Outdoors Minnesota

7-23-08 Generation Memories

Many Americans are taking shorter, more frequent vacations these days.  Many are taking time to talk with their youngsters while they walk a quiet street, sit at a sidewalk cafe or dangle their feet  from a dock into the cool water of a lake or stream.  This type of relaxing vacation allows an older generation to paint a verbal picture of their youth to a new generation.  You could say it is generational bonding at its' best.

Try it yourself and see what happens. 

Below is an example of what I mean.  It is a list of "things" from a time gone by that was sent to me by a friend.  I remember most of them.  If your memory is revived by any of the verbal 'refreshers' below, you have lived through a generation that was brighter and happier than any since!

My childhood days went back before the internet,the pc or the mac. Before semiautomatics and crack...Before playstation;, SEGA, super Nintendo, even before Atari...Before cell phones, cd's, dvd's, voicemail or email.

I'm talking about hide and seek at dusk...Red Light, Green Light...Playing kickball and dodgeball until the first, no the second, no the third street light came on...Ring Around The Rosie & London Bridge, Hot Potato, Hop Scotch,  Jump Rope and YOU'RE IT !!!
 Parents stood on the front porch and yelled for you to come home...no cell phones or pagers...

Take One Giant Step and May I ?...Seeing Shapes in the Clouds...Endless summer days and hot summer nights (no A/C) with the windows open...The sound of Crickets...Running through the sprinkler...Cereal boxes with GREAT prizes in them and Cracker Jacks with the same...Popsicles with two sticks that you could break apart and share with your friend...

BU WAIT, THERE'S MORE...

Watching Saturday morning cartoons...Tom and Jerry,  Captain Midnight, Cisco Kid, The Lone Ranger, Boston Blackie & Catching lightening bugs in a jar...

Christmas morning...The first day of school and goodnight kisses...

Climbing trees and swinging as high as you can  to try and touch the sky...A million mosquito bites and sticky fingers...Jumpin' down the steps...jumpin' on the bed...Pillow fights...Running home from the western movie you just saw 'til you were out of breath...Laughing so hard your stomach hurt and Being tired from PLAYING...

WORK meant: taking out the garbage, cutting the grass, washing the car or doing dishes.

Your first crush...Your first kiss ( I mean the one where your mouth was closed and your eyes were open...Rainy days at school and the smell of damp concrete and chalky erasers...Kool Aid was the drink of the summer & so was a swig from the garden hose...Giving your friends a ride on the handlebars of your bike...Wearing new shoes for the first day of school...

When nearly every Mom was home when you got there from school...When a quarter was a fair allowance and a second quarter was a MIRACLE!

When any parent could discipline any kid, or feed him or have him carry your groceries and nobody, including the kid, thought anything about it...When being sent to the principals office was nothing compared to what you were going to face when you got home!  When we were afraid for our lives but it wasn't because of handguns or drive-by shootings, drugs, gangs & etc.  We simply did not want our parents to get mad at us...

Doesn't it feel good to be reminded of these things?  Well, we're not through...

Remember when decisions were made by going...eeny, meeny, miny, moe...Mistakes were corrected by simply saying "Do Over"...RACE issues were simply arguments over who was the fastest...Catching fireflies could occupy and entire evening...It wasn't odd to have two or three "best friends".

Nobody was prettier than Mom.

Getting a foot of snow was a dream come true & Abilities were discovered because of a "double dog dare"...Spinning around, getting dizzy and falling down was cause for a case of the giggles...The worst embarrassment was being picked last for a team...Water balloons were the ultimate, I mean ultimate weapon.

If you can remember most or all of these things, I assure you, you have lived through a simpler and more pleasant time. This era has passed and slowly those of us who have lived it are passing also.  If you have not lived through these times, ask your parent or grandparent or great grandparent.  It was a time when we went from a-m radio to the stars. 

If YOU are of THIS generation, make it memorable enough so that when you close your eyes and think back to your childhood days, a smile comes over your face and maybe a tear wells up in your eye.  And, maybe, you will wish those days were here again.

Take the time to share your childhood memories with a young family member on your next vacation.  I think you will find that he or she will be as amazed at your stories as YOU ARE that you could actually remember them.

Enjoy

Posted by: cjjohnso on July 24, 2008 at 8:32 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

7-23-08 Explore Minnesota Festivals & Events

Just some of this weeks highlights include the Glenwood Waterama, Finn Fest 2008, Blueberry Art Festival, North Shore Dragon Boat Festival, Minneapolis Aquatennial, Lumberjack Days, Wild West Frontier Fest, Wilder Pageant & Festival, Song of Hiawatha Pageant & Celebration, Franklin Catfish Days, and Kolacky Days Czech Festival.

Northern Minnesota

The Glenwood Waterama will be held Wednesday through Sunday, July 23-27, on the shores of Lake Minnewaska and throughout the city of Glenwood, with a 100-unit parade, kiddie parade, lighted pontoon parade, water shows, pageants, dances, sporting events, Crazy Days sales, an arts and craft show, car show, fireworks display, and a community worship service. For more information, dial 1-866-634-3636, or visit http://www.geocities.com/glenwoodwaterama

The Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center in Duluth will be the site of Finn Fest 2008, July 23-27, in a celebration of Finnish culture and heritage. Highlights will include an elegant fashion show, a concert by the Minnesota Orchestra directed by Osmo V￤nsk￤, a golf scramble, midnight 5k run, 200 violinists, a visit by the president of the Republic of Finland, a day of Theology, a rock concert, numerous area tours, nightly dances, tasty Finnish cuisine, scenic train rides, nearly 300 lectures and concerts, a womens panel featuring national leaders, and much more! For further information, dial 1-800-4-DULUTH, or check out www.finnfest.com

The Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival will be held Thursday through Sunday, July 24-27, throughout the city of Hoyt Lakes. This four-day carnival features water-ski shows, open air dances, turtle races, in-line skating races, a 5k race, fireworks display, a pancake feed, tournaments, and a parade. To find out more, dial 218/225-2654, or visit www.hoytlakescarnival.com

The city of Ely will be the site of the 28th Annual Blueberry Art Festival, Friday through Sunday, July 25-27, with roughly 300 exhibitors offering original, handcrafted artwork. In addition, enjoy ethnic foods, a variety of musical entertainment, and pancake breakfasts both Saturday and Sunday mornings. And on Saturday, July 26, head to Fall Lake for the Monsters of Mud Run, when huge trucks will compete by plowing through the mud. To learn more about either event, dial 1-800-777-7281, or check out www.ely.org

Carlton Daze will be held July 25-27 throughout the city of Carlton. Highlights include carnival games, arts & craft shows, auctions, tournaments, children's theater, community plays, street dances, a 5k race and ultra marathon, bingo, live entertainment, a car show, parade, duck races, K-9 and archery demonstrations, a free movie in the park, and lots of food and refreshments! For more information, dial 218/384-3322, or visit www.carltondaze.com

The town of Lake George, located near Park Rapids, will hold their 25th Annual Blueberry Festival, July 25-27, with a blueberry pancake breakfast, Blueberry Ball, Blueberry Square Dance, a pie sale, pig roast, Firemens bean feed, a quilt show and raffle, arts & crafts show, a flea market, a free children's carnival, bed races, a kids sawdust money pit, parade, and more! For further information, dial 218/266-2995, or check out www.lakegeorgeminn.com

The North Shore Dragon Boat Festival will take place in Grand Marais, July 25-27, with exciting harbor races, a parade of teams, a performance by the Asian Lion dance team, an awards ceremony, flying Chinese lanterns, "Yoga on the Beach," a beach worship service, live music, food booths, and family activities for paddlers and spectators. No experience is necessary to race! To learn more, dial 218/387-2372, or visit www.NorthShoreDragonBoat.com

Moonlite Bay on Cross Lake, in the city of Crosslake, will be the site of the 20th Annual Antique Boat Show on Saturday, July 26. Featured will be a spectacular boat parade, with over 50 restored classic and antique boats, as well as a beach bar with live music, and a delicious luncheon. Visitors will also want to take in the Free Concert at Crosslake Town Square at 6:30pm on July 26, with a performance by the country music act Clear Blue. To find out more, dial 1-800-450-2838, or check out www.explorebrainerdlakes.com

Art In The Park will be held Saturday, July 26, and EL Peterson & Sherin parks in Pelican Rapids, with more than 200 vendors of unique arts and crafts. And on Sunday, July 27, head north to Detroit Lakes, where Arts & Crafts in the Park will be offered in the city park. For more information, dial 1-800-542-3992, or visit www.visitdetroitlakes.com

The Duluth Maritime Festival will be held at the Harbor Drive docking area in Duluth, Friday through Sunday, August 1-3, when three "tall ships" will sail into the harbor in a celebration of Minnesotas 150th anniversary. Visitors will enjoy this special three-day lakeside party and festival of music, entertainment, fireworks, crafts and food, with a focus on the maritime history of Duluth and the Great Lakes, including tours of the ships. For rates and times, and for further information, dial 1-800-438-5884, or check out www.visitduluth.com/maritimefestival

Walker City Park will be the site of Walker Bay Days, Friday and Saturday, August 1 & 2. This fun-filled weekend includes a Pow Wow, the "Big Dig" for children, children's games, a mini-regatta, karaoke for all ages, a Neil Diamond tribute, live music by local bands, and much more! For further information, dial 1-800-833-1118, or check out www.walkerbaydays.com

The 20th Annual White Oak Rendezvous will be held Friday through Sunday, August 1-3, at White Oak Society's Great Hall in Deer River. This reenactment of a typical fur trade era post includes live music, traders selling their wares, family camps, period costumes, food vendors, demonstrations in blackpowder shooting, a primitive archer's range, an Ojibwa village, and a replica of a 1798 Northwest Company Fur Post with living history interpretation. To learn more, dial 218/246-9393, or visit www.visitgrandrapids.com

LaFave Park in East Grand Forks will be the site of Cats Incredible Catfish Days, August 1-3, with a two-day catfishing tournament, a chili cook-off, live music, food booths, inflatable games, a magician, balloon sculpting, acrobatics, and a beer garden. To find out more, dial 701/772-7271, or check out www.gochamber.org

Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

The 2008 Minneapolis Aquatennial will be held throughout the city of Minneapolis daily through Sunday, July 27, with roughly 50 fun-filled family and water-based events to attend. Just some of the highlights include the Labor Neighborhood Block Party on Nicollet Mall between 3rd and 4th streets, with Blues Traveler, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and Tim Mahoney. In addition, there will be the famous Milk Carton Boat Races and the Star Tribune Beach Bash at Lake Calhoun, the Xcel Energy River Blast, Target Fireworks Show, and Midtown Global Market's "One Hot Day." To learn more, dial 612/338-3807, or visit www.aquatennial.com

The Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul will offer Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination, through Sunday, August 24. This exciting exhibition features more than 80 costumes, models and props from all six Star Wars films, as well as a chance to defy gravity, manipulate robots, engineer droids, and journey into that galaxy far, far away. And dont miss the Omnitheatre presentation "Special Effects," which features eye-popping visual effects from four motion pictures. To find out more, dial 651/221-9444, or check out www.smm.org

The city of Stillwater will hold their annual Lumberjack Days celebration, Wednesday through Sunday, July 23-27, with performances by national-acts, including Martin Zellar, Soul Asylum, the BoDeans, and Boz Skaggs. Other highlights include lumberjack shows, a Sippin Down the St. Croix Wine Tasting cruise, ice cream social, petting zoo, inflatables, a childrens concert, kids coin scramble, merchandise and food vendors, and one of the largest musically choreographed fireworks shows in the country! There is a fee for some events. For more information, dial 651/430-2306, or check out www.lumberjackdays.com

The Wild West Frontier Fest will be held Friday through Sunday, July 25-27, at Harriet Island in St. Paul. Enjoy three stages of live cowboy music and entertainment, as well as a Tom Sawyer fence painting contest, the Cavalcade of Little Buckaroos, a Prairie Pettin' Corral, Chuck Wagon demonstrations, storytelling, costumed characters, old-fashioned photos, games, stagecoach and wagon rides, pony rides, roping lessons, and much more! For rates and times, dial 651/644-3600, or visit www.wildwestfrontierfest.com

The city of Chaska will host River City Days, July 25-27, with a variety of festivities including musical entertainment, a Business Expo, the Celebration of Nations, arts & craft show, used book sale, Humane Society bake sale, sidewalk sales, Historical Society exhibits, games, a pie & ice cream social, childrens fishing contest, Chug-Chug train rides, a youth parade, demonstrations, the River City Days parade, and Dads Belgian Waffle Breakfast in the Park. For further information, dial 952/448-5000, or check out www.chaskarivercitydays.com

Various Interpretive Programs will be offered at Wild River State Park in Center City, July 25-27, including Seasons of the White-tailed Deer, Wildflowers of the 1850s on the Old Military Road, Butterflies in Native Prairies and In Your Back Yard, Help Wanted In the 1800s: Lumber Baron Martin Mower Needs You!, and Slithery Snakes! To find out more, dial 651/583-2925, or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/wild_river/index.html

The first weekend in August offers art lovers an amazing opportunity to see artwork by some of the finest artists throughout the country! This art-filled weekend in Minneapolis begins with the Uptown Art Fair, one of the top ten art fairs in the Nation. This fair surrounds the intersection of Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue, and runs Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 3, with 350 fine arts and craft artisans, 20 different food vendors, plenty of childrens activities, and exciting night-time entertainment! Then on Saturday and Sunday, August 2 & 3, head to Loring Park for the 9th Annual Loring Park Art Festival, and Powderhorn Park for the 17th Annual Powderhorn Art Fair  both offering well over 100 exhibitors, as well as lots of live entertainment, games, family activities, and childrens events. And, ride free on the Target Art Hop on August 2 & 3, when fair-goers can visit all three in the air-conditioned comfort on the free Target Art Hop bus. To learn more about the Target Art Hop and any of these art fairs, check out www.metrotransit.org/arthop

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Target Center in Minneapolis, July 23
Dave Koz and Friends at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater in Apple Valley, July 25
Peter Frampton at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, July 25
Bill Maher at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, July 26
Hootie and the Blowfish at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, July 27
The Gear Daddies at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 1
Judas Priest at The Myth in Maplewood, August 2
Nine Inch Nails at the Target Center, August 2
Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 4
Chaka Khan at The Epic in Minneapolis, August 5
The Wiggles at the Target Center, August 7
The Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, August 8
Larry the Cable Guy at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, August 8-10
Melissa Etheridge at The OShaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul, August 9
Chris Isaak at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 13
Jordin Sparks and Jesse McCartney at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, August 15
A Special Musical Performance by Rob Thomas at The Myth, August 21
Three Doors Down with Special Guests Staind and Hinder at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand in St. Paul, August 21
Brad Paisley, Jewel and Chuck Wicks at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 22
Jerry Jeff Walker at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 23
The Backstreet Boys Concert at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 23
Jonny Lang and Buddy Guy at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 24
Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 25
The Counting Crows and Maroon 5 at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, August 26
The PRCA Championship Rodeo at the Minnesota State Fair, August 28
A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 29
NBCs Last Comic Standing at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, August 29
The Black Crowes at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 30
Donna Summer at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, August 31
Pop-Tarts Presents American Idols Live at the Target Center, August 31
Toby Keith at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, September 1
Chicago at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, September 9
Wayne Brady at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, September 10
Great Big Sea at the Historic State Theatre, September 12
Journey at the Target Center in Minneapolis, September 16
Cirque Du Soleil-Saltimbanco at the Target Center, September 24
The Robert Cray Band at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, September 26
WWE Monday Night Raw at the Target Center, September 29
Beck with MGMT at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, September 30
Defending the Caveman at the Hennepin Stages in Minneapolis, October 1
My Morning Jacket at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, October 2
Ani DiFranco at the Historic State Theatre, October 3
Kathy Griffin at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, October 3
Kenny Rogers at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, October 3
Joe Satriani at the Historic State Theatre, October 7
David Wilcox at the Fitzgerald Theater, October 9
Magnetic Fields at the Historic State Theatre, October 10
The Music Builds Tour with Third Day and Switchfoot at the Target Center, October 10
Tegan and Sara at the Historic State Theatre, October 11
Playhouse Disney Live! at the Xcel Energy Center, October 12
Rufus Wainwright at the Historic State Theatre, October 16
K.D. Lang at the OShaughnessy Auditorium, October 19
The Loft Literary Center presents David Sedaris at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, October 19
New Kids On the Block at the Xcel Energy Center, October 21
Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, October 23
Cinematic Titanic: Live! at the Historic State Theatre, October 25
Celine Dion at the Target Center in Minneapolis, October 30
Wicked-A New Musical at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, November 5
Menopause, the Musical at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, November 5-9
Martin Sexton at the Fitzgerald Theater, November 6
Joan Baez at the Historic State Theatre, November 13
The Moscow Ballet at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, December 12 & 13
Celtic Thunder at the Target Center in Minneapolis, December 15
The Nutcracker Fantasy at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, December 19
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151

Southern Minnesota

The 31st Annual Wilder Pageant will be held along the banks of Plum Creek in Walnut Grove, each Friday and Saturday, through July 26. This outdoor drama is based on life of author Laura Ingalls Wilder in Walnut Grove in the 1870s, and is performed at a hillside amphitheater with extensive lighting and special sound effects. And each Saturday, through July 26, a Walnut Grove Family Festival will be offered at the Walnut Grove City Park, with craft and food vendors, art activities, demonstrations, and more. For tickets, and for further information, dial 1-800-528-7280, or check out www.walnutgrove.org

The pageant grounds in Pipestone will be the site of the 60th Annual Song of Hiawatha Pageant & Celebration, each Friday and Saturday, through August 2. Come witness this memorable performance in a lovely outdoor setting, with spectacular lighting and Native American music. A Pow Wow will also be offered. To find out more, dial 1-800-336-6125, or visit www.pipestoneminnesota.com

The city of Olivia will host Corn Capital Days, Wednesday through Sunday, July 23-27, with a corn toss, Corn-Lympics, a family fun night, live music, a 5-mile run & walk, kiddie parade, mini-triathlon for kids and their families, a kids pedal pull, Crazy Days sales, arts & crafts, a fly-in breakfast, air show, grande parade, sweet corn and grilled porkchop feed, an outdoor ecumenical service, pie and ice cream social, and a street dance. To learn more, dial 1-888-265-CORN, or check out www.oliviachamber.org

A Riverboat Days festival will be held Friday and Saturday, July 25 & 26, throughout the city of Wabasha. Highlights include Crazy Days sales, a firemens chicken feed & waterfight, live music under the bridge, a DJ at the Park, Pancakes in the Park, the Grumpy Old Men fishing contest, a quilt show, 5k River Run & Fitness Walk, skateboard competition, a craft fair, K-9 & taser demonstrations, and a variety of childrens activities. To find out more, dial 651/565-4158, or visit www.wabashamn.org

The Lincoln County Fairgrounds in Tyler will be the site of Aebleskiver Days, Friday through Sunday, July 25-27, with ethnic arts & crafts, live entertainment, games for the kids, pony rides, a talent show, an eating contest, and lots of great food, including the famous Danish sandwiches and the tennis ball-shaped Danish pancake, the Aebleskive. For more information, dial 507/247-3905, or check out www.aebleskiverdays.com

Franklin Catfish Days will be held July 25-27 throughout the town of Franklin. Featured will be a fishing contest with trophies and cash prizes for the largest channel and flathead catfish. In addition, there will be a street dance and live music on Main Street, kiddie and grande parades, a variety show, Kiss the Catfish contest, square dancing, Music in the Park, kiddie train rides, a kids pedal pull, church services, food stands, a beer wagon, and more. For further information, dial 507/557-2259, or visit http://home.mchsi.com/~franklin

The town of Houston will host Houston Hoedown Days, July 25-27, with plenty of music and dancing each night, as well as the 32nd Annual Minnesota State Horse Pull Championships, garden and pedal tractor pulls, fireworks, parades, antique cars and tractors, a soap box derby, plenty of food, a beer barn, a craft & flea market, magic show, and Kaptain Kirby train rides. To find out more, dial 507/896-3010, or check out www.houstonhoedown.com

The 74th Annual Kolacky Days Czech Festival will be held July 25-27 in the city of Montgomery. Kolacky Days celebrates Montgomerys Czechoslovakian heritage and culture, and includes an authentic Czech dinner, authentic costumes, Czech singing and dancing, a classic car show, grande day and kiddie parades, beer gardens & food stands, inflatable playground and games, live music and park dance, a queens pageant, ice cream social, pet parade, Kolacky crafts, and an antique tractor display. To learn more, dial 507/364-5577, or visit www.montgomerymn.org/kdayindex.html

The city of Lanesboro will offer Kids Day at the Farmers Market at Sylvan Park on Saturday, July 26, with childrens games, local foods, and lots of prizes. Saturday afternoon, head to the Cornucopia Art Center for demonstrations of the creation of sculptural jewelry from river rocks. Also on Saturday, July 26, enjoy performances of Harvey, and The Man of La Mancha, at the Commonweal Theatre. For more information, dial 1-800-944-2670, or check out www.lanesboro.com

The 11th Annual Hickory Street Ribfest will be held Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, August 3, at the Alltel Center in downtown Mankato. Come enjoy the finest ribs around, as well as music by over 25 bands on two stages, including music by The BoDeans and Little Texas! For rates and times, dial 1-800-657-4733, or visit www.alltelcenter.com

The Zwingli United Church of Christ in the town of Berne, located northwest of Rochester, will host the Berne Swissfest on Saturday and Sunday, August 2-3. The Berne Swissfest includes Swiss yodelers, woodcarving and scissor-cutting by a Swiss artist, Swiss wrestling, folk dancers, an alphorn quintet, stage programs, artist demonstrations, Swiss flag throwing, handbell concerts, Swiss food, Swiss chocolates, Kinder Korner, costume style show, and Yodelfest. This is considered by some to be the most authentic Swiss festival in North America. For further information, dial 1-800-322-2478, or check out www.swissfest.org

Posted by: cjjohnso on July 23, 2008 at 11:56 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

7-22-08 Don't Become A Boat Anchor

Don't Become A Boat Anchor !!!

It's not a PDF...that I know!  My son is a computer wizard and he told me a PDF will NOT keep me afloat in the water, but...a PFD WILL!  And...that's why I wear my "Personal Floation Device" when I'm fishing or just boating on Minnesota's waterways.

There is a reason the Minnesota DNR requires PFD's for everyone in a boat...to save lives!  DNR conservation officers and county sheriffs deputies have been taking note of boaters who violate the law by not carrying the proper number and type of personal flotation devices (PFDs or life preservers) on board their boats.

"It just amazes me as I go through the officers' reports, how many people forget their life jackets or don't have enough on board," said Tim Smalley, Minnesota DNR boating safety specialist. "This law isn't new; it's been in effect for just about forever, but some boaters just 'space out' when it comes to their safety equipment.

It isn't just life preservers that boaters seem to be forgetting about. According to Smalley, other boating law violations include: lack of current boat registration, intoxicated operation of watercraft and operating violations for personal watercraft.

Here's a common sense check list for boat safety,cut/print it out and carry it in your boat...

ﾷ         Carry the correct number and type of readily accessible life jackets on board. That includes a Coast Guard approved wearable life jacket for each person on board the boat. Boats that are 16 feet or longer (except canoes and kayaks) must carry a Coast Guard approved boat cushion or ring buoy as a throwable device.

ﾷ         Make sure your boat's registration (license) is up-to-date. 

ﾷ           Avoid alcohol while boating. It is unlawful to operate a motorboat while impaired.

ﾷ         Watch your wake. As boats get larger, the damage caused by their wakes can be larger too.

ﾷ         Watch where you are going. The number one cause of boat collisions is failure of the operator to keep proper lookout.

ﾷ         You are required to display the personal watercraft rules decal issued at no cost by the DNR in full view of the operator. You may only operate a personal watercraft between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and one hour before sunset. Maintain a slow no wake speed (5 mph or less) within 150 feet of non-motorized boats, shore (unless launching a skier), docks, swim rafts, swimmers or moored or anchored boats.

Most of these rules are "common sense".  Most of the time that they are violated is for a lack of the same.

Posted by: cjjohnso on July 22, 2008 at 1:39 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

7-22-08 Minnesota Fishing Report

Muskies starting to eat rather than just chase baits

Big Six

LAKE MILLE LACS

East - Crankbaits or live bait rigs are producing some walleyes during the day on the 22- to 32- foot gravel and mud areas. Slip bobbers and leeches are working best during the evening hours on the 14- to 22- foot rocks. Muskie action has improved on the weedlines and shallow breaks with bucktails and topwater. Look for smallmouth on the rocks and under boat lifts.

West - Lindy Rigs and leeches or spinner rigs tipped with crawlers are providing daytime walleye action on the 26- to 32- foot mud areas. At night, slip bobbers and leeches are working best off the flats in 30 feet or more and on the shallow rocks. Look for smallmouth on the rock points and most weedlines in the bays are now holding northern pike and a few muskies.

LAKE OF THE WOODS

Along the south shore, walleyes are hitting outside the Lighthouse Gap all the way over to Zippel Bay in 16 to 24 feet. Spinner rigs or jigs are working best. At the Northwest Angle, jigs continue to produce limits of walleyes and northern pike around Oak Island and Flag Island.

LEECH LAKE AREA

Look for walleyes on the bars and shoreline breaks in 20 feet of water. Bottom bouncers and crawlers, Lindy Rigs and leeches, or a jig and minnow have all worked. Theres some evening trolling action with Shad Raps or Minnow Raps in eight to 12 feet. Bass fishing has been excellent in most weedy bays and muskies continue to follow baits, but wont commit to them.

LAKE MINNETONKA AREA

Sunfish and bass are being found on the inside and outside weedlines of Lake Minnetonka. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits are turning pike on top of the weed flats in 15 feet. A few walleyes can be had on leeches during the evening hours over 20 feet in the big bays of Minnetonka. Small walleyes remain active on Lake Independence and Medicine Lake in 20 feet.

RAINY LAKE

The main lake reefs off Blueberry Island and Steamboat Island are producing walleyes in 36 to 42 feet. Saginaw Bay and the Tempton Channel area are kicking out walleyes in shallower water. rawlers, leeches, and minnows have all worked. Work the upper Rainy River area for walleyes with minnows. Black Bay continues to give up crappies and Lost Bay has been best for pike.

LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH

Short Lindy Rigs and minnows started producing good-sized perch in 18 to 25 feet on Moses Bar, Sugar Bar, and the Snaghole. Youll also find perch on the 15- foot rocks of Ravens Point. Walleyes are hitting leeches and crawlers in 18 to 22 feet at Moxes Hole, Moses Bar, the humps, and Sugar Bar.

Twin Cities Metro

NORTHEAST METRO

Bucktails and crankbaits are triggering muskies on the weedlines of Bald Eagle Lake, White Bear Lake, and Forest Lake. Small walleyes are hitting leeches on Bald Eagle and White Bear remains the best bet for good-sized sunfish in 10 to 14 feet. Bass are an easy catch on plastics at Olson Lake, Lake Jane, and Demonterville Lake. The Precott area of the St. Croix River is worth noting for walleyes in 20 to 22 feet.Work any weedline on an area lake with sucker minnows and you should find northern pike.

WEST METRO

Work the 12- to 14- foot weedline of Pierson Lake, Whaletail Lake, Lake Zumbra, and Lake Auburn for bass. Spoons are turning northern pike on Auburn and Lake Minnewashta. The Minnesota River is producing channel and flathead catfish, although the channels have bit best. Beetle Spins are turning some crappies during the evening hours on Lake Minnewashta.

LAKE WACONIA

Sunfish are hitting off North Reef and Keggs Reef in 18 to 20 feet. Look for bass in the shallow and deep weeds off Andersons Reef and in Reinkies Bay to be hitting spinnerbaits. The backside of the island is giving up a few good-sized pike, while muskies continue to follow bucktails. Look for suspended crappies between Keggs Reef and Reds Reef over 20 feet.

Statewide

ALEXANDRIA AREA

Work the deep weed edges on Lake Miltona and Lake Ida for walleyes during the evening hours. Spinner rigs and leeches continue to turn walleyes in 14 to 20 feet at Lake Reno and Lake Mary. The 10- to 16- foot weedlines of lakes Darling, Carlos, Geneva, and Le Homme Dieu are holding crappies. Bass are hitting crankbaits or plastics on the deep weeds or flats of most lakes.

ANNANDALE AREA

Work the deep weedlines of Clearwater Lake for walleyes, sunfish, northern pike, and bass. Sunfish action also is going strong in eight to 12 feet at Sugar Lake, Lake Augusta, Lake Sylvia, and Lake John. Cedar Lake and Pleasant Lake are producing northern pike, while bass remain an easy catch on all area lakes.

BATTLE LAKE

Lindy Rigs and leeches are producing walleyes in 18 to 25 feet West Battle Lake, Johnson Lake, Stalker Lake, and Otter Tail Lake. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows in the weeds at Clitherall Lake, West Battle, and Otter Tail. Look for suspended sunfish over 18 to 20 feet at West Battle, Stalker, and Clitherall. Work the deep weedlines with plastics for bass on Ten Mile Lake, Clitherall, and Stalker. Crappies are supended over 15 to 20 feet at West Battle and Stalker.

BEMIDJI AREA

Walleye activity is limited to the evening hours and after dark with crankbaits on Lake Bemidji in 14 to 16 feet. Lake Plantagenet started producing bigger perch in 15 to 20 feet. Crappies have moved deeper and suspended on Big Bass Lake and Lake Julia. Look for pike and bass on the weedlines of Grace Lake and Big Turtle Lake.

BLACKDUCK AREA

The weedlines of Blackduck Lake are giving up good-sized perch and an occasional walleye. On lakes such as North Twin, South Twin, Pimushe, and Rabideau youll find walleyes, panfish, and bass in 14 to 20 feet hitting live bait.

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

Look for some evening walleye action in 20 to 30 feet at Gull Lake, North Long Lake, Pelican Lake, and Round Lake. Live bait rigs tipped with leeches, crawlers, or minnows are working best. Crappies are being found suspended along the established weed edges and sunfish are coming off the areas small lakes in 12 to 16 feet. Bass and northern pike also can be had on the deep weedlines.

CASS LAKE AREA

Shad Raps have started producing walleyes at night on the bars of Cass Lake. The 12- to 15- foot breaklines of Cass and Pike Bay Lake also are giving up walleyes via leeches. The best perch reports are coming off the shallow sand and weed areas of Cass. Big Rice Lake and Kitchi Lake are worth noting for bluegills, while spinner rigs and minnows are triggering pike on Big Wolf Lake.

CHISAGO AREA

Work the deeper weed pockets of Sunrise Lake for northern pike and bass. Theres a short window of walleye activity during the evening hours on the weedlines of South LindstromLake. Crappies are now being found suspended on most lakes and sunfish are hitting in 10 to 12 feet at Kroon Lake, North Center Lake, and South Lindtsrom.

CROSBY AREA

Limits of trout are being caught from shore at Manuel Pit and from boats at Huntington Pit and the Pennington Chain. Some large pike have been taken in the Sagamore Pit and smallmouth bass action at Alstead has been excellent. The weed flats of Adney Lake and Bay Lake continue to hold pike, while bass remain active in the weeds of Horseshoe, Serpent, and Clearwater lakes. Panfish have bit best during the evening hours in 12 to 15 feet at lakes Mahnomen, Black Hoof, Cedar, Clearwater, and Bass. A few walleyes have been taken during lowlight periods in 20 to 24 feet at Serpent, Rabbit, and Pelican.

CROSS LAKE AREA

The points throughout the Whitefish Chain are providing steady walleye action during lowlight periods. Lindy Rigs tipped with redtails or crawlers have worked best. Theres also a crankbait bite taking place at night. Sucker minnows under bobbers has been the ticket for northern pike along most weedlines. Pitch plastics on the docks and weedlines for bass, while crappies are being found suspended near the 12- to 16- foot weed edges.

DETROIT LAKES

Slip bobbers and leeches pitched on the 12- to 20- foot weedlines are producing walleyes at Big Detroit Lake, Lake Melissa, and Lake Sallie. The 12- to 14- foot cabbage areas of Big Detroit, Floyd Lake, and Sour Lake are holding sunfish. Northern pike are roaming the weed edges of most lakes and muskie action has improved with small CowGirls on the humps and weedlines of Big Detroit and Pelican Lake.

DULUTH AREA

Shiner minnows are turning walleyes on Island Lake in 20 to 25 feet. At Fish Lake, youll find walleyes in 12 to 14 feet and bluegills in 10 to 12 feet. Northern pike and an occasional walleye can be had off Rice Lake in six feet. The south shore of Lake Superior is producing walleyes in 15 to 20 feet mainly on stickbaits and spoons. On the north shore, salmon and a few lake trout are being taken from the Knife River to Two Harbors.

EAST-CENTRAL MINN

Pull crankbaits or minnows along the weedlines of Blue Lake and Elk Lake for northern pike. Largemouth bass are hitting plastics in the weed pockets of Blue and Green Lake. The Rum River and Mississippi River continue to produce smallmouth bass, and the deeper holes of the Mississippi are holding catfish.

ELY AREA

Look for bigger walleyes to be hitting spinner rigs on the sharp breaks and weedlines of Shagawa Lake and Burntside Lake. The sunken islands and off-shore reefs of most lakes are producing smallmouth bass. Northern pike continue to hit spoons or minnows on the weedlines of area lakes.

FAIRMONT AREA

Nightcrawlers continue to trigger catfish at Hall Lake and Amber Lake. Crappies are hitting in eight feet of water at George Lake, Budd Lake, and Hall. The docks of George Lake also are worth checking for bluegills.

FARIBAULT AREA

Look for suspended crappies on Roberds Lake and Lake Mazaska over 20 feet. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows on the weedlines of Kelley Dudley Lake and crankbaits on the sharp breaks of Shields Lake. Pitch surface baits or bucktails near the docks on French Lake for muskies. Cedar Lake remains the areas best largemouth bass option.

GRAND MARAIS AREA

Walleye action has slowed to a few fish during the evening hours, but smallmouth bass remain active on area lakes. The perch bite has improved in 15 to 20 feet at Homer Lake, Devils Track Lake, Elbow Lake, and Two Island Lake. Trolling spoons on Northern Lights Lake has worked well for pike. The coho salmon have started hitting near the surface on Lake Superior. The best stretch this week has been from Grand Marais to Five Mile Rock.

GRAND RAPIDS AREA

Crappies remain active on the weedlines of Jay Gould Lake, Lake Pokegama, Little Splithand Lake, and Lake Wabana. Look for sunfish on the deep weedlines of Bass Lake and North Star Lake. Bucktails have produced several muskies on North Star, Moose Lake, and Deer Lake. Walleyes are hitting leeches on Trout Lake in 12 to 25 feet and spinners and crawlers on Pokegama in 18 to 24 feet. Lakes such as Pokegama, Wabana, and Spider are safe bets for bass, while the deep weeds of Swan Lake and Shallow Lake are holding pike.

HACKENSACK AREA

Trolling leeches, crawlers, or crankbaits has produced some walleyes on Ten Mile Lake during lowlight periods. Look for crappies and sunfish on the eight- to 12- foot cabbage beds of Birch Lake and Pleasant Lake. Bass action remains strong on the weed breaks of most lakes with plastics. The smaller lakes such as Baby, Little Boy, and Wabedo are producing muskies via white or black bucktails.

LAKE OSAKIS

Northern pike and bass remain active along the 12- to 14- foot weedlines. Spoons, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and live bait are all working. Look for walleyes during lowlight periods on the Four Mile Bar, Banana Bar, sunken island on the north end, and Center Bar in 18 to 24 feet. Panfish reports have been limited.

LAKE VERMILION

Spinner rigs and leeches or slip bobbers and leeches have worked best for walleyes in 17 to 24 feet. The weedy areas are producing more muskies than the rocks and slow-moving baits have been key. Mepps spinners, spoons, or white spinner baits are producing pike in the weeds and bass continue to relate to the docks.

MANKATO AREA

Throwing Rapala X-Raps in 14 feet around Grassy Island or in Bakers Bay on Lake Washington and in the narrows of Madison Lake has produced walleyes. A jig and minnow or crawler and spinner has triggered walleyes on the south end of Lake Hanska. Look to Lake Francis for sunfish in less than 10 feet and northern pike are cruising the weed edge and hitting minnows on Little Jefferson Lake.

McGREGOR AREA

Tube jigs or minnows pitched under the floating docks on Big Sandy Lake and Lake Minnewawa has produced crappies. The weedlines of Big Sandy are giving up an occasional walleye or northern pike. Look for sunfish and bass tight to the weeds on Minnewawa as well.

ORTONVILLE AREA

Walleyes are hitting spinners and crawlers in 13 to 15 feet on the east side of Lake Oliver. Work the Grapevine area of Big Stone Lake in 12 feet for perch. The rock piles of Lake Traverse are holding bluegills and there has been some evening walleye action with crankbaits here. Nightcrawlers continue to produce catfish on the Minnesota River.

PARK RAPIDS AREA

Bluegills remain active in eight to 10 feet on the Crow Wing Chain and Upper Twin Lake. Walleyes are being taken in 20 to 25 feet on Fish Hook Lake with leeches aand crawlers. The weedlines of Big Mantrap Lake and Fish Hook are producing northern pike. Bass action is very good throughout the area.

RED LAKE

Gold spinners and live bait are producing walleyes on the off-shore rock piles. A few crappies continue to be mixed in and the main key is to cover a lot of water. Crankbaits have started triggering bigger pike in six to eight feet - again cover big chunks of water.

RED WING AREA

Walleye action has picked up around the Maiden Rock Flats in 12 to 15 feet. Leadcore and #5 Rapalas are triggering the majority of fish. The rip/rap areas around Lake City started giving up crappies, while sucker minnows are producing flathead catfish below the dam on the Mississippi River. Look for northern pike in front of the tributaries such as the Rush River and Pine Creek.

ST. CLOUD/EDEN VALLEY AREA

Look for walleyes to be hitting leeches and crawlers in 20 to 30 feet on Lake Koronis. Theres also a weedline bite on Koronis, Rice Lake, and Horseshoe Lake. Sunfish are hitting in four to 10 feet at Cedar Island Lake, Long Lake, Pearl Lake, and Horseshoe. Hit the Sauk River with nightcrawlers for catfish. The bass have moved to the deep weedlines on most lakes.

STARBUCK AREA

Walleyes are hitting leeches under bobbers in five to 20 feet during lowlight periods on the bar in front of the high school on Lake Minnewaska. Minnewaska also is givin up sunfish in 10 to 12 feet, as well as numbers of bass and good numbers of northern pike. The pike have been most active at the creek mouths and cool water areas.

WATERVILLE AREA

Northern pike continue to hit minnows or spoon plugs in eight feet at Lake Sakatah and Lake Tetonka. The mouth of the lagoon on Tetonka is giving up crappies in eight to 10 feet. Look to Roemhildt Lake for walleyes and crappies during the evening hours.

WILLMAR AREA

During the day, youll find walleyes hitting live bait in 30 to 40 feet at Green Lake. At night, crankbaits have worked best on the shallower flats. Diamond Lake, Long Lake, and Lake Andrew also have produced walleyes, but with less consistency. Work the 10- to 12- foot weedlines for sunfish and a few crappies at Andrew, Nest Lake, Florida Lake, Norway Lake, Eagle Lake, and Games Lake. A few bigger pike have been caught on the shallow prairie lakes, while bass remain active on the weedlines and bars of most fisheries.

Thanks to OUtdoor News for compiling this report for Explore Minnesota Tourism.

Posted by: cjjohnso on July 22, 2008 at 1:00 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

7-18-08 What's With The Norwegian Rock ?

What's With The Norwegian rock ?

More than a century ago, an Alexandria area farmer pulled a slab of stone carved with mysterious characters from the tangled roots of an aspen tree. To this day, the Kensington Runestone is held by some as evidence that Vikings "landed" in Alexandria area in 1362 (that's long before they landed in the Humphrey Dome in Minneapolis ), at least according to the writing on the stone contends. They probably came for the fishing!

While academia still argues about the authenticity of the Runestone, nobody argues about the fishing in the Alexandria area. Countless fine fishing lakes dot the Alexandria area, ringed by dozens of resorts catering to anglers and other lovers of outdoor fun. Just about any season you can find productive fishing for walleye, northern, panfish, largemouth bass and more.

Lake Osakis has been one of the state's more popular fishing lakes for decades, rivaled by lakes such as Ida, Minnewaska, Miltona, Mary, Pelican, and Carlos.The area's hilly forests also offer spectacular fall color viewing in September and October, dominated by maple, oak, aspen and other colorful hardwoods, with occasional stretches of prairie and pine.

Another good spot near Alexandria is Lake Carlos State Park, with several trails through forests and wetlands and the clear waters of Lake Carlos. The park also offers campgrounds and a boat launch for anglers in this excellent fishing lake.

In town, visitors to the Runestone Museum are welcomed by Big Ole, a Viking statue proclaiming "Alexandria, Birthplace of America," originally built for the 1965 World's Fair in New York. Inside is a video telling the history of the runestone. There are also displays on the area's American Indian heritage, early settlers, and wildlife. The star of the show, of course, is the Kensington Runestone itself. Whether the runestone is genuine or not, the mystery is compelling, and recent geological examinations have touched off a new round of controversy.

Adjoining the museum is Fort Alexandria, a replica of the original 1862 stockade, including an authentic 1860s log cabin, a school from the late 1800s, and a smoke house from the 1870s. Replica buildings include a general store, blacksmith shop, and church.

No, I haven't forgotten the golfers in the family.  The Alexandria area offers great golfing, with more than 10 challenging and affordable courses within 20 miles or so.

So you see, "you don't have to go far for fun".

cj

Posted by: cjjohnso on July 18, 2008 at 12:13 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

7-16-08 Minnesota State Fair is Coming !!!

If it's on a stick, you can get it here!!!
The Great Minnesota Get Together is about to swing open its' doors and it's never too early to make plans to attend and buy buy some suntan lotion and tummy soothing pills.   For your own information, you should know the Minnesota State Fair is the largest 12-day fair in North America and has been situated on the same fair grounds since 1885.
It's "fair" ( just a play on words there ) to say that Millions of people have attended the Minnesota State Fair over the years, but very few realize the great history of this annual event.  After four years of territorial fairs, the first actual Minnesota State Fair was held in 1859, the year after Minnesota was granted statehood. So guess what?  This year is the Minnesota Sesquicentennial edition!  
Since its inception, the fair has been held every year with only five exceptions.  In 1861 and 1862 there was no fair due to the Civil War and Dakota Indian Conflict, in 1893 because of scheduling conflicts with the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, in 1945 due to war-time fuel shortages and in 1946 due to a polio epidemic.  I would like to point out at this time that I was NOT responsible for any of these cancellations.
The early Minnesota State fairs were dominated by agricultural exhibits. While agriculture is still the primary focus, the scope of activities has broadened to include large-scale entertainment features, technological and industrial exhibits and scores of education and government institutions.
The Minnesota State Fair has celebrated many "firsts" over the years, here are a few:
First territorial fair    1855.
First State Fair    1859.
First evening Grandstand show "Burning of Manilla" fireworks   1899.
First Midway    1904.
First year of auto races    1907.
First year "everyone pays" gate    1933.
Along with many "firsts", there have also been a few "lasts" at the Minnesota State Fair;
Last year the fair started on the Saturday before Labor Day    1938.
Last year of horse races    1949.
Last year of racing at the Grandstand    2002.
I think I'm safe in saying that everybody who attends the Minnesota State Fair comes away with a memory.  In fact the fair has recorded some momentous occasions over the years;
1887. A mock battle brought 80,000 spectators to the Grandstand on Grand Army Day   
1901. Teddy Roosevelt delivered his famous "big stick" speech at the fair   
1906. Legendary pacer horse, Dan Patch, set the world record for one-mile at the Grandstand; the record stood for more than 30 years   
1927. John Phillip Souza composes the   "Minnesota March" and performs it at the fair   
1935. The old Grandstand fireworks shows evolved into the State Fair Revue, starring Radio City Music Hall dancers, minor Hollywood starlets and a smashing fireworks finale.   
The Minnesota State Fair has also staged some curious events over the years.
1.  1887, 1888, 1898, 1899...Battle Reenactments of Minnesota at Gettysburg among others
2.  1906...St. Paul Growers Association build a model of the new State Capitol out of onions. I'll bet that display brought a tear to peoples eyes!   
3.  1915...Baby Contest pitted city babies vs. country babies and Minneapolis babies vs. St. Paul babies.   I wasn't born in 1915, but...without bragging...I am quite confident that I could have crawled away with the blue ribbon.
4.  1920...50-cent All-You-Can-Eat buffet, served on a conveyor belt and introduced as the future of dining. This idea certainly paints an interesting mental picture.  In my mind I'm seeing people running along side a conveyor belt covered with plates of food and trying to "stab" a slice of turkey before it gets out of reach.  This is not a pretty picture.
5.  1920 and 1921 and 1933 and 1934...Staged locomotive collisions in Grandstand.  Okay let's all take a deep breath.  I know this would be spectacular but...getting up a head of steam on two train locomotives positioned on the same short railroad track at the fair grounds and then running them into each other sounds a bit expensive.  What did a ticket cost back in 1934?  Or...what did a locomotive cost?
Now, it appears that no one kept a record of when the first food item on-a-stick was sold at the Fair.  I have a theory that early fair-goers were somewhat frugal and an observant vendor noticed a man drop his hotdog on the ground shortly after purchasing said hotdog from said vendor.  And...being frugal, the man took a twig from a tree, speared his errant hotdog and continued dining.  Just a theory!   However the first "on-a-stick" product originated, anyone who has attended the event in the past 20 years knows if you can eat it, the state fair probably sells it on a stick.  I admit I have probably tried most of the items at the Minnesota State Fair, but just can't bring myself to try "gator on a stick".  I mean I've seen gators in the wild, so it's difficult for me to picture one on a stick. And when I do...well, that's not a pretty picture either!
This years Minnesota State Fair runs from August 21 through Labor Day September 1.
There are even more fun facts about the Minnesota State Fair.  If you're interested, comment on this article and I'll send more in the next few weeks.

Posted by: cjjohnso on July 16, 2008 at 2:14 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

I love to fish! Unfortunately I don't love to

I love to fish!  Unfortunately I don't love to"catch"!

But the latter of those two statements does not deter me from jumping in a boat and attempting to entice a slippery underwater creature to my secret lure at every opportunity. 

Most fisherman think you have to go north of the Twin Cities for good fishing, but I have learned otherwise, and, I learned it from Dave Vogel, a good friend who lives in the Mankato area.

The area Dave frequents the most is called the Southern Minnesota Lakes Region and it is located between Faribault and Mankato.  There are about 50 lakes in the area that offer some great fishing opportunities and Dave has fished them all.

Dave says the dog days of summer don't mean you can't find fish.  Well DUH! I can find them.  Getting them on my hook seems to be my hang-up.

So, apparently being in a masochistic mood, my good friend Dave told me of an outing he had with another friend that he calls Dr. Buzzbait.

As Dave tells the story...

Dr. Buzzbait told me to bring along heavy gear, as we were going to do some Musky hunting...I mean fishing...on the first day.  Musky in southern Minnesota I asked  I thought Muskies were only found in the big waters up north.  Dr. Buzzbait assured me that there were Muskies in southern waters too.

Dave continues"we started by launching his boat in French Lake, which is located just west of Faribault.  We started out along a deep weed bed and were both throwing artificial lures that were bigger than the fish most people catch.  About a half hour of casting and suddenly I saw what looked like a fence post following my lure&but he just came up to the surface, looked me in the eye, and then slowly sunk back out of sight. I think my heart was beating at double its' normal rate". 

"We repeated this adrenalin pumping experience 8 times that day and even though we didn't catch a Musky, having one or two "follows" in a day is considered a successful day on the water".

Good buddy Dave wasn't through humiliating me and my apparent inability to even get a fish to follow my lure.  No, he continued to further melt my ego with day two of his outing with Dr. Buzzbait.

More from Dave..."The next day we went Bass fishing.  Now I know that there are Bass in Minnesota, and I also know that many of the lakes in northern Minnesota and even the Twin Cities have good Bass populations, but southern Minnesota?  Once again, Dr. Buzzbait assured me that there are many good Bass lakes in southern Minnesota, as well as Walleye, Northern, Crappie, Bluegill, and even trout in SE Minnesota.  Since he proved himself right on day one, I figured he would show me some decent Bass fishing too.  Boy was I right!  We went west from Faribault past Morristown and Waterville to the public access on Tetonka Lake  ( Tetonka is a Dakota word meaning Buffalo. We fished some weed beds, boat docks, and downed timber in the lake, and while we didn't catch a state record, we did land numerous Bass in the 2 to 3 lb range, and we had two Bass that tipped our hand held scale at just over 5 lbs. each.  That's a respectable Bass anywhere in the upper Midwest".

By the way, Dave Vogel is a very respectable angler and even guided Minnesota Governor Rudy Perpich during one of the Minnesota Governor's Fishing Openers that was held in the Fairmont area.

Now don't tell Dave, but... I have a new plan the next time I go fishing with him.  I'm going to take a couple of fish from his live-well and put them in mine.  Heck, he catches so many he certainly wouldn't miss a couple.  But then again, Dave is quite a bit bigger than I! 

However, I think I have "speed" on my side!

Posted by: cjjohnso on July 11, 2008 at 10:44 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Do We Need A Family Reunion?

I have a family reunion coming up in August. 

I expect to be bored, sitting around a relatives house or backyard listening to a twice-removed-third-cousin on "somebody's" side detail the intricacies of the proper pruning of dwarf apple trees or resign one's self to watching re-runs of game shows to avoid answering the question "How you been", for the umpteenth time. 

I feel an illness coming on! 

And, where you gonna hide?  The entire clan and their off-shoots are corralled to the confines of a house that only 'just' meets the needs of owner great aunt and uncle that you've never really gotten to know other than they are referred to by other clan members as grandpa's favorites.  Favorite what?  Which Grandpa? 

Contrary to what this sounds like, thus far, I really do like my family.  I just have a phobia about being crammed too close together for any extended time.  I need space. 

Bolstered by the feeling that our family reunion would become a memorable get together if we only didn't have to get so close together, I made a bold suggestion to the "planning committee" ( a family reunion "planning committee" usually consists of clan members who, at a moment of total loss of reasonable short-term memory, blurt out..."we should have a family reunion").  I suggested we hold our reunion at a Minnesota resort. 

There was an uncomfortable and prolonged silence on the part of the planning committee.  This suggestion was a daring departure from past family reunions.

Hoping to win over the committees favor by verbally demonstrating my family caring side, I posed a rhetorical question..."Isn/t it true that when you ask people what they wish they had more time to do, it's usually to spend more time with their spouses, their kids, their extended family, and good friends. "Quality time" not TV time or rushing to the kids' soccer games, or fitting in a quick visit, but the chance to be together for several days and really enjoy each other's company...as each of us feels the need.

A resort stay is a great chance for couples and families to reconnect and to experience new and exciting adventures.  Some family members like to browse interesting local shops; others enjoy a day of fishing or golf.  Youngsters enjoy playing on the beach or in water park and all of us would certainly enjoy not having to whip up a meal for 25 different appetites three times a day. 

My momentum was building now.  I could see in the glazed eyes of the committee members that I had struck a nerve.  Like a lion stalking its' prey, it was time to pounce!  'How could our family NOT enjoy such a diverse opportunity of experiences",I queried. 

Again the resounding roar of silence...then, applause and spontaneous hugs and handshakes all around the room.  I even noticed the glint of a tear beginning to well up in my wife's eye...the one she usually uses to stare daggers at me.  The motion carried unanimously and before I realized it, I was elected to make all the arrangements for the family invasion.  Hey...cmon', I thought up the idea.  Well, as it turned out, it wasn't that difficult, although I will never admit to that fact as long family members continue to congratulate me for putting together such a diverse itinerary for our clan-conclave.

You see Explore Minnesota Tourism has a web site ( http://www.exploreminnesota.com ) that lists about everything you will ever need to know about travel and destinations in the state.  A few clicks of the mouse and my job was complete.

My family will have its' own cabin during this year's reunion, where other distant clan members will, I'm sure, want to visit to pay homage to my personage for what I know will be the best family reunion in history.    

You see, you don't have to go far to have fun!

Posted by: cjjohnso on July 08, 2008 at 2:52 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

7-3-08 "shute" Bears

About four years ago I wrote a story about a special man that tied to a special day...the 4th of July.  I would like to tell that story again, because it is as rlevent now as it was then.....

July 4th is a special day in northern Minnesota.  Yes, everyone seems to celebrate Independence Day in one way or another, but for many residents near the community of Orr that's only part of their remembrance.  American flags will fly, sparklers and other fireworks will be lighted and ooohed and aaaahed about, but some will also bow their heads and think of one man.  A man that many thought, at one time, was a bit crazy.  Now, when they mention this mans name they do it with some reverence and with a smile.   

Back in the early 40's this man built a cabin in the woods near Orr and tried his hand as a lumberman to make his way.  His cabin was small and near a clearing that allowed him to view nature.  But he was plagued.  He had a problem.  He found he wasnt alone in the forest.  His neighbors had established residency prior to his coming and they figured they had prior ownership to the area.  So, his neighbors took to ransacking the mans cabin and stealing his supplies.  The man was befuddled.  He knew he had every right to live there and he sure hadn't done anything to these thieving neighbors to warrant their intrusion into his home.  The man contemplated his response, even to the point of considering taking his gun and killing these neighbors.  But he thought there must be a better way to deal with these marauders and "get along" rather than resort to violence.

Since the intruders mostly took his food supplies from his cabin, he tried leaving a stash of food outside the cabin in the meadow.  It worked.  But now there was a new problem.  Some of his annoying neighbors had neighbors and they wanted a taste as well.   In fact, in no time at all, the man found he was feeding up to 80 of his neighbors at a time.

It's about this time that some residents in Orr, Minnesota began to think the man was losing his mind.  The man decided he would look for ways to get food donated for his neighbors and seek some help with feeding them. That's kind of how Vince Shute started his wild bear sanctuary.  When he would hear other people say that black bears where a nuisance or a threat, he would say something like, bears aren't mean, they're just hungry.

From that early beginning to today, tens of thousands of people travel to the area to view these black bears feeding, playing and tree climbing.  And they can do so from an elevated platform where they can applaud the antics of the bears and photograph them in the wild.  In some cases the bears climb trees adjacent to the platform and now and then an unaware amateur photographer finds himself focusing on a wild bear just a few feet from the camera lense.

But the Vince Shute bear sanctuary near Orr not only serves up black bear for visitors to watch and enjoy, this woods and waters Mecca is also home to whitetail deer, bald eagles, beavers, timber wolves, red squirrels, owls, ducks, songbirds, ravens, and others. 

The permanent establishment of the refuge has preserved a unique opportunity to view and to photograph the intimate world of the normally reclusive black bear. The Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary also provides a most extraordinary setting for a variety of non-obtrusive scientific studies and educational programs.

Nestled in the North Woods of Minnesota, the Sanctuary is located approximately two hours northwest of Duluth. The nearest town is Orr. There are about 360 acres that make up the sanctuary in the middle of aspen forests, cedar swamps, marshes, beaver ponds, streams and open areas.

So what makes the Vince Shute bear sanctuary and the 4th of July so special to north-woods people and many others who have visited the sanctuary since it was finished?

It was on July 4, 2000 Vince Shute died at the age of eighty-six.  Prior to his death he had found a way to preserve the sanctuary in perpetuity so his once hated north-woods neighbors would always have a safe place to come and play and eat and so people could visit and see that his eventual "friends" were worth taking care of.   Vince Shute's ashes are buried in a secret place in the woods near his original cabin home so he can always be near his beloved black bears of northern Minnesota.  Rumors in the area say that the day Vince died many of the bears seemed to sense the loss and came out of the woods to wander by the cabin. 

It seems all creatures have a way of saying goodbye.

cj

Posted by: cjjohnso on July 03, 2008 at 2:42 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

6-30-08 Minnesota County Fairs

6-30-08  Minnesota County Fairs

Minnesota boasts some 800 festivals and events each year, which means you, can always find a reason to celebrate outdoor concerts, county fairs, art crawls, historical reenactments and of course, the Minnesota State Fair.

And speaking of fairs, if you haven't taken time to visit a county fair in Minnesota, well, you just haven't allowed yourself the opportunity to have a great time and experience the flavor of Minnesota. 

As county fairs emerged on the American scene eons ago. it was the one time of year that people could come together, mingle in one location and "get the news" from other parts of the state.  In many cases, the crops were about to or had already been, harvested.  School was about to begin and people just needed a time to have some fun and laugh and visit and "see what's new".  Heck, they might even get Mom to ride that 'big thing' called a Ferris Wheel way up there in the sky...maybe not.  Mom was more likely to visit the home building to check out the competition to her entry in the pie baking contest.  And after that she might mosey over to the handiwork building to see the entries in the quilting and sewing contests.   Dad always checked out the latest farm equipment and talked with others about their year on the land.   And the youngsters?  Well, the midway offered them just about everything you could ever want from rides to monsters to feats of strength.  The visit to the midway might also include the possibility of creating a tender stomach after ingesting something from every food vendor on the fair grounds.

But the memories would last all winter and many times as the wind and snow whistled by the window, the family would call up a memory from their visit to the county fair.  And, from time to time, the conversation at the dinner table would center around something they had seen or done at the fair and all would wonder aloud what might be new next year.

There might even be a Teddy Bear displayed somewhere in the house that reminded everyone of the day when Dad knocked over those wooden milk bottles with a baseball at the County Fair.

Yup, those ARE the days.

So you can find a Minnesota County Fair this year, here is a listing of most of Minnesota's county fairs, though some fairs had not confirmed their dates when this went to press. Listings note the county name followed by the city where the fair is held

JULY

AUGUST

What are you waiting for ?

Posted by: cjjohnso on June 30, 2008 at 8:49 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink