Ice Fishing and Girl Scout Cookies

If you’re not from around these parts and you know nothing about Minnesota, then you might not know that we drive on lakes around here!  Frozen lakes, that is!

In the state of 10,000 lakes, we have plenty of them to walk, ice fish, sled, snowmobile and drive on during the winter months.

Even this Minnesota girl gets a little freaked out when driving out on a lake for the first time. The sounds of cracking ice when driving a 3000 lb truck onto a frozen lake can rattle your nerves a little. 

The fact that there’s only 12 inches of ice supporting you and this giant piece of machinery from falling in water depths of some 50 feet below can get the blood pumping if you’re not used to it.

You’re probably thinking why do this death defying maneuver anyway?  Well, in February, if you’re not wrapped up in blanket watching "Grumpy Old Men" and sipping a glass of wine, then why not grab winter by the snow balls and have a little adventure once in a while!

Personally, I like the blanket and wine idea!  However, when in Minnesota…one must ice fish!  Well, at least try it once for pete’s sakes.  When you’re making the journey with all your supplies on a cold and windy February day, the excursion is a whole lot more pleasant if one drives rather than walk to the "Love shack."

Photo Source:  http://makezine.com/2009/12/31/art-shanties-return-to-tundra/

If it’s the right weather and a lake conditions, it’s perfectly safe to do that.  The people that sink their vehicles are the ones that don’t follow or listen to those conditions and, indeed, find themselves wet, cold and calling their insurance agent.

Photo Source:  http://www.kare11.com/story/news/2013/12/12/truck-and-ice-house-plunge-through-lake-near-alexandria/4001017/

Fish houses come in all forms.  From little 2 man portables all the way up to an ice castle with bunk beds, heater, fridge and stove. The ice fishing Taj Mahal of lodging!

Photo Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/41432433/ns/travel-destination_travel/t/ice-fishing-goes-upscale-mille-lacs-minn/#.VOa1nx6COK0

Every now and then, I’ll forgo the cozy night in front of the TV and cozy into the ice house.  

As long as all the prep work is done and I have heat, snacks and PLENTY of beverages the experience can be an entertaining one.  

I’m not gonna lie, if any body part experiences numbness, that’s when I pack up the bait and bucket and head back to terra firma and my blanket.   If mama ain’t happy, no one’s happy!

Our ice fishing community is so customary, that even a local Girl Scout had the brilliant idea to sweetin' up the ice anglers with Girl Scout cookies.  Watch this forward thinking Girl Scout from Chisago Lake, MN. 

Let's face it, a bad day of ice fishing with “Thin Mints” and “Tagalongs” is better than a good day of work any time of the week!

"A square of chocolate" wouldn't hurt either.

Put your smile on,

Laurie O