Fishin report for Lake Iwanttobethere..

August 24, 2010

Finally a day starts off not going to the fridge to get a cold drink. Breezy and a few clouds in the sky make it a very comfortable seventy in the shade. Guess my excuse about it being to hot or to wet will not work today. Lots of things to do on the honey do list and I guess I will have to head into town to start picking up things to complete projects. Some chop on the water so maybe fishing will have to wait till later in the day. I have been out a few times this week, buzzin for bass has been fair but the northerns sure have been running my white buzz bait down. Matter of fact I think I had better stop at the Masterbaiters shop and get some skirts. Mine are pretty much in tatters. With the hot and wet weather starting to show a few chinks we should be coming into some good fishing here. Just have to juggle the honey do list with the fishing a little.

I was over on Bacon Bay the other night and a few nice bass were caught. A few more were lost and some big gal northerns came out to play. Of course all they did is smack the buzz bait close to the boat when we were not looking. They have a habit of splashing water on us and leave us looking for more. A couple of interesting things at the landing when we came in. There were three young lads with a lund who were getting ready to leave just as we brought the Puddle Humper up to shore. They were still fishing but already had the boat on the trailer and It looked a tad odd the way it was parked on the side of the landing. After I got the Puddle Humper on shore I took a little closer look as the young guys were getting into a late model hatch back car. The car did not have a trailer hitch and they had the hatch wide open and the tongue of the trailer inside the car. How they had secured it I could not see, I don't know if they had tied a rope around a seat or were holding it by hand. I did over hear one of the guys saying they had better get going so they could get back home before their ma saw they took the boat out. Got to give the lads a thumb up for going fishing but I was still glad they were not my kids.

I walked over to get the Dodge parked on the grass and notice a mess of frogs moving out of the way. It looks like the frogs are starting to gather and I made a mental note to put the little net and a minnow bucket in the Dodge. One of my favorite ways to fish is still with live frogs, just gets a little harder catching them when your knees don't bend as well as they once did. Funny to they seem to have gotten quicker as I know I have not gotten any slower.

Seems that only a few days ago I was complaining that July has gone by to quickly and here we are with August almost gone. Football season is ready to start and baseball games take on a little more meaning. Grand kids are talking about going back to school, well actually parents are. I see Earl at the General Store has a display of notebooks, pens and pencils. Outside hanging from the rack Dora and Sponge Bob backpacks sway in the wind. A red lawnmower sits on the sidewalk with a yellow tag declaring it on clearance and as the last one. A goose call can be heard being tested in the back of the store as Junior is busy back in the hunting section. Summer is moving right along and I better get to the list if I want to get some of it marked off so I can go fishing this evening. From Lake Iwanttobethere {158,514}

August 27, 2010

Wednesday was national banana split day and there was a decent line at Stan and Jeanies ice cream and tackle truck at the park. I went to Stan's side of the truck and bought some spit shot sinkers and had him add a banana split to my order. Doing it that way I got around the ice cream line over on his wife Jeanies side. Sitting under the shade of a maple tree at a park picnic table I ate my split slowly and enjoyed the extra cherries that Jeanie had added. While I was there I saw a few tourists pointed at farmer Fred's pickup truck as it drove by. With just a glance I knew it was Fred's truck. The old truck attracts attention because you see Fred grows sweet corn in the bed of his truck. By accident he had a load of dirt he was meaning to unload and did not get around to it. Well seems he had some old corn seed in there that had spilled when he last went to the feed mill and with all the rain we have had the corn just germinated.

He was going to clean it out but his grand kids told him it is neat having sweet corn growing in his pickup truck. So now the old blue truck with the weathered side boards has corn stalks about six foot high growing in the bed of the truck. The tassels dance in the wind when he drives around town and people point at the truck. He told me he has harvested a few of the ears and makes a joke about having the freshest corn that can be delivered in town. He even goes as far as moving the truck around his yard so it get lots of sunshine and if a storm is coming he parks it in the barn to protect his stalks from high winds. Next year he is thinking about doing some tomatoes or maybe even a pumpkin. Would sure make it easier getting it to the county fair if it was already growing in the truck!

After deciding against getting a second banana split I got back in the Dodge and continued on my way. I had a reason to come to town, well actually through town as I was headed to the marsh on the other side of the Masterbaiters shop. I had heard there were frogs underfoot there and I had my little net and my bait bucket. The plan was to catch some frogs for a fishing trip to be taken later in the week. But once again I got sidetracked, as I came up on the General store the fellers were in the parking lot. To make a long story short they had decide to put in some new door gaskets on their Ford and had bought some big tubes of silicone from Earl. Rudie the big guy went inside the cab to hold the doors closed as the other fella's filled in around the gapes with the silicone to make a new water tight gaskets. The idea seemed like a good one at the time but the silicone is also an adhesive and now they can't get the doors back open and Rudie is stuck inside. Rudie who is a pretty good size guy can't get out a window and is not to fond of small places.

I, like other had stopped to offer suggestions and help. It seems that none of us really had any good suggestions. Although one of the fellers came back from the bar with a couple of drinks. Said they had a deal on them as it was national whiskey sour day. Now this made me scratch my head as I thought it was national banana split day. Talking with Big Earl I guess there are to many things out there to just have a day of their own and national days must be shared. Well being fair minded I went to the bar for a whiskey sour. I figured if I had celebrated nation banana split day it was only fair that I should celebrate national whiskey sour day. That pretty much ended frog hunting as I soon forgot about the frogs and the fellers soon forgot about Rudie, from Lake Iwanttobethere {59,122}

September 2, 2010

HIYA from Lake Iwanttobethere, has been a good week for fishing even by my standards. Have been lucky enough to find myself on the water when the northerns are chasing anything that moves on the surface. At least the little ones have anyway. Bass have been biting to but they have been chasing down spinner baits. Hot weather is I hope gone and now the water will start to cool some and maybe I will be lucky enough to be on the water when the big girls come up from the deeps and start to feed.

Boat landings are a little quiet as some of the fishermen have that hard decision to make, hunt or fish. Football is taking a few more fishermen away from the water and for some Labor Day will be the end of their fishing season. More rain has fallen and the lake is high making fishing tuff for some but I have been doing well. This past week in three trips we have had 105 fish pulled into the boat with a few dozen fish lost and countless hits that don't count for anything other then jabs from fishing partners.

My fishing partners have been doing well and everyone is happy when you are catching fish and trading stories. I did finally make it over to the Masterbaiters Shop. Had to pick up some plastic trailers as I almost ran out and while I was there I did catch a few frogs out back. I have put a bounty on frogs with the grandsons and they are looking to make some pocket money when they come over this weekend. The only downside to all of this fishing is that the Honey Do List is not getting many things checked off. Every time the wife comes in the den I do go through the motions of holding the list up and act like I am looking it over. Of course rain falling and the sun going down earlier every day means the days are getting shorter and one needs it to be dry for staining decks and fences and mowing grass.

All of us guys buy old Joe Chanson a beer at the Lodge when we see him. He was the guy who cut off his big toe when mowing some wet grass. Well actually he didn't cut it off but he took the tip off his old leather boot off and got a big red welt on his big toe. Doc Burriem told me one night that he was not really sure if the welt was from the lawn mower blade or if the old boot was just to tight. Anyway we all buy him a beer because anytime the grass is wet and our wife's want us to mow or for that matter do anything on rained or dew cover grass we just look over our reading glasses and mention what happen to Joe Chanson. Kind of a guys catch 22 You are pretty sure your wife is not going to send you out to mow and risk you losing your big toe or worse yet your foot! Besides no one ever lost a big toe fishing, at least not in these parts, not lately anyway.

Little lite rain falling and the batteries on the Puddle Humper are almost charged. Sunshine Ray is forecasting it is going to rain tomorrow but if you drive far enough it is always dry somewhere. Think I'll go fishing but I will look at the Honey Do List just in case there is something I can check off before I leave, maybe watering the gardens or filling the birdbath. From Lake Iwanttobethere {160,039}

September 6, 2010

Almost had to go out and mow today but I quickly pointed out to the wife the lake law in regards to lawn mowers, chain saws and weed wackers being run on a weekend or holiday. A little too breezy to fish as the winds are coming down the lake at a steady thirty miles per hour with a few gusts in there even stronger. Can't even throw a bobber out as you can't get anywhere against the wind and even if you did it would be back up on shore in a minute or so. Corn has a lean to it and the wind chimes are banging away. Matter of fact the chimes are making quite the racket as they join the clanking of everyone's else chimes here on the lake.

Some of the seed pods are coming off the maples, the wind is giving them a ride well away from the yard. Of course we knew there was going to be a change in the weather that is why I went fishing last night. Fall looks like it is making a serious attempt to gain a foothold here at Lake Iwanttobethere. As I was fishing last night I noticed more than one flannel jacket on riders of pontoon boats as they circled the lake. A late holiday and not to many people out fishing. Bon fires were scattered about the shoreline and groups of uncles and aunts sat around them. A few kids still were fishing from docks and labs were fetching dummies thrown by owners into the water.

Just to make sure the night was complete a few jet ski's came out to buzz the shoreline and make a general nuisance of themselves. I am sure the riders were having a good time but why bother everyone when the lake was just settling down? After awhile the riders had enough and left, maybe they to were trying to get in a last ride before the cool settles in. Several docks are already up and paddle boats are pulled up on shore. The bright red and blues sticking out as they are pulled up under the trees. The smell of wood smoke lingers in the air and more then once I could smell steaks on a grill. I fished alone last night and a few fish were caught and a few more lost but I took my time and enjoyed the sights.

Putting the boat in the water I got to thinking I might have to bring some hip boots along soon. I started off just wearing a tee shirt and shorts but as the evening moved along the sweat pants came out. A fleece jacket was next and half hour later a wind breaker went on. A couple of small northerns were caught and now after rinsing my hands off in the lake I needed the towel to dry them. The cooler weather on the wet hands could be felt. But the wind does bring a few good things, no flies today and the Puddle Humper has dried out quickly. Wind not so bad if ya get behind the cabin and except for a few small branches that have fallen the yard looks pretty clean. I might even be able to check that off on the honey do list!

Thinking maybe I'll go out in the wood shed later and do a little cleaning, turn on the baseball game and make it a lazy day. Sharpen some hooks and change line on one of the reels. Shot gun is already all cleaned and if I take it out Bud will get all worked up and want to take a walk down the trail. Barney is standing out on the end of the dock, watching the water. At least someone is not done fishing today! From Lake Iwanttobethere {160,778}

September 11, 2010

Well I got caught, I have a fishing calendar hanging in the den that I got from Earl down at the General Store. You know the kind, filled with advertisement for the store and pictures of changing seasons here at the lake. Well in the past I would put a big x on the days that I did not get out fishing. I thought I would be smart and this month I would put a big x on the days that I did fish. Well I have six of the last nine days covered with X's and the wife caught on to me. Today and tomorrow she has a big blue box covering the days with a notation that blue box days are chore days or Honey Do Days. OK with me as Stormy Clearweather is forecasting wind and rain.

So yes I have been fishing a lot but it is getting to be that time of the year when you can no longer be picky over what days you decide to fish. As far as I am concern if the sun comes up and I can get up it's a good day to go fishing. The trouble is dressing for days on the water now. I have been starting out in tee shirts and shorts and by the end of the evening when the sun is going down I am wishing I had a snowmobile suit. Soda don't take much to keep cool in the cooler and the thermos is now brought with. Hot cocoa or hot cider helps keeps the hands warm when holding the cup after getting hands wet from landing fish.

Fishing has not been great but is has been darn good! Not a lot of numbers but the fish that have been biting are not fooling around. This past summer has been a lot of soft bites and the big gals have been hard to come by. The last week has brought out some better size northerns who are hitting like someone took their lunch money when they were little. Buzz bait bite might be over as the top water fishing has been slow but the spinner bait bite has been good. Live frogs are always good this time of year but I have not been supplied as well as the grand kids have promised. Of course now the kids are in school and their frog hunting time has been reduced some.

On another note the trees are heavy in apples, I am looking forward to many an apple pie this fall. Tomato plants that were in pots have been moved back inside the greenhouse to ripen. They do share some floor space with a bucket of frogs, I still have a few that I have been saving. Solar collector for the cabin has been turned on and the cover removed. Have not yet had to start a fire in the fireplace as of yet but a blanket has been added to the sheets on the beds. If the wind would die down some I might even start a fire in the pit and burn some of the branches that have fallen over the past several days.

General Store is busy as it always is this time of year. Junior back in the hunting department is busy with guys coming in and swapping stories about the early goose season. All the pink flamingoes have been gathered and are in the Lodges garage. Some work is being done and some how we are missing a few as we went from 228 to 226. We did have a report that some hunters might have shot up a few and disposed of the remains. Hammering Hank is working on putting a game camera in one of the flamingoes but first results are not good as it does not look like any flamingo I have ever seen. Well I need to go down to the Lodge and check in, I hear my desk is some what covered in phone messages and bills that need to be paid. From the waters of Lake Iwanttobethere, O and I think I will be fishing on Sunday {161,607}

September 13, 2010

Dogs are restless this morning, I think they know that grouse season starts in just a few more days. Yesterday was a perfect day to be on the water, it always is when I am not on the water. Yesterday was also a very good day to stain the deck and that is what I did. It was dry to the touch in just a few hours as the temperature was warm enough and along with the brisk wind made for a perfect drying day. Today the newly stained deck looks good as suddenly it has grown in size as all the furniture is scatter on the grass around it. A few yellow leaves have fallen and contrast brightly against the cedar color of the deck. Bud and Barney walk and sniff at each fallen leaf on the deck, from time to time they look back at me and then off into the edge of the woods. Later I will take them both back on the trail and maybe we will snoop around the big pine that lays on the ground. If we are lucky at all a grouse will come thundering out from cover and catch us all.

My neighbor Chuck fished on his own yesterday, taking his pontoon out he idled off my dock till he caught my attention. I walked on down with brush in hand and the sound of a football game from the radio in the background. The old motor purring away under a blue cloud of smoke, it hiccupped a few times before it died. Chuck sitting at his lawn chair asked if I wanted to go fishing, He could see that I was already deep into staining the deck, knowing that he milked it for all it was worth. But that is what friends do. Drifting away from the dock the breeze started to catch the pontoon and push it out away from shore. Chuck with a second metal tackle box filled with tools headed back to work on the old motor and I watched as he took the cover off. I did manage to yell at him " I hope you bought gas this time" he kept his head down like he had not heard me, chuckling to myself I walked back up the path knowing he was out of gas, Elmer had borrowed his boat tank just the other day.

With the deck stained I sat on the swing that now rested in the somewhat deep grass of the yard. Making a mental list I added mowing the grass to it. A replacement board for the front stairs laid on the table, I had already stained it and I was just waiting for the wife to come out and check on me before I made a move to install it. I spent the rest of the day listening to the football game and watching stain dry well I did do a few other things, pet dogs, check on my fishing frogs in the greenhouse, water plants and admire my apples that are getting redder every day.

Which brings me back to today, furniture needs to go back on the deck and grass needs to be cut. Frogs checked on and if all goes well me and the frogs might take a little ride in the rowboat. A few more projects may get started and some might actually get finished. Then it looks good to get some fishing in this week before tying on the hunting boots Saturday. Tuff time of the year, fish, bird hunt, chores or try and get that last round of golf in.. From Lake Iwanttobethere {162,835}

September 15, 2010

Newly stained decks are beaded with water here this morning, a shower or two fell overnight. Had plans to go fishing but watching the sky it looks like it will be raining soon. Bass thermometer hanging on the siding shows the red needle just above fifty and the tree tops are swaying a little. Some chop on the lake, not much but enough wind is blowing to make wet hands cold pretty quickly. Some soft ringing of the wind chimes and with a glance I can put together my own forecast.

I step off the deck and with Bud following me I take a walk around the yard. Drops of water cover the apples in the trees and both Edd and Eddie look down at me and Bud from their tree. Bud thinking we might be taking a walk down the trail makes a few darts toward it, trying to get me to walk that way. I call him back and head towards the shoreline. With some wind and a little spray in my face I look out over the waters of Lake Iwanttobethere. Elmer is not fishing on his dock but I know he is home as I can see some smoke rising from his chimney. Chuck's pontoon boat rests against the side of his dock and you can hear an occasional squeak coming from the sides against the weather wood. He was out of gas the other day and Elmer having borrowed his gas tank felt he should go and get him back to shore.

The old goose is no where to be seen, has been making himself scarce now that he has a family to tend to. Fall is pretty much here, just to many signs. A few maple trees have some red leaves and the master color has changed from green to yellow when you look at the hillside across the lake. Flocks of grackles move through the yards, swarming and overwhelming the bird feeders. They attack like soldiers do a castle and when they are done they take off as one to move on. Empty feeders hang swinging in the wind and nothing is left for even Edd or Eddie to bounce on.

As evening approaches and the shadows grow the deer are now seen in the ditches, fawns not as timid as a few months ago grow bolder as they come in at dusk to check out the gardens. A red fox has been seen more then a few times, running the shoreline, Edd and Eddie seem to be spending more time in their tree, watching. Grass is not growing as quick but it is the only really deep green in the yard now. Tomatoes are ripening in the green house and the bright red can be seen through the glass, At least there is some color to be seen until the leaves make the turn. In the next few weeks we will get the fall burst as this yellow will go to bright reds and everything will make that last effort of color before dying and falling from their branches. Apples will be harvested and grand kids will be here in search of different leafs for school projects. With the leaves down deer will be seen when driving down the roads and cabins that were hid all summer will reappear.

But lets not get to far ahead of ourselves, the clouds seem to be getting a little lighter and the wind has died some, maybe just maybe I will get to do some fishing here this afternoon. Might be to wet to be doing outside work but not to wet to go fishing. From Lake Iwanttobethere. {163,602}

September 18, 2010

Well at the halfway mark of the month of September here at Lake Iwanttobethere. Resorts are still doing a brisk business but changing gears a little as hunting season is on us but still boats are heading out come mid day. Lodge has been busy as the lunch crowd seems to be hanging around a little longer. Chili and Coney's are as always in great demand and Gus has been firing up the big BBQ to do ribs on Wednesday nights. The Lake Iwanttobethere volunteer fire department was called out a few nights ago as there was a fire at one of the seasonal residents cabins. From what information I was able to gather from the report the gentleman had been reading online about making a BBQ from fifty-five gallon barrels. He had gone to see Earl at the General store and bought the barrel conversion kit and a hundred pounds of fine cooking charcoal.

After cutting the barrel and adding legs, handle and hinges he loaded it up with the charcoal and just to make sure the coals would lite and by the way, they were the self lighting kind. He added a can of fluid to soak in. Letting it sit for awhile he was working on some monster steaks that he had bought from down at Ma and Pa's grocery when his wife decide to help him out and lite the grill. She is ok, although her eye brows are gone and a trim should take care of her hair but the grill went up in flames! Not to mention part of the deck and there is a new path down to the lake from the burning coals rolling down the hillside. I see in the report that the cause of the fire is listed as " Building a BBQ out of a fifty-five gallon blue plastic barrel" Somehow Chuck and Elmer convinced the man and his wife that the burning plastic barrel can give off toxic fumes which fine cuts of steak attract. Going out of their way they remove the steaks and did not charge a fee for the service. Back at the Lodge I was wondering why Gus had restarted the Lodges grill that night. I checked off on the calendar the volunteer fire department meeting for the month.

Marking the calendar I see that we have to get the Lodges fall cleaning in and also post the notice about members cleaning their lockers. Someone and I am not pointing fingers here left some leeches in their locker and forgot about them. Lucky for us that Barney brought it to our attention before they got too ripe. Just another reason why catfish bait is not allowed in the Lodge even if the filling of a pair of waders was just to be a practical joke.

I did go out and do some fishing last night, there was just a little breeze when I started but it soon got pretty robust. I found a few nice bass and as always the northerns were biting. When I started to lose feeling in my fingertips I thought it was time to move out of the wind and I got a few more hours of fishing in. Today finds me wrapping my rod handles with foam and making sure the hand warmers are in the Puddle Humper. Tomorrow there is less wind in the forecast and Sunshine Ray is predicting it to be a little warmer, from Lake Iwanttobethere {164,100}

September 23, 2010

HiYA from the Lodge here at Lake Iwanttobethere. Place is kind of busy for a Thursday but then we have a storm brewing outside and a guy has to have somewhere to go. I would think the common reason for all the Lodge members that are here today is that if they stayed at home their wife's would want them to be working on their inside Honey Do Lists. So they are all here on official Lodge business. Gus started a fire in the fireplace and the crackling of burning wood makes a nice addition to the clinking of coffee mugs and the static coming from the old CB radio that is on in the corner. Drapes on the windows are pulled back and the patio door is cracked open a tad to let out cigar smoke and to let us hear the whistle of the rising winds and the banging of the wind chimes.

Out on the lake not a boat to be seen, some white caps forming and the wind is tearing the tops of the waves off and throwing the spray sideways. Everything that can get wet outside is wet and Sunshine Rain was in just a little while ago and said the main storm is still south of us but moving this way. Couple of tables have guys playing cribbage and Elmer and Marv are sitting on the couch having a heated debate over baseball. That means about every minute or so one of them makes a comment that the other one thinks over it for a minute before replying. They also have a chess board set up and brag how they can argue and play chess at the same time.

I have been out fishing a couple of times this week and Sunday was a very good night, Was one of those rare occasions when my son and I got out together. Didn't start off to well though, my daughter was in the Dodge pulling the Puddle Humper out of the boat house and I got distracted by one of the grandsons. Well I had my foot where it should not have been and the trailer tire went over the top. I gave a yelp which made both Buddy and Barney look my way and I looked down to see a black tire track across the top of my shoe. I didn't even utter a swear word, it hurt worse than that. It took a few minutes for the pain to go away and making sure I could walk on it I did the best thing for it, I went fishing.

We caught a mess of fish and the son hooked into a nice four and a half pound bass. Some pictures were taken and what is more important we shared a Kodak moment together. No better time on the water then when you are with family. Last night before the storm came I got out again and fished in some windy weather, caught some fish and managed to stay dry and warm for the most part. Getting to be that time of year when you can't be to picky waiting for that perfect day to go fishing. It might not come so you dress a little warmer and go hit your good spots.

What was nice about yesterday is I heard a horn honking from the direction of the landing. I looked over to see my son standing outside of his truck waving at me. I drove the Puddle Humper over and he walks down to the landing dock with his rods and tackle box. He gets to the edge of the dock and sticks out his thumb like a hitch hiker. He had heard that I had gone fishing and had driven over to go fishing with his dear old dad. From Lake Iwanttobethere {164,917}

September 29, 2010

Gone Fishing

To busy fishing to be doing any writting. Check out some new videos to see what I have been up to. End of September and forty-two bass and northens have been pulled over the sides of the Puddle Humper in the past two evenings. Days are getting shorter and a tad cooler so I would rather be fishing then writting, stories can always be told later! Bobby

165428

October 1, 2010

Rain day here at Lake Iwanttobethere and it came just in time. I am just about fished out, at least that is what I said yesterday when I came in off the water. 74 degrees here at the lake and for the last day of September it could not have gotten any better. Was a little windy but it felt good to have a warm breeze instead of a cold one. Puddle Humpers batteries are being charged and I sprayed down the livewell, guy I was with yesterday told me it was smelling a little ripe. Of course today is another day and after a good nights sleep I am looking forward to getting back on the water again.

Just when I think I don't have anything to write about I get in a bunch of fishing and I have all these thoughts again. Still need some time off but I thought I would jot down a few things and post them. Where do I start? I could say if you are not fishing you should be, this at least for me has been a very good fall for fishing. As a matter of fact we are a month into the football season and I have not seen a game, I have been fishing on them Sundays and I am not missing the football. Baseball is a little strange as now we are heading home and the game has not even started yet on the radio. Just a few short months ago we would be putting the boat on the trailer and the game would just be wrapping up. How quickly summer turns into fall.

I have been on the water so much I swear I can see the leaves change color as we slid down the banks tossing our spinner baits into mirrored waters of autumn colors from the trees lining the banks. Another week and the leaves will start falling and then we will have them floating on the water, great places for northerns to hide under waiting for our passing lures to attack. Warm days are few and far between so the thermos comes with now. Takes but a little ice to keep the cooler cold for sandwiches and sodas.

Gloves are close at hand and the little hand warmers are tucked into pockets. We tend to fish banks that are in the sunshine and look for places out of the wind. Docks are being pulled up on shores and blue tarps covering pontoon boats are a common sight snow. Slabs of fresh homemade apple pie un wrapped from layers of wax paper never tasted so good hiding behind a sun covered point out of the wind.

Fishing, when the fish hit there is no doubt, no tap tap but heavy hits and ponders make you cry out to your fishing partner "Got a big one on" they come to the boat thrashing and fighting. You hold them up and admire their bright deep rich colors and then let them slip back into the cooling waters. A few big ones have been caught, handshakes have been exchanged and the little brown book comes out and an entry of the day and time is made. Hands get a little warmer and the next cast is tossed a little farther. Not to many days better spent then fishing on a fall day. I'll see ya on the bank, from here at Lake Iwanttobethere {165,637}

October 9, 2010

Watching the leaves get blown off the trees here at Lake Iwanttobethere. Was going to go out fishing but instead will do a few chores around the cabin and head out tomorrow instead. Did get out yesterday and there is a new video up and some nice fall fish were caught. What a great week to be on vacation if you were that lucky. Grouse hunting just around the corner as the winds are really taking the leaves down and I don't think there will be another warm day like yesterday here at the lake. Was 77 degrees on the old bass thermometer. Enjoy the video and I hope to get one last one tomorrow. Bobby (166,944}

Fishing Videos are posted here in the video section http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/forums/116/1/Video_Sharing

October 12, 2010

There ought to be a law! Well actually there are several here at Lake Iwanttobethere that are directed at fishing and relaxation. Today I am pointing out to the lake law that simply states that if the weather is above seventy-six degrees on a October day that time must be spent in a boat that day. Now the law does not say the boat has to be in the water but if you live on the lake you must have some boat time in. This of course refers to all of the blue tarps that have been pulled off pontoon boats riding deep on shore in waves of fallen maple leaves.

My lack of writing can be directly related to the fine fall we have been having and the time that I have been spending fishing in the Puddle Humper. The past week has been very nice weather wise with several days above that seventy-five mark and confused fish coming over the side of the Puddle Humper on a regular basis. As I travel along the shore of Lake Iwanttobethere I have seen several gathering being held on pontoon boats. The covers have been pulled back and you can hear the tinkling of ice in glasses and the smell of bbq's burning. Some people trying to get around the law merely sit on the tongue of their trailers and call it good, we know who you are. Others take breaks from raking leaves and just sit down in their boats and enjoy the weather.

Leaves have been falling for the past week with a big drop when we got some high winds. Apple trees are still holding their leaves and they look like Christmas trees with all the bright red apples as decorations. Tall grass has turned golden and now the white of the birch trees stand out against the deep green of the pines. Roads have far more trailers pulling ATV's then boats and orange hats are making an appearance on top of heads. Boat landings sit empty and dry, no trails of dripping water from the lake. Geese can be heard but they are flying high and it seems like almost over night the local ducks have disappeared. Bays that were once home to dozens of docks now have but a handful and you make sure you fish each one.

Water has been warming up and I think the fish are confused. They are acting like they just found left over pizza in the fridge. The fish are scattered and places where you have caught them before in summer may hold a few but places you would not try seem to have fish there now. Little fish can be found but it looks like the bigger boys are making sure they get that last piece of pizza. I hope to get out a few more times but I think the really nice days may be done. That time of the year when it is so very hard to decide, Fish or bird hunt or chores.... I'll see ya on the shore here at Lake Iwanttobethere {168,714}

October 16, 2010

It's safe again here at Lake Iwanttobethere the "Leafers" are gone. They come every fall from down south usually arriving in a swarm. Driving them hybrid automobiles down the center of the road hanging out of their undersized windows with digital camera trying to capture the color of our fall leaves here at the lake. I don't know who started calling them the "Leafers" first but by just mentioning Leafers heads nod knowingly.

Seems everyone has a story about a near miss with a Leafer. Some say there is someone local who calls and tells them when the leaves are in full color. They don't arrive in ones or two but form a Congo line as they drive in from the freeway. Meandering through the backwoods and sometimes just parking in the center of the roads. Not a big deal when out in the woods as they scattered when they see a hunter with a shotgun. Some of them have gotten together and like the treehugers have formed little travel groups. They wear cute little hats with LEAFER printed across the front.

In town they avoid the parking spots with the meters and double park at the curb. They point at our farmers wearing their bibs and John Deere caps as they go in and out of the Dew Drop Inn. References to Rednecks and Hicks can be heard as they drive by. Big Earl stands at the entrance to his store wearing his red apron and holding his push broom. His smile is bigger than usual as the rack holding postcards of fall scenes is being picked over by a group of Leafers. The postcards which normally sell for three fer a dollar are now going for a buck each. Earl even has the cashier put the cards in a bright yellow plastic bag, the bags are leftover from Easter.

Business is good at all the stories up and down Main Street even Hammering Hank and Skinny are cashing in as they have mesh bags of leaves that they are selling out of the back of their truck. Of course they have already been paid to remove the leaves from cabins on the lake. Last week the streets were busy with Leafers but today there are only a few to be seen wandering around town. Most leaves are down on the ground now and the Leafers have moved on. Makes a nice sound when you are out bird hunting, hearing the leaves under foot. From a bank here at Lake Iwanttobethere {171,432}

October 20, 2010

With just another ten days till Halloween you know the guys would be digging in the pole barn looking to get the catapult out. Yesterday it was on full display in the clearing where we have the icehouse launches. It has been a few years since it was last used and needed some paint and some repairs. I heard that it took only about an hour for Sheriff Tim to swing on by and give the fellows a warning. They retreated to the Lodge for a beer and to discuss whether they should continue to work on the old catapult or not.

A few rounds later and they were back out scraping and painting using up old paint that was in the garage. They called the final color a Lake Iwanttobethere camouflage but I don't know anything around the lake that the catapult would blend in with. The story goes that one of the Lodge members years ago had gotten a kit in the mail to build a golf ball throwing catapult. He never got around to finishing it and another Lodge member bought it at a rummage sale and brought it to the Lodge. Well it kind of caught some attention there and through some re engineering it grew.

The finished catapult is about twenty feet long and no one knows how much it weighs, at first it had a sling that you could put in several small melons in but that was reinforced to handled larger pumpkins or cement blocks I am told. Now I had nothing to do with this as we all know I spent most of my fall on the water fishing. I had heard rumors of it not being safe to be trolling out in front of the Lodge at dusk as there had been reports of large splashes and nothing in the water to account for the splashes.

I had also heard some stories that a Guns of Navarone group had formed and was meeting in the Lodge. You may remember the story of the famous Guns of Navarone that guarded a waterway and nothing could pass. Well it seems that before the catapult got it's paint job it has been in working condition for several weeks. This might explain some of the splashes and the hole through the center of Chucks old pontoon boat. Chuck pointed the hole out to me a few days ago and I thought it was just finally time for him to replace that old decking. He was mumbling something about a pumpkin falling from the sky but he had been drinking some of his secret Maple Syrup that he brews in the summer.

So a day of chores around the cabin, winds are going to be blowing at a steady thirty miles an hour. Good day to rake leaves up in the air and let the wind take them where it may. Apples to pick and greenhouse to attend to. Cool day tomorrow but Friday looks like it will be a day to spend on the water. Low sixties and after all this work I am going to do today I am sure the wife will understand if I go fishing for the day. From a bank here at Lake Iwanttobethere

{172,535}

October 24, 2010

Just the other day there was a little tiff down at the General Store. Seems Big Earl the owner was at his normal station, that being the front door. Well the way the story was told to me he was having a conversation with a Leafer who wanted to enter the store with her pet pug that she was carrying in a hand bag. Earl blocked her way and pointed to the sign on the door that stated service dogs are welcomed all other are not. Now Lake Iwanttobethere is a very very friendly dog town and service dogs are welcome in stores all along Main Street and of course all hunting dogs, even wet ones are welcome to lay in front of the fire at the Lodge. But little yip dogs belong at home, not in hand bags or the General Store.

As a matter of fact even though I have a rule here about never writing about religion, politics or mother-in-laws there is a what may be a law to be voted on in the upcoming election. If it is voted in it will require all dogs at the lake to weigh at least 20% of their owners weight. I have two ninety pound labs so we are ok.

Anyway getting back to the story, So Earl and the Leafer are discussing her rights and Earl as a shop owner is telling her he can let who or what he wants into his store. Right about then my dogs Bud and Barney walk past them into the store. They are each holding a glass pop bottle that they set down in the recycling rack on the floor at the end of the counter. The Leafer stops talking and with her hand to her mouth and the other hand pointing at the dogs she is quiet. Barney standing on his rear legs front paws on the counter is rubbed behind the ears by Barb the cashier. Bud with nails clicking on the hardwood floor walks down the center aisle. He stops at the dog bone display and takes a small box of large dog treats off the second shelf.

By the time Bud makes it back to the cash register Barb has a sales ticket written. Bud jumps up and sets the biscuit box on the counter. Barb places the sales book on the floor and Bud drops back on all fours to the floor. He then carefully presses his right paw down on the carbonless book leaving his paw print. Barb puts the biscuits in a paper bag and folds the top over several times. She holds it out and Barneys takes the bag in his mouth and both dogs walk out past the Leafer and Big Earl. The lady points at the dogs and says " Those are not service dogs! How can you allow them in the store and not my little Pookie?" Big Earl replies " They have an account here" From Lake Iwanttobethere {174,061}

October 26, 2010

Just putsing around today here at Lake Iwanttobethere. Not raining and the wind has died some. Lucky I went fishing on Friday as it has not been fishing kind of weather since. The Puddle Humper has a tarp pulled over and snuggled down tight. Didn't want it to get all covered in wet leaves and pine needles. Pretty much a sure bet that I am done fishing at least out of the boat for this season. Sunshine Ray has wet, windy weather in the forecast for the next week. If the sun does show itself I am going to have to mow the lawn and get rid of all these leaves. Was out today picking up down branches and adding them to the others waiting to be burned in the fire pit.

I did pick apples and they are peeled and ready for the wife to make pie I also picked a mess of cherry tomatoes from the greenhouse. The tomatoes found their way into the crock pot where a slow brewing batch of chili was made. Along with some homemade bread the cabin smelled good yesterday. Left over chili for lunch today and I was told to spend some time outside by the wife. Seems she does not savor the fine aroma of Chili the next day.

Was going to spend some time sitting on the covered swing on the deck but the cushions are all soaking wet. Next thing was then to lite a cigar and mosey around the property but I had smoked the last cigar fishing on Friday. So now I have found myself just putsing around. I remember my father-in-law always claming that he was just putsing and I thought that means he was just doing nothing. But putsing covers a lot of work that gets done but not big enough to really talk about. So here today I changed a light bulb, took out hamburger for meatballs tonight, water plants in the greenhouse and ate a few small cherry tomatoes that just burst in flavor in your mouth. Gave Bud and Barney a few dog biscuits, remove a dead mouse that one of the cats caught. Picked up branches, looked for the tube of lower unit oil for the Puddle Humper.

Thought about cutting a block of wood to fix the wife's foot stool. Kind of picked up the kitchen some and took the recycling out to the can. Clock needs a new battery and spent time looking for one. Ended up making a list of things I need to go down to the General Store for. Now I am sidetracked sitting at the desk checking e-mail and jotting a quick story. Would really like to go fishing but the wind is starting to pick up again. Maybe I should just take a walk down the back trail and see if I can kick up a grouse or two. This putsing around is getting tiring. From Lake Iwanttobethere {175,290}

October 28, 2010

So it's forty-three out with some light winds and an overcast sky. If this was April it would be a beautiful day to be outside. But since it is late October I had to come in to the cabin and find a hat and a pair of gloves. Even the water on Lake Iwanttobethere looks cold today. Small waves lap up against the dock and the old wood rowboat makes scrapping sounds as it rubs against the plastic bumpers that are far from being white anymore.

Edd and Eddie are scampering around high in the branches of the apple trees. Pickings are slim as I got just about all of the apples harvested the other day. The deer have been coming in at dusk and cleaning up what apples that have fallen. The high winds that took a lot of apples down now has blown most of Elmers leaves back into my yard. As I sit here I am getting some passing rays of sunshine through the windows. The sun just teases and then disappears behind the gray clouds. I can hear the crackle of wood snapping in the fireplace as a fire is needed to keep the chill away.

Dogs are asleep in front of the fire and for some reason it seems early for them to be there. Guess as they get older they feel the cool in their bones like I do. Tomorrow the sun is going to make an appearance. Leaves will dry and maybe I'll get the mower out and clear away all the down ones. Gardens need to be tilled but with all of the rain that might have to wait for them to dry some. Snow fell away from the lake and more then a few trucks came into town with snow on there hoods. Fingers pointed at the white stuff and collars were pulled up a little tighter around bare necks.

With leaves all but down around the lake there is a lack of color. Just the white of birch trees and the deep green of healthy pines. With all the wind, rain and snow the tall grass has been beaten down. You can see a long ways now and there is nothing to block the roar of the ten p.m. freight train as it travels around the lake. Time of the year when you watch the ditches at dusk for deer and peek around corners looking for hunters cars parked alongside. Orange hats are common again as are yellow school buses with flashing lights.

Roadside stands are just about ready to close. Hay bales and pumpkins are well picked over. Some apples still sit in bags but the sweet corn is all gone. Down at Dugs Garage rows of snow blowers in for service are replacing the lawn mowers. On the roads trailers with boats are no longer seen, replaced with flat bed trailers and atv's. The lakes are quiet, just a few shore fishermen watching bobbers and standing close to small fires. Been a long wet, windy week here at the lake, but the sun will come out tomorrow! From Lake Iwanttobethere {176,925}

October 30, 2010

Not making much of a dent on the Honey Do List so I decide to transfer some projects to the

" I'll get that done next Spring List" Having spent time making decisions on what projects should be transferred and what might still be done this fall I then decided that it was enough work done for the day and I should go bird hunting. Standing on the deck I notice there was some sunshine coming and the gray sky seemed to be lifting a tad. Elmer was out with Pepper and we waved at each other. He yelled that he was going to go hunting and ask if I was going to spend the day throwing leaves in his yard. I yelled back that I to was going to spend the day in the woods. I turned to go back in the cabin and was met with a glare from the wife, her only comment was if I wanted fried or a baked potato with the grouse that I had better bring home.

There are a few words that Bud understands, Bone is one, Outside is another and anything spoken related to Bird Hunting. Before I could make it through the kitchen he was bouncing around whining and panting, He knocked over the TV trays and I just managed to catch the vase before that to found the floor. I headed to the back hall and took down the blaze orange shooting vest, grabbed a handful of shells hid behind the fishing cooler and found my orange hat under the fishing cap. Hunting boots from the front closet and a pair of gloves from the shelf. To the den to unlock the gun cabinet and the double found it's way to the crook of my arm.

I was almost out the door when the wife blocked my way, from behind her back came a bottle of water and two dog bones. Her other arm held a brown paper bag with my lunch. Mumbling something about bring home dinner I made my way out the door. Elmer was waiting in the back yard dressed in his typical everyday bibs but with a orange vest covering the red and black checked wool shirt peeking out from under the bibs. A tattered light brown day pack slung over his shoulder and his trusty single shot H&R shotgun broke open rested in his right arm.

Now Pepper was another matter, hyper to go hunting as always she raced back and forth to the end of the woods and back again, Bud waited at my side all serious like watched. I did a double take when I saw that the tip of Peppers tail was a bright red! "Elmer, What did you do to your dog?" I asked. " You like it?" Elmer replied. He then went on to tell me that he was doing some touchups on the flower box and he forgot to grab a small brush, Pepper was handy so he just dipped her tail in the paint and added the final touch. Was going to clean her off but got to thinking if she had a red tail she would be easy to spot in the tall grass..

So off we went down the trail the dogs leading the way and truth be known, Pepper was pretty easy to see in the tall brown grass. From Lake Iwanttobethere {178,017}

November 4, 2010

Did not seem that long ago and I was complaining that July had gone by way to quick and now here it is but a few days away from Deer season! So where did fall go? Sitting here I can still hear a few lingering sounds as someone on the lake is running a lawn mower. Most likely they are mulching leaves as the grass has stopped growing several weeks ago. Open water fishing is pretty much all done. The son and grandson were out yesterday afternoon for a few hours. It was a decent day on shore but cool on the water. Down at the access the dock has been pulled up making it a little harder to launch and retrieve your boat.

My son took the youngest son who is four out fishing for one last time this year. Steve is soaking up lots of quality time with dad now that his siblings are in school and he is still not old enough. Dad told him to stay in the boat while he went and put the waders on and brought the trailer to the landing. Steve thinking it was like fishing in the summer did not listen to dad and jumped in the water to help. The cold water of fall was a refreshing shock from the waist down as was reflected in his face and the yell he let loose. Dad quickly hustle him to the truck where a change of clothes was made and the truck heater was turned to high.

Later that afternoon they came by the cabin to drop off some gear and Steve was still bundled up. Talking to me as one sportsman to another he told me the new found wisdom of not going in the water once school starts. I agreed and refilled his mug of cocoa. The honey do list has been set aside for now. Replaced by the Deer Shack do list. Big work bench in the wood shop has an assortment of boxes organized on it's top. Ropes and plastic sleds along with an assortment of tools and a sheet of glass to fix a broken window that was just discovered the other day.

Calls have been made the past several days confirming who is coming to the camp and when they will be arriving. Groceries need to be picked up from Ma and Pa's grocery as well as a few other items from the General Store. Dodge to get gassed up today so there will be no need to do it on Friday morning. Forecast calling for some cooler weather but no snow, maybe just a little rain that will make the woods quiet. Elmer is thinking he will be staying home on the first weekend as he has been watching a decent buck raid his garden every night for the past few weeks.

He has nicknamed the buck HULK after the neck it carries. He says the buck has a neck that looks like a size 18 in a size 16 shirt collar. Head has a nice rack and he would like a chance at him. Says he will give him one chance on Saturday morning then he will be up for dinner and cards. Well a lot to do today so I better get to it. From Lake Iwanttobethere {179,650}

November 6, 2010

The Hotel as we refer to the hunting shack was cool this morning. Not cold enough to see your breath cool but still cool none the less. I was first to wake well before the wind up alarm clock would go off. I chuckle to myself thinking of the wind up clock, don't know why we ever bring it let alone set it. I slip on my cabin slippers and make my way around and over the scattered mouse traps not setting a single one off in the dark. I make my way out the door to stand on the porch and see my breath as it rises away from me. Looking upwards the night sky is filled with stars. Many more then what I can even see from the cabin. Here at the Hotel in the deep woods it is dark as in no cabin lights or dock lights or glare from town. What looks like a single star in the sky from the cabin here can be seen as dozens of stars close together.

Quiet out on the porch, not a hint of a breeze and frost covers the windshields of the assortment of trucks parked along the edge of the woods. A path remands open to the trail that turns into a grass covered two wheel lane that leads out to the gravel road that takes you to wider road that in turns takes you to a stop sign then blacktop before it connects to other black topped roads and freeways to houses miles and states away. Everyone is here at the Hotel but for one who was delayed but should make it by the time the sun comes up. An empty parking spot sits open just to the right of the trail leading to the outhouse.

I sit down in the old rocking chair that was pulled out the night before. It creaks under my weight and I lean back till I find the balance point. From behind me I can hear snoring and a muffled cough. As we get older we sure seem to be sleeping louder. I sit for awhile debating on going back in and trying to catch some more sleep or if I should toss some wood in the pot belly stove. As I am thinking the door squeaks and I hear before I see the cowboy boot of Chuck as he slips through the door and steps out onto the gray well-worn boards of the porch. Sitting in the shadows I watch as he repeats what I have just done. Chuck looks skyward and I see him blow a breath in to the cool air. He steps down and makes his way slowly in the direction of the outhouse. I can just barely make him out when I see the lighter glow in his hand and the door open and then the light disappear.

I hear the clank of the wood stove and I can smell smoke, some sparks float across the clearing and I know someone has added wood to the pot belly stove. A chair scrapes in the Hotel and I catch a glimpse of Chuck on his return. He spots me and I hear a low "Morning" a hunters voice, quiet and low. Chuck makes his way up the three steps, one foot following the other, slow an easy like. Big Earl emerges from the Hotel and the porch is starting to get a little crowded. A lantern is lit and square light appears on the ground outside coming through the repaired glass window. Morning at deer camp, from Lake Iwanttobethere {180,470}

November 8, 2010

First weekend under our belt here at the Hotel, a few parking spaces are open as some of the guys had to head back to town. When Big Earl left late last night he brought with him a fine doe and a heavy six point buck. The buck was shot by Junior not ten minutes after he made his way out to his stand. Big Earl being the proud parent took part credit for the buck as Junior is his son. The buck was shot, excuse me, Harvested with a old lever action 30-30 Marlin that has been in the family for years. I heard the shot just as I was getting all cozy in my stand at the edge of the swamp.

Marv shot, excuse me, Harvested the doe on Sunday afternoon. He and Elmer went out while the rest of us were listen to the afternoon football game. Well not just listening to the game as first Sunday is also chore afternoon at the Hotel. Had some general repairs that had to be made and some staining was done. Not to often when we get a weekend at the Hotel where the weather is warm enough to walk around in short sleeves and we could do some painting and staining. Been so long that any paint had been applied to the shack that you only needed to get close and the dry wood would suck the paint right off the brush. The Hotel is now a dull green with red trim and you can see it again from several hundred yards away. Helps the old guys find the camp.

Saturday night was spent smoking cigars and playing penny ante poker around the reinforced plywood table. A meal of grouse, deep fried walleye, garden fresh tatters and slabs of home made apple pie made suspenders loosen and belt buckles undone. Windows were open and smoke went out one side while a nice fresh breeze came in the other. The fire pit was glowing and by nine everyone was sitting outside enjoying the decent weather and listening to Junior as he had brought his guitar with him and was strumming some of the old Hotel favorite songs. "I ain't so picky now that I have hit fifty" and "I got a cold beer since I missed my dear" always get played a few times.

This morning finds me making a quick run back to the cabin for a shower and to bring back empty pie tins. Going to grab a couple of paper back books as it looks like it will be a warm afternoon to sit in the stand and catch up on some of my reading. From the Hotel here at Lake Iwanttobethere {180,611}

November 11, 2010

Nutin, I ain't seen nutin! That is the story of my first several days here at deer camp. But I ain't complaining, to much. I know everyone always says that they just enjoy being at camp and hooking up with uncles and old friends and being able to walk around in the morning in their long underwear and not hearing any complaints. Unless the underwear is a really bad shade of pink. ( Junior ) Another doe was harvested on Monday to go along with the buck and doe over the first weekend. All three are hanging in the meat locker down at Ma and Pa's grocery and meat shop. Every one at camp will get some venison and Tuesday evening we had steaks for supper.

The Hotel is close enough for some that they are going into town and then working half days so they can get back out for a late afternoon sit. Some of us are lucky enough that we just stay at the hotel till we get to smelling a little ripe then head back in for a shower and clean clothes. Elmer and Marv simply put a sign up on the Book and Smoke Shop saying they had gone hunting. People understand when they see a gone huntin or fishing sign on the door.

As for the weather some snow would be nice but then the weather would have to cool off and with the wind we have been having that would not make it to comfortable in the stands. Not quite tee shirt weather but very comfortable if your back is to the wind with the sun in your face. A little rain last night so the leaves are not so crispy on the walk to the stand today, but the sun quickly dried them out. The red squirrel no longer follows me down the trail barking and chirping away at me. Of course I have to drop a cookie for him as a bribe. Have seen several grouse down on the edge of the swamp where I have my stand. They fly in and spend their time working the sunny sides of the banks.

No sign of my big buck from last season. No one else has seen him or they are not talking. A few shots from the next section over but it has been pretty quiet. With the wind blowing as much as it has I have spent a few afternoons sitting on the five gallon bucket at the base of my stand. I can't see as far but I have a few nice shooting lanes that I can watch. With my back to the big tree and sun in my face it is comfortable. I have the system down as I bring a paperback with me and read some. Right before I have to turn the page I will look up and check my shooting lanes. There may be better ways of spending my afternoons but I can't think of them.

Of course sitting on the barren grounds you soon find out there is a lot of activity on the ground. Between mice trying to climb on my boot tops and grouse landing in my tree it is not boring. The rabbit bouncing through the dry leaves behind the stand made my heart pick up a few beats as I thought it was a deer waking behind me. Trying to turn around and being quiet and sneaky made it an interesting twenty minutes. Then another twenty looking hard into the woods before I went back to sucking a lemon ball and reading the book.

So I hope you are out in the woods doing what I am doing instead of reading this. This time of the year is meant to be in the woods with uncles and friends. Winter is coming my friends and it will be several months before we are once again sitting in sunshine with a warm breeze in our face. From Lake Iwanttobethere {180,937}

November 15, 2010

Well I was like everyone else wishing for a little snow and we got it. Not the lite fluffy stuff like cotton candy but it started out as the wet slushy stuff and then as it got colder it just got to be plain old snow. Didn't go out the afternoon before as it was raining. I am not one to hunt in the rain if I don't have to. It's fine if you have one of them nice enclosed stands with a roof and carpet and a swivel chair. Nothing against them and there has been more then one afternoon where I was wishing I had one to kick back in.

The stands out here at the Hotel are nothing to brag about, some maybe as simple as a five gallon bucket sitting on a dry mound at the edge of the swamp. A few are made of 2x4's long enough to span a few trees that are close together. A weathered piece of plywood nailed across the tops and a couple more 2x4's together to make a seat. Some are pretty old, as a matter of fact Elmers stand is three birch trees that grew up in a clump. Elmers says the stand there is so old that he remembers when he planted the trees. Just took twenty some years for the trees to grow big enough for them to carry his weight and that was twenty-five years ago.

The walk to the stand was quiet as the ground was wet with a couple of inches of the slushy snow. The leaves are quiet and now the red squirrel did not hear me coming down the trail. I left a cookie just the same as I did not need the pesky squirrel finding me and letting everyone in the woods know I was there. I took my time walking the trail, stopping and looking after every other step. With some white stuff on the ground you can see twice as far if not more into the brush. More then once I looked at a few branches that could have been a rack but still remained branches no matter how much I stared at them.

A few deer tracks meander off and on the trail so clear that even city folk could see that they were deer tracks. Small ones maybe a doe or fawn headed in the same direction I was. I walked even slower as I kept looking ahead waiting to see a deer standing in the tracks. After awhile they headed to the swamp and did not reappear on the trail. I made my way to the swamp stand and decided to stay on the ground. The heavy wet snow sat on the plywood seat undisturbed, I quietly brushed the snow from the five gallon pail and pulled the blaze orange hot seat from inside it. With a last look behind the stand I sat down and made myself comfortable.

It had been snowing all the way to the stand but now that I was sitting it seems to be falling a little harder. Well maybe a little thicker as the snow weighs the same so how can it be falling harder? See that is one thing about deer hunting and sitting at a stand waiting. You have way to much time to spend thinking! Popping a Lemon Ball in my mouth, some call them Lemon Drops I lean back against the tree and pull the hood up so the snow can't fall down and melt on my neck. With all of this snow it is going to seem like it will be lighter longer today. From Lake Iwanttobethere {182,116}

November 16, 2010

Midday here at the Hotel and it is quiet. Only noise inside the shack is the sound of stew simmering in a cast iron pot on top of the pot belly stove. The stew is left over from yesterday but even old stew tastes good when it is hot. Different size stacks of pennies mixed with nickels and dimes are scattered in piles along the edges of the plywood main table. The penny ante poker game continues to be played. Several ashtrays rest with cigars of different lengths waiting to have flame touch their ends. Mugs resting upside down drying, sit in the rack next to the sink. The amber light of the coffee urn flickers dimly, sitting on the side table by the fridge.

Standing on the small porch I first hear then can see a single engine airplane flying low. It makes a pass over the Hotel before moving away and then returning in a shallow circle again. A little farther away the second time, I'm thinking it might be a warden keeping an eye on things. The snow around the Hotel has been packed down, a well-used trail to the outhouse along with several paths leading into the woods and stands can be seen from the porch. Snow on the old boards of the porch is crunchy underfoot. Cold enough to watch your breath rise in front of you, I try to make rings like you do with a cigar, but fail.

A few crows fly off in the distance, I watch as they move left to right across the skyline. A small group of sparrows flutter through the clearing landing for a few seconds before jumping up as one to fly a few feet and land again. Before I can shift weight from one foot to the other they are up moving again. No dripping water from melting snow on the eves today. No sunshine to speak of but no wind either. Kind of a glow overhead where the sun should be but not strong enough to cast shadows.

Eleven days into a sixteen day deer season and some urgency has set in for some. A few of the guys have gone out this morning to spend time in the stands. Others have return to work having only set aside a week of vacation for hunting. They will be back for the last weekend and maybe sneak in an afternoon if they can. Uncle Billy has returned home, the long ride did not have a deer in the passenger seat with him. One year he came to camp driving a VW and that was the year he shot a deer. Only way to get the deer home was in the passenger seat and the story of the trip is a regular told here at camp.

No deer for me as of yet, I am tending camp today, someone has to keep an eye on the stew pot. Elmer got a shot off yesterday, missed a buck but won't stop talking about it. He is back out at his stand, figures that buck may be dumb enough to come his way again. Marv is back in town and the book shop is open for a few hours. He will becoming back to camp later this afternoon and he and Elmer will play cards and drink coffee with liberal amounts of brandy added. They will watch the stew and I will be free to slip a way for a few hours and make my way down to the swamp stand. From Lake Iwanttobethere {182,534}

November 18, 2010

Cool, crisp and quiet that is how I would describe the mid week hunting here at the Hotel. All the snow has fallen from the tree limbs and sight lines are pretty good now. The trip to the stand takes longer as you walk slower and can see further into the woods. Fresh tracks are hard to find but there is no lack of tracks to be seen. Shots are heard but they are few and far. Every time I hear the report of a gun I wonder what is happening. One shot.... A clean hit or a clean miss? Several shots in a row and I can almost see the deer head down running wide out dodging trees and making a clean get a way.

I have been spending stand time and doing a lot of watching. To cold to do any reading as the when turning the cold pages of the paperback they make noise. With the wind down I am up in the stand now. I make sure I clean my glasses before leaving the Hotel and everything I need is in my day pack. I came down from the stand yesterday just at dusk and I spotted an orange clad figured emerge from along the swamp. I waited still at the base of my stand till I was sure he had spotted me. We met at the edge where the trail splits and I recognized him as one of the long time hunters from the next section over.

Talking like fishermen we offered tidbits of information to each other. What we have seen what time of day giving more information about years past then what was happening now. He told me that his camp keeps getting older as not many of the young guys are out hunting. I mentioned I don't hear much shooting and he told me they have pretty much gone to being a trophy camp. The guys are looking for nice racks and are letting everything else walk. The last weekend if they are lucky they will take a doe or two so they have some meat to share. Chuckling to me he said he will have to go and see Big Earl next year to buy some new shells. The ones he has are near worn out from just put tin them in and taking them out of his rifle. With just enough light to see by we turn our backs to each other and went our ways.

The Hotel no longer smells, well I mean it never really smelled before but now we have spent so much time in it we don't notice it. Now it smells of bacon and eggs and wood smoke. Gun oil and Big Earls cheap cigars. Marv's New York coffee and a whiff of peanut butter in a few unsnapped mouse traps. No smell of any pine cleaner, you just need to step out on the porch to smell real pines. There is the smell of Coney's and apple pie in the air as that is what I am fixing for lunch today. So instead of counting days till season starts now we are counting days of season left. From Lake Iwanttobethere

{183,807}

November 22, 2010

Last Sunday of deer season and everyone is here in camp. Saturday night was spent packing gear and cleaning the pot belly stove. Inside wood box was filled with split birch and the rack outside the door was topped off. Anything that could be crossed off the Do List was completed and a shopping list made for a few things that can't be fixed with what we have on hand. The last hands of poker were played and Marv was declared the winner in the wee hours of the morning. His name was added to the list of past camp poker winners on the wall. The cardboard cigar box half full with pennies and some silver sits in the middle of the table.

Sunday morning was a chilly one. I awoke being able to see my breath in the Hotel. Laying on my bunk in my warm sleeping bag I was not willing to leave it and get up and start a fire. After a few minutes and my eyes adjusting to the dim light inside the shack I saw that I was not the only one awake and waiting for someone else to start a fire. A few muffled coughs and snores could be heard, the snores started to disappear meaning guys were waking up and just laying, waiting for someone else to tend the embers. Finally Reed got up and mumbling about being with a bunch of babies made his way to the potbelly stove. Paper, birch bark and a match found there way into the stove. With the stove having been cleaned the night before there was not much of a bed of ash and embers. The bark caught and with a whiff of smoke backing into the cabin the old door was clanked shut and latched. Reed with feet now in boots and wrapped in his parka was out the door and heading to the outhouse. The rest of us waiting in our bunks for the heat to start radiating from the stove.

A few guys headed out to their stands the rest of us spent the morning making breakfast and chatting over hot steaming coffee mugs. Trucks were loaded with bedrolls and belongings. Elmer came back after about an hour and poured himself a mug of coffee. Leaning against the sink he said in a matter of fact way if anyone would like to help him drag in the doe he shot. Some back slapping and Marv and Reed grabbed a sled from one of the trucks and away they went to bring in the doe. The rest of the afternoon was spent watching the football game on the small twelve inch black and white TV Somewhere in there it started to snow again and soon windshields were covered and tracks filled. With the game over guys slipped on their orange parkas and headed outside. As is the camps tradition we all shook hands and then headed to our stands. We end our last afternoon at the Hotel the same way we start it, and that is out on the stands.

I made my way down the snow cover trail to the swamp stand, would not be spending much time there before I would have to head back. Brushing snow off the steps I climbed up into the stand and pulling my hood up over my hat I leaned back into the tree and stuff my hands deep into my pockets. In just a few minutes the snow started to rest on my arms and legs covering me in white blanket and making me part of the stand. I heard a single rifle shot echo out from the swamp. Turning my head slowly inside the hood I looked along the trail that I knew came out from the swamp. Waiting I watched as the snow kept falling until I saw movement on the trail. Just at the edge of the swamp first one antler then a head and the other antler appeared. A thick neck held the rack up as now I could see the broad body of swamp buck slowly walking out on the trail.

Not looking in my direction but moving slowly and glancing back toward the swamp the buck continued to move forward along the trail. Left hoof forward then right hoof, back hoofs stepping almost exactly where the front hoofs had just been. The buck was getting so close I could see the steam and hear him snorting. He stopped with his right hoof up looking away from me. I have played this game before and I froze right where I was. No sooner had I held my breath then he snapped his head around and looked straight at the tree my stand was in.

We locked eyes and stared at each other, not being able to hold my breath much longer I let it out slowly. I could hear the pounding of my heart and I was hoping the buck could not hear it. The buck looked away from me and glanced back over his back where he had just come. Looking back at me we once again locked eyes and this time he won. I nodded my head at the big swamp buck and he dipped his. Putting his head back down to the trail and moving at a trot He went past me and down the trail. I waiting a few minutes and stood up on the stand, snow fell from my shoulders to join the snow on the ground already. Shadows were getting long and darkness was falling I looked out towards the swamp and coming slowly down the same trail as the buck was an orange clad figure. I waited till he got close and he spoke asking if I had seen a buck come my way.

Brushing snow off my arms I just kind of moved around the question and never really said that I had seen the big swamp buck. Wishing each other a good day we turn out backs to each other and headed back to our camps. Walking down the trail I could just make out the deep wide prints of the swamp buck as they filled with the falling snow. Chuckling to myself I thought that maybe next year for my last stand sitting I would bring along my rifle. From Lake Iwanttobethere {185,431}

November 24, 2010

Baseball caps are a rare sight seen here at the lake now as deer hunting season has ended and the blaze orange for the most part has gone back to storage. Town is quiet at least on the surface as hunters have all left and now we are waiting on the ice to form and fishermen to return. The bell over the door at Ma and Pa's grocery and butcher shop is ringing almost constantly or so it seems. Guys coming to pick up cardboard boxes filled with meat wrapped in white butcher paper and the neat block printing of Ma stating what is wrapped up inside. Steaks or roast or sausage or burger along with smaller packages of cubed stew meat.

Vicki down at the Masterbaiters Shop has reduced her hours and can be seen actually shopping in other stores along Main Street. Amy at the bakery on the other hand has extended her hours and her widows hold baskets of breads and rolls and treats for Thanksgiving which is just a few days away. Really not very fair for me to have to walk down the street and smell fresh bread with a hint of apple pie in the air. Some light snow has fallen this morning and as I come up to the General Store Big Earl is pushing at it with his broom. We nod at each other and I pass him to go into the store. Digging into my inside coat pocket I have two lists of things I need, One for the cabin and another for the Lodge.

Junior back in sporting goods is telling anyone that will listen about the buck he shot and a display of shotgun shells rests on the counter with a small sign reminding people that grouse season is still open. Mowers and tillers are in the back of the store and now snow blowers and shovels are in the front. Fruit cakes with the dates scratched off on clearance sit in a shopping cart near the front counter. A display of Christmas tree lights blinks and a hand written sign with the number of Christmas shopping days left hangs behind the counter. Barb the cashier with a hat looking something like a turkey waits on customers. Junior with a customer demonstrates a turkey call and it fits right in.

I leave the list of things for the Lodge at the service desk and Jake there tells me he will have it delivered to the Lodge later today. I start looking at my list for the cabin but get side tracked as I walk past the toy aisle. With four grand kids it is always a good time to be checking out the toys and trying to stay ahead of them. Nana does most of the shopping but sometimes I see something that I think the kids might like and I will pick it up or mention it to her. I get sidetracked by a helicopter that has a camera on it. Hmmmmm

Now here is something that I might use myself, I look over the box and start reading about it. Five minutes of video or four hundred pictures... I start thinking about what I could use the copter for, if I had this helicopter I could send it out ahead of me when I am fishing. It could check out shorelines and reed beds, take me back to places and save me some scouting time. Hmmmm I put it back on the shelf and continue on down the aisle distracted with ideas.

Later I am at the Lodge and find myself checking out the ceiling space in the main room. I'm thinking maybe I could buy the helicopter and write it off. Yup, I could say I bought it to use to inspect the Lodges logs up near the ceiling... Not to mention the practice time I could get in flying the copter inside.. Hmmmmm from Lake Iwanttobethere {186,279}

November 24, 2010

Day before Thanksgiving and I am not the only one in town running errands. The wife gave me a list and pretty much booted me out of the cabin. She is deep into baking and can no longer stand me making comments about adding more raisins to the oatmeal raisin cookies or more chocolate chips to the chocolate chip cookies. I left the cabin with Bud and Barney taking my place as the samplers. The dogs were sleeping under the kitchen table out of the way and the wife informed me if I did not leave I would be doing the same.

So I am about halfway through the list and making my rounds in town. Since I was in town I did get a little sidetracked. I walked past Boyd's Barber Shop and saw he had and empty chair. Not being one to pass an opportunity I walked in, hung my coat up and slipped on to the cold leather of the chair. Fifteen minutes later and my cap could now slide down over my ears again. Next stop was Amy's Bakery, I came in and not wanting to stand in line I took a seat at one of the small tables along the wall. Amy saw me and gave me the finger. No, not that finger. She singled me with one finger telling me she would be with me in a minute.

A few minutes later and the bakery was quiet. Coming over to my table she told me that the pies have already been sent over to the Lodge and when she was done for the day she would bring any day olds she had left. Also she told me that she had a special pie with my name on it.. Before I could say to much the door open and the ladies from church club came in. I grabbed my hat and politely nodding a greeting made my way past them and back out to the sidewalk.

Big Earl seeing me standing on the sidewalk waved me over. I arrived just as he came out with several tins of fruitcake. " For the Lodge" is all he said. I made my way to the Dodge peeking around the cake tins. Trying to open the door the top one fell to the pavement, when I picked it up the can was not even dented, I was not surprised. Next stop was Ma and Pa's for our turkey. I open the door with the sound of the bell ringing over my head. Pa waved at me from behind the meat counter and Ma had my turkey waiting for me on the counter. " Saw your truck" is all she said.

A few more stops were made and I drove down Main Street reading all the signs in the doors about being closed for Thanksgiving but will be open early on Friday. Dew Drop Inn and the Sunshine Cafe had signs up saying they would be open with Brunch and Lunch specials but closing after six. I pulled into the Lodges parking lot just as Hammering Hank and Skinny were pulling out. I almost missed Tess siting between the two of them in the front seat. Going in the back door I had to walk around boxes and crates. Gus was busy with his clip board checking lists to what was on the floor.

Every Thanksgiving the Lodge holds a late dinner for members and for anyone else that didn't get to be somewhere for dinner. A lot of the business in town are owned by Lodge members and they donate the food and the Dew Drop and Sunshine staff comes over to help Gus out in cooking and serving. Hunterdown has sent some geese over and Old McDonnell has sent us some nice hams. Ma and Pa sent turkeys and Amy sent pies, cookies and rolls. Big Earl sent the fruit cakes which will join the ones he sent last year. Funny thing about turkey is no matter how much you eat of it if you take a nap you can eat more later.

The Lodge of course does not charge for any of it and of course provides some free sprits and a place to gather. Walking around the boxes I make my way into my office to find a pink box sitting in the center of my desk. Tied with white string I bend to sniff... Using my letter opener I slice the string away and open the lid to find an apple pie with a black and white Pie bird in the center looking up at me. Taking in the aroma of the pie I can smell Apple Jack and smile at my special order pie. I hear clinking behind me and Gus is standing there with two plates two forks and two shot glasses of Apple Jack. I do so much like the Holidays. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at the Lodge on Lake Iwanttobethere. {186,405}

November 25, 2010

You may have seen this before but I like to post it again. A year later but it stays the same.

It starts the night before, perhaps out in the kitchen as the gals gather after dinner to wash dishes and store left over turkey fixings in the fridge. Stacked neatly on the shelves are bags of veggies and square storage containers of turkey and dressing and stuffing and what is left of the sliced ham. In a few hours it will all be back on the counter as the guys will rise during half time of the football game looking for something to tide them over till later on in the night. The men folk watch football games and take naps on the couches. The kids rough house with the dogs and maybe one or two guys are actually interested in the game but only because they have fantasy teams. The ladies will gather and sipping some boxed red wine they will start to compare their battle plans for the following morning. With even more attention then the guys spend on fishing opener or deer season they will go over their plans. If you enter the kitchen the room grows quiet as you know they are talking about you or your present. They never confined in me and usually someone sits on the stool by the door to act as a lookout.

Around two A.M. the following morning the bed will get lighter as she rolls out and makes her way in the darkness to the bathroom. Clothes have already been laid out the night before. All around the lake and I am sure in your neighborhood to the lights will start to come on. First in bedrooms then in the bathroom and then down in the kitchen. Shortly after that garage doors will open and a cascade of trucks, cars and mini vans will start the trek towards town. A strange sight this early in the morning with all the headlights heading towards town. Once in a great while a lone car will be seen heading the other way. By dawn parking lots will be full of cars and women will be at the front doors of stores waiting for them to open and for the assault on there shelf's.

On the way in gas stations are hit hard by lady shoppers looking for the morning paper and last minute sale flyers. The cappuccino machine chugging away as they fill cups to keep hands warm during their waits. The donut and Danish cabinet is empty with nothing but crumbs left for the regulars that will stop later on their way to work. Every year it seems to get earlier and earlier. I can remember when eight A.M. was the time to be at a store, now some are open at midnight. Not safe to be between a bear and her cub? Try a woman and a end cap of sale items at half price! If you are a guy you stand back and keep your hands to yourself. Later in the afternoon she will return, making endless trips to the truck to return with packages and boxes and plastic bags. Somewhere in the cabin everything disappears to and in a few moments quiet has return and she will sit in the kitchen with a cup of tea and a pile of receipts. Her check list will be in front of her and she will be making marks and notations on it's margin. Don't even think of trying to look over her shoulder. If you must go in the kitchen just like a bear make sure she can hear you coming. Make small talk and retreat with what ever you need. Perhaps some of the turkey from the day before and a slice of pie from the one the grand kid stuck his finger in.

The phone will start ringing then and she will make small talk with her mother and sisters about how they did and what they still need and what they missed. I guess it is a lot like fishing opener. We tend to come home tired and hungry with a sense of fulfillment and we don't talk to much unless something really good has happen that day. Well maybe we grunt some and moan a little about the weather and how it was in days past. Now that I think of it the wife is not around much after openers. She does just make a little small talk and then leaves me to my thoughts. I guess Christmas shopping can be a lot like fishing, just have to be at the right place at the right time.. From Lake Iwanttobethere Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving {187,169}

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