Betsie Bay

The blind squirrel found a fish this morning on a pink wacky worm in Betsie Bay.

see some old friends, good for the soul

The brain trust of the world gathered again this weekend to fix everything that needs to be fixed (at least in our pea-brain minds) and managed to catch a few fish while doing so in the annual Skegemog fish spectacular. 

The team competition of Class of '84 vs '85 has left the building as our old asses are too tired to fight. With that, unless side bets are around, there would be no team competition. The biggest fish of the weekend would attain the prestigious Master Angler award. Gus took the award Friday with a 5+ pound bass on an evening when conditions were great but nibbles were minimal. All it takes is one stupid fish latching onto that bubble gum wacky worm and he got it.

Besides fishing, the guitar pluckers in the group entertained throughout the weekend around the campfire with special guest Wendy S. making an appearance to pitch in on vocals. We also got to hear the gory details of "spank-gate" again (not for publishing here).

Trail Head

Stinky Water Park

Today's northern journey takes us to downtown Frankfort and Mineral Springs Park. Curious George that I am in search of knowledge, I assumed there would be some plaque near the dual springs explaining the history of mineral springs and how the park came to be but nothing. Not much there except a spring down below that shoots out two water fountains of stinky mineral water, all day, every day.  The information superhighway also had limited information so I took it to my elderlies in town for their angle. The majority just kind of shrugged their shoulders and called it "Stinky Water Park," 

So there is your northern history lesson for today.

Trail Head

Bike Tour fishing report - Upper Herring Lake

The bike tour hit the water for the first time this year yesterday, paddling Upper Herring Lake a few miles up the road from me off of M-22 with sister Lower Herring Lake on the other side of M-22. The locals gave me tips on where to go and there was a nice structure base below along with ideal drop offs but....no fish to be had. Saw a handful but possibly Friday night's wacky storms spooked them. I didn't see any net grabs for the other two boats out there so I wasn't the only one sucking.

Hopefully some fish stories to share in the upcoming weeks but in the meantime, enjoy a short 360 video view of Upper Herring from Saturday.

Trail Head

senility kicking in

While working on project number 813 at the new place yesterday, I heard a gun shot in the distance. It's not hunting season and don't believe there are open hunting areas (or gun ranges) in the area so it gave me pause but moved on with my project. About 20 minutes later, another gun shot. I was expecting maybe a siren sound coming soon but nothing. A third gun shot came a little after that. Still no siren. 

Project completed, it was time for a cold beverage so into town on my bicycle I went, gun shots or not. While leaving, I heard another gun shot and some crowd cheering. As I pedaled towards the cheering, I found the root cause of said gun shots. They were from the starter pistol at the track meet up the road.

Senility rules!

Trail Head

 

new neighbors

With new surroundings come new neighbors and so far, so good. 

My immediate neighbor to the north of me is retired veteran Jerry. Still driving at 80+ but haven't seen him out lately so hoping for the best there.  

I share an alley with two other homes (ideal as I don't have to shovel said alley) and met neighbor Jim from said alley last weekend. He's been in town with his family since around 2000. Seems like a good, honest person but not sure what to make of Jim.

To the immediate south I met Emma who was checking up on her place as she and her Farmington family live there part time in the summer and rent out sparingly. The attached 'hippee' sign is her place. "I love Jim Morrison" she said in her thick accent (that I am horrible at placing) after I inquired on the sign.  

Lastly, two doors down is an ideal neighbor for someone who needs their front lawn ripped up. Brent of Brent's Excavating was doing just that this morning. Brent looks like he could be actor Sam Elliott's brother. Good family there.

Trail Head

big brother is watching - for free shipping, watch on...

A little while after moving in, I received a 30 day offer from the monster mail mall company for free shipping and all the other perks that come along with it (sorry, said monster doesn't need any more advertising so not naming them here).

A shocker that they knew I had moved.....   :      )     Big brother is watching, blah, blah, blah.... Jimmy cracked corn and I could give a crap. The nearest big box store for what I need on my 1,000 house projects is close to an hour away so bring on free shipping!!!

Project number 653 was yesterday, replacing eight ceiling light fixtures that looked like the ones at your Aunt Hazel's house back in the 70's. The fact that you are reading this today confirms that I didn't electrocute myself during the process so that is a good thing.

Trail Head

used to be white I believe 

after