Pentoga Road early Monday morning

January 9, 2018 - Tuesday

2 degrees/clear skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

These are quiet times on Pentoga Road, but isn't it quiet everywhere in the Northland this time of the year? These are the dark days of winter.

Despite a warm up on Monday, the wind howled and made the day seem colder than it really was.

After the usual four mile walk, I headed out fishing. The first and only action was when I witnessed a big bluegill opening his mouth and start to take the jig. I made a rookie mistake, that of setting the hook too soon and yanking it out of his mouth. Dad would have accused me of having buck fever. At this point, I'd say he'd be correct.

It was slow going and very windy with gusts over thirty mph. At one point, I was a few feet away from the Clam drilling a new hole. Switching off the motor, I turned around in time to see my portable shelter being blown across the lake. Thankfully, even wearing heavy arctic boots, I was fleet enough of foot to be able to run and catch the thing.

It was the middle of the afternoon before the fishing gear was stowed. All I really had to show for the day was a lot of sunshine and fresh air, but you know what? Fish or no fish, a pleasant day spent out on the ice is better than sitting in the front of the television. 

Sargie was home early last night and we enjoyed a quiet evening. There wasn't much new in her world either. She opens this morning.

I'm unsure what I'll do today. I'm going for my usual walk first thing then after, it will be a toss up between spending the day in the shop or heading out onto the ice. I'll cross that bridge when I get there. 

After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...