On a warm summer’s afternoon we returned to one of our favorite small lakes for some fishing. Our plan was to fish through the sunset and after dark – something I have never done before. The winds died down throughout the evening and set up for a beautiful sunset, with the colors of the sky reflecting in the quiet of the lake’s surface. We’d shared some dinner in the boat and the fishing had been successful. The light in the western sky faded to black, the near-full moon was high in the sky and we were the only ones still out on the water. We pulled out our fly fishing gear and settled in for some night-time fishing. Our eyes adjusted to the darkness and our ears became our “eyes” as we listened for the fish to take the poppers we laid out on the surface. More reliable for me was feeling the fish tug on the fly line. It was beautiful to be out in the dark; the shoreline was discernible with the moonlight, the lake’s surface was like glass, the stars came out overhead, and the night sounds surrounded us. The experience and beauty of this summer’s evening and night on a small lake were now embedded in our memories.
fishing
Casting into the clouds
Yesterday was a day of diverse activities – fishing and a glorious wedding celebration; and yet the two were very connected. As the day dawned to overcast skies and thick clouds, we headed out for some fishing. The cool and the clouds eventually broke up and we fished under an amazing sky brimming with filtered sun and brilliant clouds. Our fishing was successful, and we laughed that our outing was in honor of the bride and the groom for their wedding later that afternoon. This joyful couple celebrated their summer wedding outdoors in a grove of trees, surrounded with family and friends all dappled with sunshine. The bride and groom share a love of nature and especially fishing. And how appropriate that the groom, his groomsmen, and the bride’s proud father all wore decorative fishing lures as their boutonnieres!
Summer sunrise
We arose in the dark early yesterday morning and headed north to one of our favorite little lakes. With the boat in tow, loaded with fishing and camera gear, we were set for a summer outing. We had only just headed out from the landing when the sun cleared the horizon and broke over the tree line. The clouds reflected the colors of the sun, and the reflection came alive in the surface of the lake – both in the calm water, and in the wake behind the boat. This glorious sunrise was only a prelude to the rest of the day. We had packed a breakfast to enjoy on the boat in our “lake with a view.” The fishing was good; we caught a mess of crappies and sunfish (some of the best lake fish for eating). The morning remained pleasantly cool, and we marveled at the sandhill cranes that passed overhead and the loons that called from another area of the lake. Before we knew it, a full six hours had passed. After the trip home to unload and shower, we then headed to the Minnesota Twins baseball game (another rite of summer). The crowd enjoyed a well-played game under the summer sky, and celebrated the Twins’ win after the sun had set. One full day with two of my favorite summer past-times; I can’t help but feel so fortunate to be able to enjoy all of this.
Sunset on the lake
We were lucky to have family from Kansas visiting us in Minnesota this past weekend. Knowing that they are all avid fishermen we decided to share some of the wonderful lake fishing we have in our state of 10,000+ lakes. Yesterday started with some (successful) Northern Pike fishing on a small lake near the Twin Cities. Then we headed north for an evening launch on Mille Lacs Lake. After a day of clouds and overcast skies and even a few raindrops, we were hopeful our trip on the big lake would not be rained out. As luck would have it, the clouds parted and we enjoyed some sun, blue skies, and a wonderful sunset over the lake. As luck would not have it, our fishing success was somewhat limited; one perch, and a couple of walleye that were too big to keep. But we did keep the experience of a shared night of fun, laughter, a beautiful sunset, and the camaraderie of family and friends. Thanks to them all for a memorable weekend!
Fishing at sunset
Our Minnesota landscape has become much more winter-like. Temperatures have remained below freezing for the past 10 days, allowing the lakes to freeze. And with that the ice houses have started to go up and people are active once again around the lakes. As I drove past this lake the other night, there was a very fine snow that was falling. It was so delicate as to cause the sun to glow as it was starting to set below the cloudbank to the west. In its own way it seemed to be announcing that all was right with the winter world in Minnesota.
Wherever you are as the calendar turns into the new year, I wish you joy and wonder, happiness and health in 2013. Thanks to all of you that have been following my blog, and I hope you will continue to share in my weekly writings, photographs, and adventures. Happy new year!
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