Time to catch up on a few things.

Still enjoying the day to day laid back atmosphere that allows us to remain in the relax mode. Has been chilly for this area (friggen artic blast has it at or near freezing here over the past few nights. 40s through the day) so we at times wonder if we did not go far enough south, but there is not much more "south" to navigate. Thinking Florida or Arizona might ensure warmth. Need to think about that. Still.....as I write while watching weather report, those poor folks north are digging out from 6 feet of snow. They show that 50% of the US is snow covered. Hmmmmm.....we have not had to dodge a single snow flake. Maybe near freezing is not so bad after all.

High Life.....

Continuing the process of getting to know our new friends while broadening our knowledge base. Simple things being part of relaxing. Things such as setting with the guys for afternoon coffee allowing me the opportunity to listen to local stories and news while popping in with occasional questions. Along with dominoes playing, Tuesday movie night and just setting around the campfire.

The park office/meeting area is pretty much your typical fishing/ice supply store which would not be complete with out the many mounted fish exhibits and catch pictures. As I was viewing fishing history, I noted a theme in what is displayed......a fisherman named "Ralph" seemed to be mentioned in/on many of the exhibits. In asking about this individual I found him to be a bit of a local legend. It seems that Ralph took on fishing like it was a job. His daily routine was to be in the park office/store at 4:30 every morning, make the coffee and at first light be on the lake until late afternoon......like I said, this was everyday. He was the local expert on where to fish, when to fish, how to fish, what to fish........Nothing but stories of not only being an expert fisherman, but how well liked he was and how he is missed. He lived in the far corner of the park in a very nicely laid out modular home that (with Ralph's passing) is now occupied by his son Dale and his wife Kristina.
I have now found that Dale seems to be every bit his dads son. He may not take fishing as more than a hobby (not a job), but I found that my time on the lake with him and his boat, he knows the lake and fishing as you would expect for someone that has grown up in the area with a legendary dad. Gave us (myself and Uncle Jerry) a guided tour of this part of the lake (lake is 69 miles long so "this part" is enough for now) pointing out various landmarks, fish stories and stories of the drought of 2012. Once we found a good spot and started fishing, Dale was quick to point out my poor choice of bass bait. He corrected my error from his assortment of tackle (every bit of tackle in its proper place, such a well organized floating vessel) and soon I was throwing the rubber watermelon worm rig that is favored by the local bass. This just prior to the cold front coming in so conditions were not the best, clouds with eventual wind and rain. Dale was successful in a non-keeper and a hog that broke his line. Uncle Jerry pulled in a turtle and yes....even I had a bit of action. Wrestled with one on, wound up losing half of my watermelon worm to the whopper (that is my story and I am sticking to it). Was exciting for about 45 seconds.
As mentioned Sue and I have become domino experts, well not so much me, but Sue won her first game yesterday. As in everything that I do poorly in...........it all amounts to luck.....and mine of course is bad. That is all it amounts to.....luck.
So.........even though my blogging has suffered from lack of frequency, things are happening just not quickly. please be patient and hope that you enjoy my "occasional" updates.

Road Rash......

Has to be the colder than expected cold temps. But could be worse.