again. That feeling of watching an old hunting partner, and more importantly a good friend, pass away.
I had to finally realize that I was being selfish. Nobody, but nobody would give a dog a better home than us. I quit feeling sorry for myself.
The search was a long one. We wanted a yellow lab because they are so smart and gentle. Whether you hunt or not they are just a great all around dog. I read where they are still the most popular breed. Once again people are copying me......
We wanted a light color because of all the bugs (ticks) up here, plus, well, they really look cool when almost white. Remember, it's always important to look good.
So I found a good breeder who bred a pair of healthy, vet approved dogs. I drove over to central Minnesota in early January, put down a deposit, and got first pick on the upcoming litter.
I wanted a male and on January 31st, four pups were born and they were all males. I've been receiving pictures of all four and Friday we drove over and made our selection. Meet Cody.
He's five weeks old so we will drive back in two weeks and bring him home.
We are busy puppy proofing the house and look forward? to a couple of sleepless nights when he first arrives.
I'll start his training at three months old and am looking forward to having a little buddy with me in the woods. I won't be alone anymore.......