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."
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| 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.
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| 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!
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| 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
I've done ice fishing in Sweden a lot as a kid. But I would love to try it in Minnesota, it seems so advanced here with the ice houses!
ReplyDeleteThat's so cool Sandra! Ice fishing is definitely a great winter activity around here and has turned into a great way for family and friends to gather together. Hence the elaborate ice houses. Thanks for commenting and stopping by!
ReplyDeleteLove the ice fishing culture we have in the Midwest... I especially love the "Love Shack!"
ReplyDeleteDuring these long and cold Midwest winters, it can provide great survival entertainment and bonding with the hubster! Thanks for commenting Krista!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this information and I really appreciate this effort of yours next I will be waiting for your great future update post thank you very much. best time of day to fish for bass
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