Fishin report for Lake Iwanttobethere..

[Bobby Bass]

Rain day here at Lake Iwanttobethere and it came just in time. I am just about fished out, at least that is what I said yesterday when I came in off the water. 74 degrees here at the lake and for the last day of September it could not have gotten any better. Was a little windy but it felt good to have a warm breeze instead of a cold one. Puddle Humpers batteries are being charged and I sprayed down the livewell, guy I was with yesterday told me it was smelling a little ripe. Of course today is another day and after a good nights sleep I am looking forward to getting back on the water again.

Just when I think I don't have anything to write about I get in a bunch of fishing and I have all these thoughts again. Still need some time off but I thought I would jot down a few things and post them. Where do I start? I could say if you are not fishing you should be, this at least for me has been a very good fall for fishing. As a matter of fact we are a month into the football season and I have not seen a game, I have been fishing on them Sundays and I am not missing the football. Baseball is a little strange as now we are heading home and the game has not even started yet on the radio. Just a few short months ago we would be putting the boat on the trailer and the game would just be wrapping up. How quickly summer turns into fall.

I have been on the water so much I swear I can see the leaves change color as we slid down the banks tossing our spinner baits into mirrored waters of autumn colors from the trees lining the banks. Another week and the leaves will start falling and then we will have them floating on the water, great places for northerns to hide under waiting for our passing lures to attack. Warm days are few and far between so the thermos comes with now. Takes but a little ice to keep the cooler cold for sandwiches and sodas.

Gloves are close at hand and the little hand warmers are tucked into pockets. We tend to fish banks that are in the sunshine and look for places out of the wind. Docks are being pulled up on shores and blue tarps covering pontoon boats are a common sight snow. Slabs of fresh homemade apple pie un wrapped from layers of wax paper never tasted so good hiding behind a sun covered point out of the wind.

Fishing, when the fish hit there is no doubt, no tap tap but heavy hits and ponders make you cry out to your fishing partner "Got a big one on" they come to the boat thrashing and fighting. You hold them up and admire their bright deep rich colors and then let them slip back into the cooling waters. A few big ones have been caught, handshakes have been exchanged and the little brown book comes out and an entry of the day and time is made. Hands get a little warmer and the next cast is tossed a little farther. Not to many days better spent then fishing on a fall day. I'll see ya on the bank, from here at Lake Iwanttobethere {165,637}

[Bobby Bass]

Watching the leaves get blown off the trees here at Lake Iwanttobethere. Was going to go out fishing but instead will do a few chores around the cabin and head out tomorrow instead. Did get out yesterday and there is a new video up and some nice fall fish were caught. What a great week to be on vacation if you were that lucky. Grouse hunting just around the corner as the winds are really taking the leaves down and I don't think there will be another warm day like yesterday here at the lake. Was 77 degrees on the old bass thermometer. Enjoy the video and I hope to get one last one tomorrow. Bobby (166,944}

Fishing Videos are posted here in the video section http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/forums/116/1/Video_Sharing

[Bobby Bass]

There ought to be a law! Well actually there are several here at Lake Iwanttobethere that are directed at fishing and relaxation. Today I am pointing out to the lake law that simply states that if the weather is above seventy-six degrees on a October day that time must be spent in a boat that day. Now the law does not say the boat has to be in the water but if you live on the lake you must have some boat time in. This of course refers to all of the blue tarps that have been pulled off pontoon boats riding deep on shore in waves of fallen maple leaves.

My lack of writing can be directly related to the fine fall we have been having and the time that I have been spending fishing in the Puddle Humper. The past week has been very nice weather wise with several days above that seventy-five mark and confused fish coming over the side of the Puddle Humper on a regular basis. As I travel along the shore of Lake Iwanttobethere I have seen several gathering being held on pontoon boats. The covers have been pulled back and you can hear the tinkling of ice in glasses and the smell of bbq's burning. Some people trying to get around the law merely sit on the tongue of their trailers and call it good, we know who you are. Others take breaks from raking leaves and just sit down in their boats and enjoy the weather.

Leaves have been falling for the past week with a big drop when we got some high winds. Apple trees are still holding their leaves and they look like Christmas trees with all the bright red apples as decorations. Tall grass has turned golden and now the white of the birch trees stand out against the deep green of the pines. Roads have far more trailers pulling ATV's then boats and orange hats are making an appearance on top of heads. Boat landings sit empty and dry, no trails of dripping water from the lake. Geese can be heard but they are flying high and it seems like almost over night the local ducks have disappeared. Bays that were once home to dozens of docks now have but a handful and you make sure you fish each one.

Water has been warming up and I think the fish are confused. They are acting like they just found left over pizza in the fridge. The fish are scattered and places where you have caught them before in summer may hold a few but places you would not try seem to have fish there now. Little fish can be found but it looks like the bigger boys are making sure they get that last piece of pizza. I hope to get out a few more times but I think the really nice days may be done. That time of the year when it is so very hard to decide, Fish or bird hunt or chores.... I'll see ya on the shore here at Lake Iwanttobethere {168,714}

[Bobby Bass]

It's safe again here at Lake Iwanttobethere the "Leafers" are gone. They come every fall from down south usually arriving in a swarm. Driving them hybrid automobiles down the center of the road hanging out of their undersized windows with digital camera trying to capture the color of our fall leaves here at the lake. I don't know who started calling them the "Leafers" first but by just mentioning Leafers heads nod knowingly.

Seems everyone has a story about a near miss with a Leafer. Some say there is someone local who calls and tells them when the leaves are in full color. They don't arrive in ones or two but form a Congo line as they drive in from the freeway. Meandering through the backwoods and sometimes just parking in the center of the roads. Not a big deal when out in the woods as they scattered when they see a hunter with a shotgun. Some of them have gotten together and like the treehugers have formed little travel groups. They wear cute little hats with LEAFER printed across the front.

In town they avoid the parking spots with the meters and double park at the curb. They point at our farmers wearing their bibs and John Deere caps as they go in and out of the Dew Drop Inn. References to Rednecks and Hicks can be heard as they drive by. Big Earl stands at the entrance to his store wearing his red apron and holding his push broom. His smile is bigger than usual as the rack holding postcards of fall scenes is being picked over by a group of Leafers. The postcards which normally sell for three fer a dollar are now going for a buck each. Earl even has the cashier put the cards in a bright yellow plastic bag, the bags are leftover from Easter.

Business is good at all the stories up and down Main Street even Hammering Hank and Skinny are cashing in as they have mesh bags of leaves that they are selling out of the back of their truck. Of course they have already been paid to remove the leaves from cabins on the lake. Last week the streets were busy with Leafers but today there are only a few to be seen wandering around town. Most leaves are down on the ground now and the Leafers have moved on. Makes a nice sound when you are out bird hunting, hearing the leaves under foot. From a bank here at Lake Iwanttobethere {171,432}

[Bobby Bass]

With just another ten days till Halloween you know the guys would be digging in the pole barn looking to get the catapult out. Yesterday it was on full display in the clearing where we have the icehouse launches. It has been a few years since it was last used and needed some paint and some repairs. I heard that it took only about an hour for Sheriff Tim to swing on by and give the fellows a warning. They retreated to the Lodge for a beer and to discuss whether they should continue to work on the old catapult or not.

A few rounds later and they were back out scraping and painting using up old paint that was in the garage. They called the final color a Lake Iwanttobethere camouflage but I don't know anything around the lake that the catapult would blend in with. The story goes that one of the Lodge members years ago had gotten a kit in the mail to build a golf ball throwing catapult. He never got around to finishing it and another Lodge member bought it at a rummage sale and brought it to the Lodge. Well it kind of caught some attention there and through some re engineering it grew.

The finished catapult is about twenty feet long and no one knows how much it weighs, at first it had a sling that you could put in several small melons in but that was reinforced to handled larger pumpkins or cement blocks I am told. Now I had nothing to do with this as we all know I spent most of my fall on the water fishing. I had heard rumors of it not being safe to be trolling out in front of the Lodge at dusk as there had been reports of large splashes and nothing in the water to account for the splashes.

I had also heard some stories that a Guns of Navarone group had formed and was meeting in the Lodge. You may remember the story of the famous Guns of Navarone that guarded a waterway and nothing could pass. Well it seems that before the catapult got it's paint job it has been in working condition for several weeks. This might explain some of the splashes and the hole through the center of Chucks old pontoon boat. Chuck pointed the hole out to me a few days ago and I thought it was just finally time for him to replace that old decking. He was mumbling something about a pumpkin falling from the sky but he had been drinking some of his secret Maple Syrup that he brews in the summer.

So a day of chores around the cabin, winds are going to be blowing at a steady thirty miles an hour. Good day to rake leaves up in the air and let the wind take them where it may. Apples to pick and greenhouse to attend to. Cool day tomorrow but Friday looks like it will be a day to spend on the water. Low sixties and after all this work I am going to do today I am sure the wife will understand if I go fishing for the day. From a bank here at Lake Iwanttobethere

{172,535}

[Bobby Bass]

Just the other day there was a little tiff down at the General Store. Seems Big Earl the owner was at his normal station, that being the front door. Well the way the story was told to me he was having a conversation with a Leafer who wanted to enter the store with her pet pug that she was carrying in a hand bag. Earl blocked her way and pointed to the sign on the door that stated service dogs are welcomed all other are not. Now Lake Iwanttobethere is a very very friendly dog town and service dogs are welcome in stores all along Main Street and of course all hunting dogs, even wet ones are welcome to lay in front of the fire at the Lodge. But little yip dogs belong at home, not in hand bags or the General Store.

As a matter of fact even though I have a rule here about never writing about religion, politics or mother-in-laws there is a what may be a law to be voted on in the upcoming election. If it is voted in it will require all dogs at the lake to weigh at least 20% of their owners weight. I have two ninety pound labs so we are ok.

Anyway getting back to the story, So Earl and the Leafer are discussing her rights and Earl as a shop owner is telling her he can let who or what he wants into his store. Right about then my dogs Bud and Barney walk past them into the store. They are each holding a glass pop bottle that they set down in the recycling rack on the floor at the end of the counter. The Leafer stops talking and with her hand to her mouth and the other hand pointing at the dogs she is quiet. Barney standing on his rear legs front paws on the counter is rubbed behind the ears by Barb the cashier. Bud with nails clicking on the hardwood floor walks down the center aisle. He stops at the dog bone display and takes a small box of large dog treats off the second shelf.

By the time Bud makes it back to the cash register Barb has a sales ticket written. Bud jumps up and sets the biscuit box on the counter. Barb places the sales book on the floor and Bud drops back on all fours to the floor. He then carefully presses his right paw down on the carbonless book leaving his paw print. Barb puts the biscuits in a paper bag and folds the top over several times. She holds it out and Barneys takes the bag in his mouth and both dogs walk out past the Leafer and Big Earl. The lady points at the dogs and says " Those are not service dogs! How can you allow them in the store and not my little Pookie?" Big Earl replies " They have an account here" From Lake Iwanttobethere {174,061}

[Bobby Bass]

Just putsing around today here at Lake Iwanttobethere. Not raining and the wind has died some. Lucky I went fishing on Friday as it has not been fishing kind of weather since. The Puddle Humper has a tarp pulled over and snuggled down tight. Didn't want it to get all covered in wet leaves and pine needles. Pretty much a sure bet that I am done fishing at least out of the boat for this season. Sunshine Ray has wet, windy weather in the forecast for the next week. If the sun does show itself I am going to have to mow the lawn and get rid of all these leaves. Was out today picking up down branches and adding them to the others waiting to be burned in the fire pit.

I did pick apples and they are peeled and ready for the wife to make pie I also picked a mess of cherry tomatoes from the greenhouse. The tomatoes found their way into the crock pot where a slow brewing batch of chili was made. Along with some homemade bread the cabin smelled good yesterday. Left over chili for lunch today and I was told to spend some time outside by the wife. Seems she does not savor the fine aroma of Chili the next day.

Was going to spend some time sitting on the covered swing on the deck but the cushions are all soaking wet. Next thing was then to lite a cigar and mosey around the property but I had smoked the last cigar fishing on Friday. So now I have found myself just putsing around. I remember my father-in-law always claming that he was just putsing and I thought that means he was just doing nothing. But putsing covers a lot of work that gets done but not big enough to really talk about. So here today I changed a light bulb, took out hamburger for meatballs tonight, water plants in the greenhouse and ate a few small cherry tomatoes that just burst in flavor in your mouth. Gave Bud and Barney a few dog biscuits, remove a dead mouse that one of the cats caught. Picked up branches, looked for the tube of lower unit oil for the Puddle Humper.

Thought about cutting a block of wood to fix the wife's foot stool. Kind of picked up the kitchen some and took the recycling out to the can. Clock needs a new battery and spent time looking for one. Ended up making a list of things I need to go down to the General Store for. Now I am sidetracked sitting at the desk checking e-mail and jotting a quick story. Would really like to go fishing but the wind is starting to pick up again. Maybe I should just take a walk down the back trail and see if I can kick up a grouse or two. This putsing around is getting tiring. From Lake Iwanttobethere {175,290}

[Bobby Bass]

So it's forty-three out with some light winds and an overcast sky. If this was April it would be a beautiful day to be outside. But since it is late October I had to come in to the cabin and find a hat and a pair of gloves. Even the water on Lake Iwanttobethere looks cold today. Small waves lap up against the dock and the old wood rowboat makes scrapping sounds as it rubs against the plastic bumpers that are far from being white anymore.

Edd and Eddie are scampering around high in the branches of the apple trees. Pickings are slim as I got just about all of the apples harvested the other day. The deer have been coming in at dusk and cleaning up what apples that have fallen. The high winds that took a lot of apples down now has blown most of Elmers leaves back into my yard. As I sit here I am getting some passing rays of sunshine through the windows. The sun just teases and then disappears behind the gray clouds. I can hear the crackle of wood snapping in the fireplace as a fire is needed to keep the chill away.

Dogs are asleep in front of the fire and for some reason it seems early for them to be there. Guess as they get older they feel the cool in their bones like I do. Tomorrow the sun is going to make an appearance. Leaves will dry and maybe I'll get the mower out and clear away all the down ones. Gardens need to be tilled but with all of the rain that might have to wait for them to dry some. Snow fell away from the lake and more then a few trucks came into town with snow on there hoods. Fingers pointed at the white stuff and collars were pulled up a little tighter around bare necks.

With leaves all but down around the lake there is a lack of color. Just the white of birch trees and the deep green of healthy pines. With all the wind, rain and snow the tall grass has been beaten down. You can see a long ways now and there is nothing to block the roar of the ten p.m. freight train as it travels around the lake. Time of the year when you watch the ditches at dusk for deer and peek around corners looking for hunters cars parked alongside. Orange hats are common again as are yellow school buses with flashing lights.

Roadside stands are just about ready to close. Hay bales and pumpkins are well picked over. Some apples still sit in bags but the sweet corn is all gone. Down at Dugs Garage rows of snow blowers in for service are replacing the lawn mowers. On the roads trailers with boats are no longer seen, replaced with flat bed trailers and atv's. The lakes are quiet, just a few shore fishermen watching bobbers and standing close to small fires. Been a long wet, windy week here at the lake, but the sun will come out tomorrow! From Lake Iwanttobethere {176,925}

[Bobby Bass]

Not making much of a dent on the Honey Do List so I decide to transfer some projects to the

" I'll get that done next Spring List" Having spent time making decisions on what projects should be transferred and what might still be done this fall I then decided that it was enough work done for the day and I should go bird hunting. Standing on the deck I notice there was some sunshine coming and the gray sky seemed to be lifting a tad. Elmer was out with Pepper and we waved at each other. He yelled that he was going to go hunting and ask if I was going to spend the day throwing leaves in his yard. I yelled back that I to was going to spend the day in the woods. I turned to go back in the cabin and was met with a glare from the wife, her only comment was if I wanted fried or a baked potato with the grouse that I had better bring home.

There are a few words that Bud understands, Bone is one, Outside is another and anything spoken related to Bird Hunting. Before I could make it through the kitchen he was bouncing around whining and panting, He knocked over the TV trays and I just managed to catch the vase before that to found the floor. I headed to the back hall and took down the blaze orange shooting vest, grabbed a handful of shells hid behind the fishing cooler and found my orange hat under the fishing cap. Hunting boots from the front closet and a pair of gloves from the shelf. To the den to unlock the gun cabinet and the double found it's way to the crook of my arm.

I was almost out the door when the wife blocked my way, from behind her back came a bottle of water and two dog bones. Her other arm held a brown paper bag with my lunch. Mumbling something about bring home dinner I made my way out the door. Elmer was waiting in the back yard dressed in his typical everyday bibs but with a orange vest covering the red and black checked wool shirt peeking out from under the bibs. A tattered light brown day pack slung over his shoulder and his trusty single shot H&R shotgun broke open rested in his right arm.

Now Pepper was another matter, hyper to go hunting as always she raced back and forth to the end of the woods and back again, Bud waited at my side all serious like watched. I did a double take when I saw that the tip of Peppers tail was a bright red! "Elmer, What did you do to your dog?" I asked. " You like it?" Elmer replied. He then went on to tell me that he was doing some touchups on the flower box and he forgot to grab a small brush, Pepper was handy so he just dipped her tail in the paint and added the final touch. Was going to clean her off but got to thinking if she had a red tail she would be easy to spot in the tall grass..

So off we went down the trail the dogs leading the way and truth be known, Pepper was pretty easy to see in the tall brown grass. From Lake Iwanttobethere {178,017}

[Bobby Bass]

Did not seem that long ago and I was complaining that July had gone by way to quick and now here it is but a few days away from Deer season! So where did fall go? Sitting here I can still hear a few lingering sounds as someone on the lake is running a lawn mower. Most likely they are mulching leaves as the grass has stopped growing several weeks ago. Open water fishing is pretty much all done. The son and grandson were out yesterday afternoon for a few hours. It was a decent day on shore but cool on the water. Down at the access the dock has been pulled up making it a little harder to launch and retrieve your boat.

My son took the youngest son who is four out fishing for one last time this year. Steve is soaking up lots of quality time with dad now that his siblings are in school and he is still not old enough. Dad told him to stay in the boat while he went and put the waders on and brought the trailer to the landing. Steve thinking it was like fishing in the summer did not listen to dad and jumped in the water to help. The cold water of fall was a refreshing shock from the waist down as was reflected in his face and the yell he let loose. Dad quickly hustle him to the truck where a change of clothes was made and the truck heater was turned to high.

Later that afternoon they came by the cabin to drop off some gear and Steve was still bundled up. Talking to me as one sportsman to another he told me the new found wisdom of not going in the water once school starts. I agreed and refilled his mug of cocoa. The honey do list has been set aside for now. Replaced by the Deer Shack do list. Big work bench in the wood shop has an assortment of boxes organized on it's top. Ropes and plastic sleds along with an assortment of tools and a sheet of glass to fix a broken window that was just discovered the other day.

Calls have been made the past several days confirming who is coming to the camp and when they will be arriving. Groceries need to be picked up from Ma and Pa's grocery as well as a few other items from the General Store. Dodge to get gassed up today so there will be no need to do it on Friday morning. Forecast calling for some cooler weather but no snow, maybe just a little rain that will make the woods quiet. Elmer is thinking he will be staying home on the first weekend as he has been watching a decent buck raid his garden every night for the past few weeks.

He has nicknamed the buck HULK after the neck it carries. He says the buck has a neck that looks like a size 18 in a size 16 shirt collar. Head has a nice rack and he would like a chance at him. Says he will give him one chance on Saturday morning then he will be up for dinner and cards. Well a lot to do today so I better get to it. From Lake Iwanttobethere {179,650}

[Bobby Bass]

The Hotel as we refer to the hunting shack was cool this morning. Not cold enough to see your breath cool but still cool none the less. I was first to wake well before the wind up alarm clock would go off. I chuckle to myself thinking of the wind up clock, don't know why we ever bring it let alone set it. I slip on my cabin slippers and make my way around and over the scattered mouse traps not setting a single one off in the dark. I make my way out the door to stand on the porch and see my breath as it rises away from me. Looking upwards the night sky is filled with stars. Many more then what I can even see from the cabin. Here at the Hotel in the deep woods it is dark as in no cabin lights or dock lights or glare from town. What looks like a single star in the sky from the cabin here can be seen as dozens of stars close together.

Quiet out on the porch, not a hint of a breeze and frost covers the windshields of the assortment of trucks parked along the edge of the woods. A path remands open to the trail that turns into a grass covered two wheel lane that leads out to the gravel road that takes you to wider road that in turns takes you to a stop sign then blacktop before it connects to other black topped roads and freeways to houses miles and states away. Everyone is here at the Hotel but for one who was delayed but should make it by the time the sun comes up. An empty parking spot sits open just to the right of the trail leading to the outhouse.

I sit down in the old rocking chair that was pulled out the night before. It creaks under my weight and I lean back till I find the balance point. From behind me I can hear snoring and a muffled cough. As we get older we sure seem to be sleeping louder. I sit for awhile debating on going back in and trying to catch some more sleep or if I should toss some wood in the pot belly stove. As I am thinking the door squeaks and I hear before I see the cowboy boot of Chuck as he slips through the door and steps out onto the gray well-worn boards of the porch. Sitting in the shadows I watch as he repeats what I have just done. Chuck looks skyward and I see him blow a breath in to the cool air. He steps down and makes his way slowly in the direction of the outhouse. I can just barely make him out when I see the lighter glow in his hand and the door open and then the light disappear.

I hear the clank of the wood stove and I can smell smoke, some sparks float across the clearing and I know someone has added wood to the pot belly stove. A chair scrapes in the Hotel and I catch a glimpse of Chuck on his return. He spots me and I hear a low "Morning" a hunters voice, quiet and low. Chuck makes his way up the three steps, one foot following the other, slow an easy like. Big Earl emerges from the Hotel and the porch is starting to get a little crowded. A lantern is lit and square light appears on the ground outside coming through the repaired glass window. Morning at deer camp, from Lake Iwanttobethere {180,470}

[Bobby Bass]

First weekend under our belt here at the Hotel, a few parking spaces are open as some of the guys had to head back to town. When Big Earl left late last night he brought with him a fine doe and a heavy six point buck. The buck was shot by Junior not ten minutes after he made his way out to his stand. Big Earl being the proud parent took part credit for the buck as Junior is his son. The buck was shot, excuse me, Harvested with a old lever action 30-30 Marlin that has been in the family for years. I heard the shot just as I was getting all cozy in my stand at the edge of the swamp.

Marv shot, excuse me, Harvested the doe on Sunday afternoon. He and Elmer went out while the rest of us were listen to the afternoon football game. Well not just listening to the game as first Sunday is also chore afternoon at the Hotel. Had some general repairs that had to be made and some staining was done. Not to often when we get a weekend at the Hotel where the weather is warm enough to walk around in short sleeves and we could do some painting and staining. Been so long that any paint had been applied to the shack that you only needed to get close and the dry wood would suck the paint right off the brush. The Hotel is now a dull green with red trim and you can see it again from several hundred yards away. Helps the old guys find the camp.

Saturday night was spent smoking cigars and playing penny ante poker around the reinforced plywood table. A meal of grouse, deep fried walleye, garden fresh tatters and slabs of home made apple pie made suspenders loosen and belt buckles undone. Windows were open and smoke went out one side while a nice fresh breeze came in the other. The fire pit was glowing and by nine everyone was sitting outside enjoying the decent weather and listening to Junior as he had brought his guitar with him and was strumming some of the old Hotel favorite songs. "I ain't so picky now that I have hit fifty" and "I got a cold beer since I missed my dear" always get played a few times.

This morning finds me making a quick run back to the cabin for a shower and to bring back empty pie tins. Going to grab a couple of paper back books as it looks like it will be a warm afternoon to sit in the stand and catch up on some of my reading. From the Hotel here at Lake Iwanttobethere {180,611}

[Bobby Bass]

Nutin, I ain't seen nutin! That is the story of my first several days here at deer camp. But I ain't complaining, to much. I know everyone always says that they just enjoy being at camp and hooking up with uncles and old friends and being able to walk around in the morning in their long underwear and not hearing any complaints. Unless the underwear is a really bad shade of pink. ( Junior ) Another doe was harvested on Monday to go along with the buck and doe over the first weekend. All three are hanging in the meat locker down at Ma and Pa's grocery and meat shop. Every one at camp will get some venison and Tuesday evening we had steaks for supper.

The Hotel is close enough for some that they are going into town and then working half days so they can get back out for a late afternoon sit. Some of us are lucky enough that we just stay at the hotel till we get to smelling a little ripe then head back in for a shower and clean clothes. Elmer and Marv simply put a sign up on the Book and Smoke Shop saying they had gone hunting. People understand when they see a gone huntin or fishing sign on the door.

As for the weather some snow would be nice but then the weather would have to cool off and with the wind we have been having that would not make it to comfortable in the stands. Not quite tee shirt weather but very comfortable if your back is to the wind with the sun in your face. A little rain last night so the leaves are not so crispy on the walk to the stand today, but the sun quickly dried them out. The red squirrel no longer follows me down the trail barking and chirping away at me. Of course I have to drop a cookie for him as a bribe. Have seen several grouse down on the edge of the swamp where I have my stand. They fly in and spend their time working the sunny sides of the banks.

No sign of my big buck from last season. No one else has seen him or they are not talking. A few shots from the next section over but it has been pretty quiet. With the wind blowing as much as it has I have spent a few afternoons sitting on the five gallon bucket at the base of my stand. I can't see as far but I have a few nice shooting lanes that I can watch. With my back to the big tree and sun in my face it is comfortable. I have the system down as I bring a paperback with me and read some. Right before I have to turn the page I will look up and check my shooting lanes. There may be better ways of spending my afternoons but I can't think of them.

Of course sitting on the barren grounds you soon find out there is a lot of activity on the ground. Between mice trying to climb on my boot tops and grouse landing in my tree it is not boring. The rabbit bouncing through the dry leaves behind the stand made my heart pick up a few beats as I thought it was a deer waking behind me. Trying to turn around and being quiet and sneaky made it an interesting twenty minutes. Then another twenty looking hard into the woods before I went back to sucking a lemon ball and reading the book.

So I hope you are out in the woods doing what I am doing instead of reading this. This time of the year is meant to be in the woods with uncles and friends. Winter is coming my friends and it will be several months before we are once again sitting in sunshine with a warm breeze in our face. From Lake Iwanttobethere {180,937}

[Bobby Bass]

Well I was like everyone else wishing for a little snow and we got it. Not the lite fluffy stuff like cotton candy but it started out as the wet slushy stuff and then as it got colder it just got to be plain old snow. Didn't go out the afternoon before as it was raining. I am not one to hunt in the rain if I don't have to. It's fine if you have one of them nice enclosed stands with a roof and carpet and a swivel chair. Nothing against them and there has been more then one afternoon where I was wishing I had one to kick back in.

The stands out here at the Hotel are nothing to brag about, some maybe as simple as a five gallon bucket sitting on a dry mound at the edge of the swamp. A few are made of 2x4's long enough to span a few trees that are close together. A weathered piece of plywood nailed across the tops and a couple more 2x4's together to make a seat. Some are pretty old, as a matter of fact Elmers stand is three birch trees that grew up in a clump. Elmers says the stand there is so old that he remembers when he planted the trees. Just took twenty some years for the trees to grow big enough for them to carry his weight and that was twenty-five years ago.

The walk to the stand was quiet as the ground was wet with a couple of inches of the slushy snow. The leaves are quiet and now the red squirrel did not hear me coming down the trail. I left a cookie just the same as I did not need the pesky squirrel finding me and letting everyone in the woods know I was there. I took my time walking the trail, stopping and looking after every other step. With some white stuff on the ground you can see twice as far if not more into the brush. More then once I looked at a few branches that could have been a rack but still remained branches no matter how much I stared at them.

A few deer tracks meander off and on the trail so clear that even city folk could see that they were deer tracks. Small ones maybe a doe or fawn headed in the same direction I was. I walked even slower as I kept looking ahead waiting to see a deer standing in the tracks. After awhile they headed to the swamp and did not reappear on the trail. I made my way to the swamp stand and decided to stay on the ground. The heavy wet snow sat on the plywood seat undisturbed, I quietly brushed the snow from the five gallon pail and pulled the blaze orange hot seat from inside it. With a last look behind the stand I sat down and made myself comfortable.

It had been snowing all the way to the stand but now that I was sitting it seems to be falling a little harder. Well maybe a little thicker as the snow weighs the same so how can it be falling harder? See that is one thing about deer hunting and sitting at a stand waiting. You have way to much time to spend thinking! Popping a Lemon Ball in my mouth, some call them Lemon Drops I lean back against the tree and pull the hood up so the snow can't fall down and melt on my neck. With all of this snow it is going to seem like it will be lighter longer today. From Lake Iwanttobethere {182,116}

[Bobby Bass]

Midday here at the Hotel and it is quiet. Only noise inside the shack is the sound of stew simmering in a cast iron pot on top of the pot belly stove. The stew is left over from yesterday but even old stew tastes good when it is hot. Different size stacks of pennies mixed with nickels and dimes are scattered in piles along the edges of the plywood main table. The penny ante poker game continues to be played. Several ashtrays rest with cigars of different lengths waiting to have flame touch their ends. Mugs resting upside down drying, sit in the rack next to the sink. The amber light of the coffee urn flickers dimly, sitting on the side table by the fridge.

Standing on the small porch I first hear then can see a single engine airplane flying low. It makes a pass over the Hotel before moving away and then returning in a shallow circle again. A little farther away the second time, I'm thinking it might be a warden keeping an eye on things. The snow around the Hotel has been packed down, a well-used trail to the outhouse along with several paths leading into the woods and stands can be seen from the porch. Snow on the old boards of the porch is crunchy underfoot. Cold enough to watch your breath rise in front of you, I try to make rings like you do with a cigar, but fail.

A few crows fly off in the distance, I watch as they move left to right across the skyline. A small group of sparrows flutter through the clearing landing for a few seconds before jumping up as one to fly a few feet and land again. Before I can shift weight from one foot to the other they are up moving again. No dripping water from melting snow on the eves today. No sunshine to speak of but no wind either. Kind of a glow overhead where the sun should be but not strong enough to cast shadows.

Eleven days into a sixteen day deer season and some urgency has set in for some. A few of the guys have gone out this morning to spend time in the stands. Others have return to work having only set aside a week of vacation for hunting. They will be back for the last weekend and maybe sneak in an afternoon if they can. Uncle Billy has returned home, the long ride did not have a deer in the passenger seat with him. One year he came to camp driving a VW and that was the year he shot a deer. Only way to get the deer home was in the passenger seat and the story of the trip is a regular told here at camp.

No deer for me as of yet, I am tending camp today, someone has to keep an eye on the stew pot. Elmer got a shot off yesterday, missed a buck but won't stop talking about it. He is back out at his stand, figures that buck may be dumb enough to come his way again. Marv is back in town and the book shop is open for a few hours. He will becoming back to camp later this afternoon and he and Elmer will play cards and drink coffee with liberal amounts of brandy added. They will watch the stew and I will be free to slip a way for a few hours and make my way down to the swamp stand. From Lake Iwanttobethere {182,534}

[Bobby Bass]

Cool, crisp and quiet that is how I would describe the mid week hunting here at the Hotel. All the snow has fallen from the tree limbs and sight lines are pretty good now. The trip to the stand takes longer as you walk slower and can see further into the woods. Fresh tracks are hard to find but there is no lack of tracks to be seen. Shots are heard but they are few and far. Every time I hear the report of a gun I wonder what is happening. One shot.... A clean hit or a clean miss? Several shots in a row and I can almost see the deer head down running wide out dodging trees and making a clean get a way.

I have been spending stand time and doing a lot of watching. To cold to do any reading as the when turning the cold pages of the paperback they make noise. With the wind down I am up in the stand now. I make sure I clean my glasses before leaving the Hotel and everything I need is in my day pack. I came down from the stand yesterday just at dusk and I spotted an orange clad figured emerge from along the swamp. I waited still at the base of my stand till I was sure he had spotted me. We met at the edge where the trail splits and I recognized him as one of the long time hunters from the next section over.

Talking like fishermen we offered tidbits of information to each other. What we have seen what time of day giving more information about years past then what was happening now. He told me that his camp keeps getting older as not many of the young guys are out hunting. I mentioned I don't hear much shooting and he told me they have pretty much gone to being a trophy camp. The guys are looking for nice racks and are letting everything else walk. The last weekend if they are lucky they will take a doe or two so they have some meat to share. Chuckling to me he said he will have to go and see Big Earl next year to buy some new shells. The ones he has are near worn out from just put tin them in and taking them out of his rifle. With just enough light to see by we turn our backs to each other and went our ways.

The Hotel no longer smells, well I mean it never really smelled before but now we have spent so much time in it we don't notice it. Now it smells of bacon and eggs and wood smoke. Gun oil and Big Earls cheap cigars. Marv's New York coffee and a whiff of peanut butter in a few unsnapped mouse traps. No smell of any pine cleaner, you just need to step out on the porch to smell real pines. There is the smell of Coney's and apple pie in the air as that is what I am fixing for lunch today. So instead of counting days till season starts now we are counting days of season left. From Lake Iwanttobethere

{183,807}

[Bobby Bass]

Last Sunday of deer season and everyone is here in camp. Saturday night was spent packing gear and cleaning the pot belly stove. Inside wood box was filled with split birch and the rack outside the door was topped off. Anything that could be crossed off the Do List was completed and a shopping list made for a few things that can't be fixed with what we have on hand. The last hands of poker were played and Marv was declared the winner in the wee hours of the morning. His name was added to the list of past camp poker winners on the wall. The cardboard cigar box half full with pennies and some silver sits in the middle of the table.

Sunday morning was a chilly one. I awoke being able to see my breath in the Hotel. Laying on my bunk in my warm sleeping bag I was not willing to leave it and get up and start a fire. After a few minutes and my eyes adjusting to the dim light inside the shack I saw that I was not the only one awake and waiting for someone else to start a fire. A few muffled coughs and snores could be heard, the snores started to disappear meaning guys were waking up and just laying, waiting for someone else to tend the embers. Finally Reed got up and mumbling about being with a bunch of babies made his way to the potbelly stove. Paper, birch bark and a match found there way into the stove. With the stove having been cleaned the night before there was not much of a bed of ash and embers. The bark caught and with a whiff of smoke backing into the cabin the old door was clanked shut and latched. Reed with feet now in boots and wrapped in his parka was out the door and heading to the outhouse. The rest of us waiting in our bunks for the heat to start radiating from the stove.

A few guys headed out to their stands the rest of us spent the morning making breakfast and chatting over hot steaming coffee mugs. Trucks were loaded with bedrolls and belongings. Elmer came back after about an hour and poured himself a mug of coffee. Leaning against the sink he said in a matter of fact way if anyone would like to help him drag in the doe he shot. Some back slapping and Marv and Reed grabbed a sled from one of the trucks and away they went to bring in the doe. The rest of the afternoon was spent watching the football game on the small twelve inch black and white TV Somewhere in there it started to snow again and soon windshields were covered and tracks filled. With the game over guys slipped on their orange parkas and headed outside. As is the camps tradition we all shook hands and then headed to our stands. We end our last afternoon at the Hotel the same way we start it, and that is out on the stands.

I made my way down the snow cover trail to the swamp stand, would not be spending much time there before I would have to head back. Brushing snow off the steps I climbed up into the stand and pulling my hood up over my hat I leaned back into the tree and stuff my hands deep into my pockets. In just a few minutes the snow started to rest on my arms and legs covering me in white blanket and making me part of the stand. I heard a single rifle shot echo out from the swamp. Turning my head slowly inside the hood I looked along the trail that I knew came out from the swamp. Waiting I watched as the snow kept falling until I saw movement on the trail. Just at the edge of the swamp first one antler then a head and the other antler appeared. A thick neck held the rack up as now I could see the broad body of swamp buck slowly walking out on the trail.

Not looking in my direction but moving slowly and glancing back toward the swamp the buck continued to move forward along the trail. Left hoof forward then right hoof, back hoofs stepping almost exactly where the front hoofs had just been. The buck was getting so close I could see the steam and hear him snorting. He stopped with his right hoof up looking away from me. I have played this game before and I froze right where I was. No sooner had I held my breath then he snapped his head around and looked straight at the tree my stand was in.

We locked eyes and stared at each other, not being able to hold my breath much longer I let it out slowly. I could hear the pounding of my heart and I was hoping the buck could not hear it. The buck looked away from me and glanced back over his back where he had just come. Looking back at me we once again locked eyes and this time he won. I nodded my head at the big swamp buck and he dipped his. Putting his head back down to the trail and moving at a trot He went past me and down the trail. I waiting a few minutes and stood up on the stand, snow fell from my shoulders to join the snow on the ground already. Shadows were getting long and darkness was falling I looked out towards the swamp and coming slowly down the same trail as the buck was an orange clad figure. I waited till he got close and he spoke asking if I had seen a buck come my way.

Brushing snow off my arms I just kind of moved around the question and never really said that I had seen the big swamp buck. Wishing each other a good day we turn out backs to each other and headed back to our camps. Walking down the trail I could just make out the deep wide prints of the swamp buck as they filled with the falling snow. Chuckling to myself I thought that maybe next year for my last stand sitting I would bring along my rifle. From Lake Iwanttobethere {185,431}

[Bobby Bass]

Baseball caps are a rare sight seen here at the lake now as deer hunting season has ended and the blaze orange for the most part has gone back to storage. Town is quiet at least on the surface as hunters have all left and now we are waiting on the ice to form and fishermen to return. The bell over the door at Ma and Pa's grocery and butcher shop is ringing almost constantly or so it seems. Guys coming to pick up cardboard boxes filled with meat wrapped in white butcher paper and the neat block printing of Ma stating what is wrapped up inside. Steaks or roast or sausage or burger along with smaller packages of cubed stew meat.

Vicki down at the Masterbaiters Shop has reduced her hours and can be seen actually shopping in other stores along Main Street. Amy at the bakery on the other hand has extended her hours and her widows hold baskets of breads and rolls and treats for Thanksgiving which is just a few days away. Really not very fair for me to have to walk down the street and smell fresh bread with a hint of apple pie in the air. Some light snow has fallen this morning and as I come up to the General Store Big Earl is pushing at it with his broom. We nod at each other and I pass him to go into the store. Digging into my inside coat pocket I have two lists of things I need, One for the cabin and another for the Lodge.

Junior back in sporting goods is telling anyone that will listen about the buck he shot and a display of shotgun shells rests on the counter with a small sign reminding people that grouse season is still open. Mowers and tillers are in the back of the store and now snow blowers and shovels are in the front. Fruit cakes with the dates scratched off on clearance sit in a shopping cart near the front counter. A display of Christmas tree lights blinks and a hand written sign with the number of Christmas shopping days left hangs behind the counter. Barb the cashier with a hat looking something like a turkey waits on customers. Junior with a customer demonstrates a turkey call and it fits right in.

I leave the list of things for the Lodge at the service desk and Jake there tells me he will have it delivered to the Lodge later today. I start looking at my list for the cabin but get side tracked as I walk past the toy aisle. With four grand kids it is always a good time to be checking out the toys and trying to stay ahead of them. Nana does most of the shopping but sometimes I see something that I think the kids might like and I will pick it up or mention it to her. I get sidetracked by a helicopter that has a camera on it. Hmmmmm

Now here is something that I might use myself, I look over the box and start reading about it. Five minutes of video or four hundred pictures... I start thinking about what I could use the copter for, if I had this helicopter I could send it out ahead of me when I am fishing. It could check out shorelines and reed beds, take me back to places and save me some scouting time. Hmmmm I put it back on the shelf and continue on down the aisle distracted with ideas.

Later I am at the Lodge and find myself checking out the ceiling space in the main room. I'm thinking maybe I could buy the helicopter and write it off. Yup, I could say I bought it to use to inspect the Lodges logs up near the ceiling... Not to mention the practice time I could get in flying the copter inside.. Hmmmmm from Lake Iwanttobethere {186,279}

[Bobby Bass]

Day before Thanksgiving and I am not the only one in town running errands. The wife gave me a list and pretty much booted me out of the cabin. She is deep into baking and can no longer stand me making comments about adding more raisins to the oatmeal raisin cookies or more chocolate chips to the chocolate chip cookies. I left the cabin with Bud and Barney taking my place as the samplers. The dogs were sleeping under the kitchen table out of the way and the wife informed me if I did not leave I would be doing the same.

So I am about halfway through the list and making my rounds in town. Since I was in town I did get a little sidetracked. I walked past Boyd's Barber Shop and saw he had and empty chair. Not being one to pass an opportunity I walked in, hung my coat up and slipped on to the cold leather of the chair. Fifteen minutes later and my cap could now slide down over my ears again. Next stop was Amy's Bakery, I came in and not wanting to stand in line I took a seat at one of the small tables along the wall. Amy saw me and gave me the finger. No, not that finger. She singled me with one finger telling me she would be with me in a minute.

A few minutes later and the bakery was quiet. Coming over to my table she told me that the pies have already been sent over to the Lodge and when she was done for the day she would bring any day olds she had left. Also she told me that she had a special pie with my name on it.. Before I could say to much the door open and the ladies from church club came in. I grabbed my hat and politely nodding a greeting made my way past them and back out to the sidewalk.

Big Earl seeing me standing on the sidewalk waved me over. I arrived just as he came out with several tins of fruitcake. " For the Lodge" is all he said. I made my way to the Dodge peeking around the cake tins. Trying to open the door the top one fell to the pavement, when I picked it up the can was not even dented, I was not surprised. Next stop was Ma and Pa's for our turkey. I open the door with the sound of the bell ringing over my head. Pa waved at me from behind the meat counter and Ma had my turkey waiting for me on the counter. " Saw your truck" is all she said.

A few more stops were made and I drove down Main Street reading all the signs in the doors about being closed for Thanksgiving but will be open early on Friday. Dew Drop Inn and the Sunshine Cafe had signs up saying they would be open with Brunch and Lunch specials but closing after six. I pulled into the Lodges parking lot just as Hammering Hank and Skinny were pulling out. I almost missed Tess siting between the two of them in the front seat. Going in the back door I had to walk around boxes and crates. Gus was busy with his clip board checking lists to what was on the floor.

Every Thanksgiving the Lodge holds a late dinner for members and for anyone else that didn't get to be somewhere for dinner. A lot of the business in town are owned by Lodge members and they donate the food and the Dew Drop and Sunshine staff comes over to help Gus out in cooking and serving. Hunterdown has sent some geese over and Old McDonnell has sent us some nice hams. Ma and Pa sent turkeys and Amy sent pies, cookies and rolls. Big Earl sent the fruit cakes which will join the ones he sent last year. Funny thing about turkey is no matter how much you eat of it if you take a nap you can eat more later.

The Lodge of course does not charge for any of it and of course provides some free sprits and a place to gather. Walking around the boxes I make my way into my office to find a pink box sitting in the center of my desk. Tied with white string I bend to sniff... Using my letter opener I slice the string away and open the lid to find an apple pie with a black and white Pie bird in the center looking up at me. Taking in the aroma of the pie I can smell Apple Jack and smile at my special order pie. I hear clinking behind me and Gus is standing there with two plates two forks and two shot glasses of Apple Jack. I do so much like the Holidays. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at the Lodge on Lake Iwanttobethere. {186,405}

[Bobby Bass]

You may have seen this before but I like to post it again. A year later but it stays the same.

It starts the night before, perhaps out in the kitchen as the gals gather after dinner to wash dishes and store left over turkey fixings in the fridge. Stacked neatly on the shelves are bags of veggies and square storage containers of turkey and dressing and stuffing and what is left of the sliced ham. In a few hours it will all be back on the counter as the guys will rise during half time of the football game looking for something to tide them over till later on in the night. The men folk watch football games and take naps on the couches. The kids rough house with the dogs and maybe one or two guys are actually interested in the game but only because they have fantasy teams. The ladies will gather and sipping some boxed red wine they will start to compare their battle plans for the following morning. With even more attention then the guys spend on fishing opener or deer season they will go over their plans. If you enter the kitchen the room grows quiet as you know they are talking about you or your present. They never confined in me and usually someone sits on the stool by the door to act as a lookout.

Around two A.M. the following morning the bed will get lighter as she rolls out and makes her way in the darkness to the bathroom. Clothes have already been laid out the night before. All around the lake and I am sure in your neighborhood to the lights will start to come on. First in bedrooms then in the bathroom and then down in the kitchen. Shortly after that garage doors will open and a cascade of trucks, cars and mini vans will start the trek towards town. A strange sight this early in the morning with all the headlights heading towards town. Once in a great while a lone car will be seen heading the other way. By dawn parking lots will be full of cars and women will be at the front doors of stores waiting for them to open and for the assault on there shelf's.

On the way in gas stations are hit hard by lady shoppers looking for the morning paper and last minute sale flyers. The cappuccino machine chugging away as they fill cups to keep hands warm during their waits. The donut and Danish cabinet is empty with nothing but crumbs left for the regulars that will stop later on their way to work. Every year it seems to get earlier and earlier. I can remember when eight A.M. was the time to be at a store, now some are open at midnight. Not safe to be between a bear and her cub? Try a woman and a end cap of sale items at half price! If you are a guy you stand back and keep your hands to yourself. Later in the afternoon she will return, making endless trips to the truck to return with packages and boxes and plastic bags. Somewhere in the cabin everything disappears to and in a few moments quiet has return and she will sit in the kitchen with a cup of tea and a pile of receipts. Her check list will be in front of her and she will be making marks and notations on it's margin. Don't even think of trying to look over her shoulder. If you must go in the kitchen just like a bear make sure she can hear you coming. Make small talk and retreat with what ever you need. Perhaps some of the turkey from the day before and a slice of pie from the one the grand kid stuck his finger in.

The phone will start ringing then and she will make small talk with her mother and sisters about how they did and what they still need and what they missed. I guess it is a lot like fishing opener. We tend to come home tired and hungry with a sense of fulfillment and we don't talk to much unless something really good has happen that day. Well maybe we grunt some and moan a little about the weather and how it was in days past. Now that I think of it the wife is not around much after openers. She does just make a little small talk and then leaves me to my thoughts. I guess Christmas shopping can be a lot like fishing, just have to be at the right place at the right time.. From Lake Iwanttobethere Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving {187,169}

[Bobby Bass]

Set off this morning to do a little grouse hunting. I had it on the calendar so even though the wind was blowing and some snow falling I grabbed the double from the gun locker and out we went. Bud made a bee line for the forest edge but today we were going to drive to a trail that borders a swamp and hopefully some hunkered down grouse. Letting the Dodge warm up I clean all the windows off and got some of the snow out of the back of the bed. Bud did an inspection around the grounds and I had to call him to let him know we were ready to go.

Twenty minutes later and we were parked along a trail that would take us back to a cedar swamp. The new snow over the past few days had filled in the tracks left from the deer hunters and the brisk wind had blown any snow on the branches off. Hunting vest on and shells in the pocket along with a water bottle and a few treats for Bud and we were ready. A glow in the sky where the sun should be and we started our walk in. Resting the shotgun in the crook of my arm I adjusted my ear flaps on my cap and was caught totally flat footed when a grouse exploded from a snow drift and did his best putting trees between him and me. I never had a chance, Bud bounded a few times trying to look over the top of the tall grass and snow before he to gave up and turned to give me a look. Nothing worse then a hunting dog giving you "The Look"

We walked for awhile but I am sorry to say I don't have anything to add, never saw another bird and the only thing that there was plenty of was cold wind finding it's way under by coat. With the glow that was the sun disappearing behind darker clouds and it feeling like it was getting colder we decided to call it an early day and made our way back to the Dodge. Gun back in the case and a treat for Bud who laid on the seat crunching it to nothing before starting to clean his paws and giving me the now what boss look.

Thinking to myself that I should have remembered to grab the brown paper bag lunch from the fridge I was now getting a little hungry. Pulling out and driving slow I thought maybe as long as it was lunch time I should head to the Half Way There Grill and Bottle Shop. A little out of my way but I could do some road hunting along the way and stay out of the wind which had picked up and was now making snow rattle of the windshield. Twenty minutes or so later and I pulled into the empty parking lot. A hand painted sign made a creaking noise as it swung in the wind hung over the door. A bright orange Open sign was in the window next to the door. I made my way up the steps with Bud at my side and we went inside.

An older lady, well I guess my age sat on a red covered top stool at the counter. A cigarette in an ash tray with a slow rising curl of white smoke being pulled towards a ceiling fan barely rotating. The Lake Iwanttobethere newspaper spread out in front of her, she was working on the crossword puzzle. "HIYA" I said she looked at me and then down at Bud. " Dog still ok?" I asked. "Of course Bobby, why do you always ask" I head for a booth and pass by the archway that leads to the bottle shop of the establishment. Inside hundreds of bottles rest on glass shelf's or on wood racks along the walls. A hand painted sign hanging from fishing line simply states " You break it, you just bought it"

I sit in the first booth and Bud sits across from me. I order a double cheeseburger with all the fixing and an order of home fries and Bud gets a plain burger. We will share the fries I tell Mary the owner. She turns away and heads for the grill talking as she is walking. Just another day here at Lake Iwanttobethere {187,743}

[Bobby Bass]

Made a trip to Mike's salvage yard this morning. Had some aluminum rims that I got in a swap this summer and have been putting off scraping them all fall. Finally decide that I should take care of them today. Of course I decided to do this with about twenty minutes before Mikes was scheduled to close. Brushing the snow off the rims I tossed them in the back of the Dodge and Bud thinking I was going hunting again was in the cab as soon as I open the door. It was Barneys turn for a ride but Bud was already in so away we went.

On the drive over I notice that some ice has set up in the big bay here at Lake Iwanttobethere. Still some open water but ice is forming. I made it to Mikes and was third and last in line, guess I was not the only one doing some scraping. Car in front of me was loaded down with beer cans in plastic bags. I watched as Mike emptied the bags into the hopper, a lot of Hamms cans I noticed. Waiting my turn I admired the fence that was around the yard. Nothing like building a fence out of railroad ties. You know it is a serious fence when you have to use a forklift to build it.

After a twenty minute chat about deer season and the coming of ice I took my cash and tucked it away. I had the cash spent already as I had plans to be stopping off and seeing Vicki at the Masterbaiters shop and ordering up some new spinnerbaits from the catalog. As I left the yard I could see Mike in my mirror closing the heavy gate with the forklift, no need for a padlock. Driving down the road I was daydreaming a little until Bud at my side gave a bark. Looking out his window I could see a long string of geese flying in the opposite direction. I have not seen any geese for awhile so I slowed to watch. I got to wondering where they were off to and why they were still in these parts.

Was getting to be lunch time and I thought about that burger I had at the Half Way There Grill yesterday. Got in a little trouble over that one as the wife had lunch ready for me when I got back to the cabin but I was more than full. It was all I could do to just eat the big slice of apple pie that she had made for desert. That and there will still be turkey leftovers today so it's not like I am missing anything.

Was taking my time along the stretch of road back from Mikes. My neighbor Chuck had told me he saw a timber wolf the other day on it. This time of the year it is a pretty quiet stretch of road in the evening and Chuck was heading home when he spotted a timber wolf just walking down the center of the road. No doubt it was a wolf as it's back was as high as the hood. Chuck slowed to a crawl and followed the wolf as it went down the road. After what seemed like a minute or so the wolf looked back over his shoulder and angled off into the woods. Chuck said he rolled his window up and was looking for the rest of the pack but didn't see anything.

I drove slow and Bud had his head out the window, nose sniffing the breeze. I watched him as he worked the air. I'm thinking he was bird hunting but knowing a wolf had been in this area I was not going to let him out. A rabbit darted across the road and Bud was rewarded with seeing it. He tried getting in my lap so he could get a better look and I could feel and hear the low whine coming from him. I told him to get on his side of the truck and he sat back down giving me one of his looks. About then the sun broke out, speaking out loud I looked at Bud and said "Maybe when we get back to the cabin we should take a stroll in the back woods." He started licking my face in approval. If you have a hunting dog you know they understand when you have conversations like that. If you don't then you will just have to take my word for it. From what is now a sunny day here at Lake Iwanttobethere {188,279}

[Bobby Bass]

Was up early this morning to load the crock pot with spaghetti sauce fixings, time to make a big batch from scratch. After dicing up the onion and mushrooms and mixing it to the already diced tomatoes and paste I went to the greenhouse to pick tomatoes. A small bowl of ripe cherry tomatoes was harvested and added whole to the pot. The daughter likes them that way as they seem to absorb more than their share of the spices I add. When you bite into one of the small tomatoes you are rewarded with a burst that is always a surprise. Along with the sausage and burger meatballs and homemade rolls I was looking forward to supper after the football game.

As I went out to the greenhouse I noticed something else and that was standing water in the driveway. Although not a sunny day the bass thermometer on the boat house was showing the needle parked right at forty. Last night as promised I took Bud for a walk behind the cabin on the trail, we had kicked up one grouse and even though I got a shot off I had missed. In my defense it was a tuff shot, at least that is how I explained it to Bud all the way back to the cabin.

With an hour before the game started I thought that there would be enough time for me to take a walk back and see if that bird was still around. I went to the den and grabbing the old single shot and turned to see Bud at the back door already waiting for me. The wife looked at me, the clock, the crock pot and then back to me. "I'll be right back" is all I said. Quickly walking across the back lot in Bud's steps I was in the woods and out of sight in record time. As soon as we hit the woods I dropped a shell into the twenty gage and felt in my pocket counting with my fingers how many shells I had grabbed. Four, I was good to go.

Bud walking slow, nose working hard was in front of me walking down the center of the trail. The warm air had taken the crust off the top of the snow and it was sticky underfoot. Looking back behind me I could clearly make out the sharp edges of my boot prints. On these quick little trips I like the old H&R single shot that I have had since I was a kid. All my kids had learn how to shoot with the light weight gun and if I had cut notches in the stock for birds, rabbits and squirrels taken with it I would have cut it in half by now.

The walking trail has been made over the years by Elmer and myself. Not very long, a half mile or so but filled with sharp turns. No four wheelers are allowed on it and it does not connect with any other trail so very few if any other hunters hunt it. Down pines are pulled to the side and clover is planted from time to time down the center. Each turn is hunted slow as you never know when a bird will pop up. A few years ago a big pine top was blown off by a lightning strike, it has become a favorite place for birds to hide under. Coming up on the Pine I slow to a crawl and Bud starts doing his thing. This is where the bird caught us yesterday.

I just make it to the top when a bird thunders out from beneath it. Expecting a bird I was not startled by the beating winds and Bud jumped up once before locking on the bird and waiting for the shot. It seem like slow motion now that I think of it, an easy shot, one that I have made many many times in the past. The bird got up putting a tree between him and Bud and not even seeing me. A straight a way rising shot and without thinking I put the barrel on him aimed a little high and let the bird rise right into the pattern. The bird dropped and fell to the snow covered trail. Bud was tracking all the way and hearing the shotgun he was on the bird in a flash, well as quickly as a ten year old dog can be.

A few seconds later bird in mouth Bud came up to me, snorting a little to get feathers out of his nose he walked right past me. BUD I called, but he looked back at me and continued on down the trail heading back to the cabin. Ok Now I know what was going on, just because I missed that bird yesterday he was done hunting with me today. BUD I called again and he continued to ignore me heading back to the cabin on his own. Ten minutes later and I was back at the cabin, A few feathers lying on the deck and Bud no where to be seen. I went into the cabin to the smell of butter in a fry pan and the sizzle of grouse breast, my wife standing at the stove humming to herself. Bud lying under the kitchen table. Looking at Bud I just said " So it's going to be that way eh" Bud of course said nothing, just went back to cleaning his paws and getting the last of the dog bone crumbs that had fallen to the floor. From Lake Iwanttobethere {189,447}

[Bobby Bass]

Raining here at Lake Iwanttobethere and I am not looking forward to the drive coming back from the Town Hall meeting later tonight. As is our practice on every 5th Monday in a month we hold the Town Hall meeting and every 5th Tuesday we have a Lodge meeting. Of course this gives a lot of the guys a reason to come to the Lodge to pay off their bar tabs and of course another reason to start a new one. Just killing some time here waiting for Elmer to finish his supper, he will drive tonight and then I will drive tomorrow. I would not go as far as to say Elmer will be my designated driver as Elmer does not have a clue as to what that means.

Emptied garbage cans around the cabin and hauled them out to the big can and then rolled it down the drive to be picked up in the morning. This is when I noticed the falling rain, if the temperatures drops quickly it could turn into an interesting ice storm. Elmer had called and said he was just waiting on his pizza to cool and then he would honk his truck horn twice when he was ready to go. Being the towns building inspector I sometimes am asked to fill in for the mayor and run the meetings. This usually results in me telling a few stories and encouraging everyone to head for the bar for their favorite refreshment. But the meeting before Christmas always seems to have some matters of town business that must be addressed.

With the next Town meeting not scheduled till January we will of course have to talk about the annual Ice House Fling, Town lighting for Christmas and of course the moving of town's services out on to the ice. Also a date will have to be set for the Fling and now that we are getting some fresh snow the building of the Luge will be discussed. Of course a lot of this will also be discussed at the Lodge meeting as we do sponsor the ice house fling and the Luge is on our property. What usually happens is we will run through the Town Hall stuff do questions and make up answers and then table things that will be discussed at the Lodge meeting. The town meeting is a lot different then the Lodge meeting even though they are both held in the Great Hall at the Lodge. At the Town Hall meeting it is frown upon if you have a drink in your hand and at the Lodges meetings you are frown upon on if you do not have a drink in your hand.

Still no snow flakes and the den window here has some small rivers of water running down the glass. Guess I must have been thinking ahead when I saw Earl at the General Store and picked up a bag of ice melt. If I was smart maybe I should toss a few scoops out on the deck for later when I come home. I might have waiting just a little to long. I went out to fling some salt and the rain has stopped, in it's place are snow flakes as big as silver dollars falling quickly like they are trying to get out of the way of the ones above them. Melting as soon as they hit the deck I am willing to wager they will be sticking to the ground by the time Elmer and I make it to the Lodge. Looking at Elmers cabin I see it is dark and I can hear Elmer laying on the horn, guess I will have to continue this from the Lodge here at Lake Iwanttobethere. {190,739}

[Bobby Bass]

HIYA from a windy and snowy day here at Lake Iwanttobethere. Made it back from the Lodge late last night, Elmer not being a speedy driver worked out to our advantage. On the way into the Lodge the rain had turned to snow, actually I think it was snow all the time we just drove away from where it was raining. The Lake here has a big effect on weather conditions and depending on where you are the weather can be like day and night. Some of the guys came into the Lodges parking lot with five inches of snow on their hoods while others had just a few flakes. More then a few town members had found the ditch and were pulled out by others heading to the meeting. Still others had decide not to come to the meeting at all but listened to it over the CB radio. Meeting went pretty quick as the mayor did not show up so we did not have to bother with a lot of procedure rules. Votes were quickly taken and we pretty much will do the same thing as we did last year and the year before. If it ain't broke leave it alone. Ice House Fling date was set, it will be held on December 11th this year, of course depth of ice at that time will be a factor.

Around midnight I got into Elmers truck and we followed Frank in the grader who was heading in our direction. I got out of Elmers truck and took the path between our cabins dodging the falling snow from the branches overhead. This morning I woke to a few inches of snow covering everything and strong winds making it look worse then what it is, at least on my part of the lake. Spent some time with the shovel pushing snow but the wind would just fill it back in behind me, I gave up after awhile. I saw Mark the mailman coming down the road and walked down the drive with Barney to meet him. The mail van was sitting low and I asked what he was carrying. He handed me a bundle of catalogs tied with a string and said the back was filled with them. No time to chat as it was going to be a long day.

Sitting in the den with wind beating snow against the window I start looking over what had arrived. Some of the catalogs had my name on them and others just said Bobby at Lake Iwanttobethere. A couple of clothing catalogs with snowflakes on the covers, A cigar catalog that I paged through looking to see if there was anything that I smoke on sale, there was not. Another catalog featuring wine baskets, didn't even open that one but then I saw it was addressed to the wife. Now if it had been a Wild Turkey or an Apple Jack catalog or maybe a beer brewing catalog I might have been interested. The next one I did browse through, an entire catalog of knifes, not kitchen knifes mind you but blades and swords and throwing knifes. Arrow heads and pocket knifes and sharpening stones.

This catalog had swords in walking sticks and canes. Axes and a blow gun! Even had a bucket of knifes for sale. An interesting Christmas catalog for sure, I put that one to the side and will bring it to the Lodge to put in the washroom for some lite reading material. Well my turn to drive tonight and if it keeps blowing I will take the four wheel drive into the Lodge. Meeting itself will be short before we break up into discussion groups. Several of the big round tables will hold committee members and are easy recognized by what is in their glasses. The Wild Turkey guys will be discussing the building of this years Luge. The Apple Jack guys will be talking about the Ice Harvest and the Hamms guys will be discussing the Ice House Fling. Some Lodge members are on all three main committees and move from table to table. These are usually the guys who spend the night on the couches.

On another note I have been writing a lot and I see you have been reading a lot. As long as there are people reading I'll try and keep some fresh stuff coming on the doings here at Lake Iwanttobethere

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