Woods & Water by Dick Herfindahl

 

I know the weather has been less than desirable for the last couple of weeks, unless you are a winter outdoors person. Before Christmas, I had begun to feel sorry for all snowmobilers, now they have been blessed with enough snow to make the sport worthwhile.

There have been plenty of ice fishermen in and around the dredge in the area where the aerators are located. The DNR will soon be or already have turned them on. There were permanent houses sitting by or inside the area where the warning signs are located. I guess there are always going to be folks that take that extra step to push the envelope. The folks who feel that a perch or panfish is worth risking their life over really have their priorities mixed up.

While many of us are enjoying the winter outdoors activities that we have going on in the community, some of us are already feeling the effects of that dreaded condition called “cabin fever.” Yes, it usually sets in for me at about this time of year or maybe just a couple of weeks later, and it usually lasts until the ice shows signs of leaving the lakes.

As I sit here watching the snow flurries being blown about, I guess I am thankful for the fact that we haven’t gotten an overabundance of snow. Getting a few flurries here and there that amount to an inch or two a day gives us just enough snow for a daily shoveling.

Getting back to the cabin fever, I find that if I anticipate the upcoming summer and what I have to look forward to I can overcome the dreaded fever. What better way to get ready for spring and summer than to plan a family vacation? A friend of mine once said that a vacation is 75 percent anticipation and 25 percent participation. In looking back to my family vacation and camping days, I’d have to say that statement was pretty close to true. When the vacation that was so eagerly anticipated would finally get there it would seemingly fly by in the wink of an eye.

Speaking of vacation, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has started accepting reservations for Bert’s Cabins at Itasca State Park. These 12 cabins, near the headwaters of the Mississippi River, had been privately owned and operated since 1939. In December 2018, the current owners retired and sold the cabins to the DNR.

Amenities at the cabins include air-conditioning, full kitchens and bathrooms with showers. The cabins will be open seasonally, from May 10 through Nov. 17. Prices range from $125 for a one-bedroom cabin to $220 for a three-bedroom cabin.

“Staying at Bert’s Cabins has been a big part of visiting Itasca State Park for many families for many years,” said Bob Chance, manager of Itasca State Park. “We appreciate the opportunity to keep renting out the cabins to future generations.”

The purchase of the cabins was made possible by funding from the Parks and Trails Fund, created after voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in November 2008. The Parks and Trails Fund receives 14.25 percent of the sales tax revenue generated by the Legacy Amendment and uses this money to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance.

Itasca State Park, established in 1891, is Minnesota’s oldest state park. Visitors to the park enjoy crossing the headwaters of the Mississippi River, taking part in year-round naturalist programs, seeing the centuries-old red pines in Preacher’s Grove, climbing the Aiton Heights Fire Tower, swimming in Lake Itasca, biking or driving the scenic 10-mile Wilderness Drive and hiking the park’s extensive trails.

To make reservations at Bert’s Cabins or any of the other overnight facilities at Itasca State Park—which include Historic Douglas Lodge, 12 Four-season Suites, numerous cabins and more than 200 campsites—visit mndnr.gov/reservations or call 866-857-2757.

 

Boat hosts needed for Governor’s Fishing Opener

Until next time, we have been getting good responses for our need of fishing hosts, but we still have a long way to go in reaching the number of hosts needed to make this event a success. I would like to encourage anyone who is a registered boat owner and would like to participate in the Governor’s Fishing Opener by being a boat host to sign up online. The easiest way to do that is by going to www.mngovernorsopener.com look for the search box and type in boat host, click on search glass and it will take you to the page. Select boat host information and follow the instructions. You may also stop by the CVB office to pick up a registration form or call me at 507-383-2231 for more information. This is our chance to showcase this great community that we choose to live in and one that we are proud to call home.

I have not heard many fishing reports from area lakes as of late, but judging by the number of houses on the lake, particularly in Edgewater Bay, there must be a few fish being caught. I know that the night bite for crappie and bluegills had been fairly productive early on. Pickerel had been giving up some jumbo perch early, but has since given way to smaller ones. You won’t know what’s biting unless you give it a try — good luck and fish safe.

Please remember to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers during the year of 2019. They are the reason we are able to enjoy all of these wonderful freedoms we enjoy today.