I know I'm going to hear from the ice-fishing diehards and devotees on this one. The last few days, the town I live in has really taken to the ice. Most of the time the weather was very overcast and dull, then the sun would pop out and it would be painfully bright. One afternoon it was even pretty windy (and thus quite a bit colder) but people still kept coming. Down the road from my house is a small public access point. It's not a marina, there's nothing except a brief bit of beach that slopes gently into the lake. The sand is a little rough, and there's a lot of stones. (always reminds me of Virginia Wolfe). This winter, folks have come from all over to schlep their gear out, and I mean way out, onto the ice. I wonder how they determine where to stop? Surely the fish can go any where under the ice they please? Perhaps closer to shore the lake is completely frozen, right down to the bottom, so all the fish are further out. Solid ice, surface to sand - wouldn't that present a conceptual barrier to a swimming fish similar to what birds must think when they bump into a window in flight. "Yeow, what the heck was that!" (invisible force field)
Anyway, I watched as car after car created a jam along the road, and the string of huts and ATVs out on the ice grew longer. As for me (much as I like being out in nature) it's just too cold, not enough comfortable seating, no bathrooms...all for a few measly fish (and maybe none). But I guess if you are a person who likes that sort of thing, than you will find ice fishing the sort of thing that you like.
My idea of fish for dinner...
Meanwhile, I have all the symptoms of a bad case of winter Blahs (aka cabin fever). My solution is not, however, to go out into the fray. No, I'm going to make a pot of freshly-ground Aged Sumatra beans (Christmas gift from my BFF Sydney - thanks kiddo!!) and then put my double-disc Kinks greatest hits on the CD player and do some blogging (especially to those of you who live where it's warm!!)
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22 comments:
I love "Dedicated Follower of Fashion". Play that one for me.
I have not ventured outside the door for a few days now...the fireplace is my haven. I'm surrounded my warm, furry bodies and I like it that way!
Kat
I'm with you - and we haven't even had snow to speak of until today. We woke to it this morning, and it kept up until just after 1: o'clock. You would probably laugh at our snow, but to me it's the stuff that imprisons me indoors. I, too, am more than ready for spring.
What an excellent post, Deborah. It reminds me of one of my funniest memories with my dad in northern Wisconsin one winter. We were out on the lake - alone - ice fishing without any luck. We eventally discovered why when a muskrat stuck his head up and out of our fishing hole. My father just fell over backwards in shock and then laughed like mad. It was a great source of laughter over the years. Now, almost 50 years later, I still fondly remember that moment.
I hear you on the winter blahs. We are going to be snowed in tomorrow as well so I am trying to make the best of it.
I could never ice fish. There are no trees or birds on the ice. ;o)
Enjoy your meal. It sounds heavenly.
when I lived in Michigan I shook my winter blahs by literally blasting the heat in my dorm room, getting on shorts and a tshirt, and watching a beachy movie or tv show (LOST comes to mind). I pretended I was in another place... kind of crazy, but it worked! so well!! the body believes what the mind believes.
so true.
<3
Glad I could warm your spirits... with a blog visit. I'm with you on the fishing... so many opportunities to "catch" your fish in a much more friendly (AND WARM) environment.
winter blahs? music (loud) and then after dancing, relaxing with a book and a cup of whatever, wine, coffee ,cocoa .
I just read little Bird's comment--we once did that--had a party where we blasted the heat and told people to bring summer clothes. we put patio furniture in the living room and made it look as summery as possible, playing beach boys music and such, potatoe salad and ribs... we were playing poker when one guy said excitedly "hey--let's drive down to Atlantic City!" and someone reminded him it was 2 degrees F outside. --he forgot it was winter.
Well, I surely have the same winter blahs! Of course, just as I typed that, a little ray of sunshine peeked out from behind a cloud! But the wind is 24 mph! Your idea of fish for dinner is the same as mine. I just had a bowl of homemade soup and it did warm the innards! I have to go to the kiddie art class this afternoon and I've been grumbling about that all morning! Stay warm, enjoy the music!
you have to be creative to keep busy and escape the winter blahs but there is a whole world to learn about via the internet and no limits only your own efforts. go for it.
Well--usually I would encourage you to get OUT in nature to get rid of the blahs. NOT TODAY--where you are anyhow!!!!
SO--you have the right idea.. Music and food are good blah-breakers also!!!!
Relax and enjoy and stay WARM.
Hugs,
Betsy
I am almost to the point of having the winter blahs also...ready to be outside and sitting on the porch, reading or talking to friends.
Ice fishing is its own world--one that is perfect for people who have good circulation and can take the cold.
thank you for blogging about the perils of ice fishing for us out here in sunny climes!
Yes, winter blahs here, too. Although I enjoy a good brisk walk outside, the thought of parking my butt over the ice for hours does not appeal... Also, I'm not a big fish eater. :)
Hope you are staying warm!
xoxo,
Mary
"Kinks greatest hits on the CD player and do some blogging (especially to those of you who live where it's warm!!)"
My twin for sure!
It got down to 55 or 60 degrees last night and I feel frost-bit!
Doubt I could survive my old winter camping ways . . . BRRRR!
Aloha, Dear
the first pic looks so good, for us Indians who get so much sun and never get to see snow it looks so different and beautiful !!
the Kinks are fantastic!!
your winter visitors sound like my summer visitors - the Jersey Shore crowd chokes the local roads and make me crazy
you are welcome honey...
I feel for you! Come on down for a warm visit here.
Well, I guess my recent musings haven't helped you at all with the WB's. Matt has seen photos of Scamps with holes cut in the bottom of the trailer custom cut just for the ice fishing maniac.
You guys are loaded with snow and we keep hoping for just a little in the mountains.
I don't think I could handle sitting on that ice hoping to get a fish but I guess if you're a real fisherperson you do what you love no matter what.
I'm with you about where to get my fish. :-)
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