Fishing season in Northern Minnesota has begun and with it come many opening day horror stories. I've heard reports that not less that 25 wives were thrown overboard because of complaints about wet weather, cold coffee and soggy sandwiches. These are all things we tried and true anglers have accepted for years as normal.
Opening day for me this year was a bit better than normal. The fish cooperated somewhat, or at least one small one did. Being an old hand at things like tents, campfires and boats, my sons and I headed up to the Echo trail for a long weekend of fishing and camping. The rain began as soon as we had everything unloaded at the chosen campsite and continued until we finally threw our arms up in desperation and prayed that we wouldn't be swept into the lake by a wall of water.
Even in the rain and wind, I saw things that I'll never forget. As we approached a small stream that fed into the lake, a pair of mergansers came out of hiding, giving us an up close look at a pair of Minnesota's prettiest birds. At 2:00 a.m. in a slow rain, a pair of loons started to call back and forth across the lake. Then, as I sipped strong coffee by the morning fire, I heard the drumming of a ruffed grouse. Yup, even with my hat pulled low on my ears to keep out the chill, Minnesota still provided this old man with a show few take the time to see. It's a great life.
Then later in the day, I had the pleasure of meeting a Timber Wolf, up close and personal. It was an amazing sight. He was large and long legged. An animal that size would have no problem taking down a deer. They seem to have an air of confidence no other animal in Minnesota has.
One of my sons, in an attempt to get away from the campfire flames (a little too much charcoal lighter fluid, heh heh!) fell over a pile of firewood, injuring his hip. I quickly fashioned a tourniquet from the anchor rope, but he took off running down the trail when I tried to slip it around his neck. I thought I was being helpful, but he thought otherwise. He did however survive in spite of my efforts.
As the trip came to an end, I took a quick inventory and found that we all had a pretty good time. My purchase of several boxes of fish coating mix will keep until next year. Hot dogs really aren't that bad if you put a lot of ketchup on them.
My last book "River Chase" is selling well and I am having thoughts of Steven King like riches..... kinda.
And so from the land of tall tales and tall pines, I wish you well.
Best Regards,
Ron
www.ronshepherd.com