Woods & Water by Dick Herfindahl

 

It gave me a feeling of nostalgia and at the same time, a heartwarming feeling, as I drove around Fountain Lake last weekend and witnessed all of the activity. Folks were biking, walking and jogging around the lake, while others were fishing from shore or from a boat. Some were having picnics, playing games and just enjoying our parks. This is our community, and our lakes and parks are a great resource and they are there for our enjoyment. By my count there are 20 parks within the city limits and then the beautiful Myhre/Big Island State Park just east of town.

We had many great compliments on our beautiful area from various media guests who were in town for the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener. This is what the focus of this event is really all about. The folks who chose to fish were not disappointed either. The fish were cooperative and most folks caught fish, which surprised many who had doubts about the fishing in southern Minnesota lakes. Many of these folks were visiting our community for the first time and were truly impressed. I don’t know how many times I heard the statement, “I have driven past Albert Lea many times but never realized what a beautiful area it really is.”

Heck, we knew that all along, but sometimes I believe that we take it for granted. Summer is a great time to “stop and smell the roses” in a sense. We have other places to visit also, like Pickerel Lake Park, which has a beautiful picnic area with restrooms and a new public access with a great parking area. Another county park is located at White’s Woods, which lies just a couple of miles from Twin Lakes. It has a pavilion, rest rooms and walking trails. If you venture a little south, you will get to Emmons with Gateway Park which has a ball field, pavilion, rest rooms and sits on State Line Lake.

Now that we have gone about as far south as we can without crossing the border, we can go north of town to Beaver Lake which is located in Steele County, just north and west of Ellendale. This park boasts a swimming beach, bath house, boat ramp, fishing pier and of course, a parking lot with picnic area. Did I mention that the fishing is pretty good too?

As a kid, I would go with my parents to Beaver Lake to fish with some friends of my mom and dad, Elmer and Mary. Elmer worked with dad and over the years our families became friends. Elmer had an old green Johnson five-horse motor and we would rent two boats at the boat house on Beaver Lake (it still stands today, but is now a part of the lake’s history).

After renting the boats, we would tie the anchor rope of our boat to the back of Elmer’s boat and he would tow us to his “hot spot” where we would fish crappies. About half an hour before dusk, the bite would start and we would catch crappies about as fast as you could get your bait in the water. A cork and a silver spinner with a small hook tipped with a minnow, you would add a split shot or two to keep the cork upright. My mother always told me the trick to catching crappie was to cast out, let it settle and then reel in ever so slowly. My mother taught me a lot about fishing. I believe that her taking the time to show me how to fish is why I have always loved to fish. From her I actually learned to have the patience to try different techniques until I would find the one that worked. She showed me how to make a bobber out of an old thermos bottle cork – this is why I often refer to a bobber as a cork. Great memories of those times.

If you take a drive up Highway 13 you will come to the city of New Richland. Continuing a little north you will come to 240th Ave., turn right and follow that road for about 3 1/2 miles where you will find St. Olaf Lake Park. This park has a boat ramp, pavilion for picnicking and a fishing pier. This is another lake where I spent a lot of time as a youth. There was a bar/store/resort located on the lake where you could rent a boat and motor, buy gas and they also had a pontoon boat which my dad reserved a time or two on Mother’s Day so he could take Mom out fishing, which was one of her favorite things to do. On one particular Mother’s Day, dad took my Grandma, aunt Alice and uncle Lloyd along. None of them fished, so this was more of a ride around the lake which culminated with a little fishing on my part and a picnic on the water. My mom would always make her famous potato salad along with VanCamp’s pork ‘n beans and cold meat sandwiches. Now that was a picnic!

Yes, for me, looking back and reminiscing about some of these places that stand out in my mind brings back precious memories of times long gone.

Until next time, all of our beautiful parks in this area are very well maintained so that we may utilize them to the fullest. If you enjoy one of these great facilities please clean up after yourselves. It is all about respect for our area and its resources; thank you.

Please remember to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers. We must never forget those who are still putting themselves in harm’s way so we can enjoy all of the wonderful freedoms we have today.