5/13/13
This has been a late spring with lots of late April and May snowfalls. We are heading off to Colorado right after Memorial Day so we decided to chance the leftover snow and open the cabin on Opening Fishing Weekend. Most reports were that the lakes were still iced over and that there would be no fishing in most of northern Minnesota. The Governor may have to put his line in through a hole in the ice.
We were a bit nervous that the road into the cabin would have snow drifts still on it. However, as we drove north we saw no snow and the trees were leafed out a bit even as we got to Mille Lacs which was still mostly iced over. By Aitkin there was still no snow anywhere and budding trees. We were very lucky to find that there was no snow on the road in and some sun sneaking through the clouds.
The lake is quite high again and has really pushed up onto the shore again. It heaved up under the cement pad where we used to have a fire grate. Maybe we will finally get rid of the concrete as it is all broken up. The dock was also pushed back a bit, but looks undamaged. We always pull it in farther that we think we need to and are always happy that we have done so.
There were lots of pussy willows in bloom on the way in and the daffodills are up in the garden. We got the gas furnace started right up and the water running quickly as well. The cabin looks great and warmed up quickly. For once we got the phone and internet set up soon enough that they both work without a problem. It did not take much time at all to settle in.
With the sunshine and a south wind the ice on the lake began moving around and soon there were huge cracks and channels all accross the lake. I think the ice will be out by tomorrow and we will see fishermen on the lake for Opening.
It is great to be back up here again and so peaceful. There are already some ducks walking on the ice, but no loons yet.
