Not too far....

....away is the ice fishing.

North Dakota and northern Minnesota are seeing snow and white-out conditions in some areas since late yesterday. I'm not ready for the crap yet so I'm happy its up there and not in SE minnesota.

We've still got too much water temp here so ice will be a ways off, but this storm system that is hounding the upper midwest is one that gets those winter thoughts buzzing. I had humored the thought of running over to the Mississpi River to jig off marina docks for some crappies but the over-40mph winds which have been gusting up to 60 mph and the steadily falling temps [42 degrees as I type] would probably not make for a fun morning.

We've had such a warm fall that seeing this blow in is hard to take, but in reality it is that time of year. Storms like this have a way of sucking the summer out of whats left of the nice weather options and reminds us that winter and ice fishing are on the way.

Ya know CTom, I know a few people around here in my neck of the woods that dream about retiring in Florida. Not me, all I want is a icehouse somewhere in Minnesota! Great summer fishing and plenty of ice during the winter. Paradise!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ma and I did a trip to Hawaii last January. If I retire anywhere....it will be in Hawaii. But since that is a mere dream, I will content myself with being a die-hard Minnesota. While the county I live in is one of 4 in the whole state that actually does not have a natural lake in it, we have an abundance of flood control reservoirs and a few other large reservoirs full of fish. Then I have the Mississippi River and its plush backwaters within 38 miles of my door making for an easy trip.

I prefer the open water, but do the ice when we have it safe enough for travel. I spend as much time on open ice as I do in a portable. One of the big mis-conceptions about living here is that we do not ever get "used" to the cold, we simply are good at adapting to it.

If you ever find yourself in need of the services of the infamous Mayo Clinic, give me a little notice ahead of time. I can see the main building from my yard. I'd be happy to take you to the big river and show you a part of American that a lot of people miss.

Been through there several years back.........saw ice fishing on the Big River.......Hawaii? C'mon man!!!!!!!!!

Agreed, actually look forward to ice season, just wish for calmer slightly warmer weather to do it, it is the great equalizer! And enjoyed Hawaii, beautiful place, helped mam the rails and saluted USS Arizona to port...just TOO many people...good luck gentlemen and be SAFE...