cold

Two in One Day

mikemjensen Fishing Tags: , , Leave a comment

Hey Kids,

The lake sits just below the summit of 8020 feet from sea level. Which, in turn, just happens to be about the same elevation of the snow level. The ice has disappeared from the lake, but the true feeling of spring will not start here for another month, especially in terms of temperature. With clear skies, the temperature plummeted even a little deeper overnight. Stepping out of the 4Runner, I felt I had stepped back into January.

History has shown this to be a great time to be at this lake, nonetheless. The bigger fish, free from the ice capped lake for the past three-plus months are on the prowl in the shallows. The smaller fish are congregating along the shores where the water is more easily warmed by the sun’s rays, if even only a few degrees. It’s predator/prey season and one of the best times to catch a monster.

I braved the cold and in the blackness of early morning, began my preparations. I opened the back hatch to get my gear. Apparently I wasn’t the only one feeling the effects of the cold weather. The pressurized cylinders that lift and hold open the hatch gate, didn’t quite lift it to its highest potential. My head and the life-challenged hatch met, a little north of the right temple. I’m not sure what man or beast could hear me then, but I apologize now for the words I expressed at that moment.

I began casting out in the dark waters. Cast after cast. I picked the ice out of the eyes on the rod that continually froze with the water carried back on the retrieved line. I casted more. I exchanged lures and varied colors. I sped up the retrieve and I slowed the retrieve.

The light of the day slowly took over the dark and the sun crested the surrounding hills to the east. The sunlight would drive the fish deeper and the mercury a little higher. I tried another spot or two. I casted more. I tried a few more lures. Nothing. Goose egg.

In shame, I packed my gear and started the drive back home. As if it wasn’t enough to have to admit I caught zero fish, I felt at the sore impact spot on my head, a small bump had formed.

Great! Two goose eggs on the same trip.

 

Post 3-120

Chilly AM’s

mikemjensen Useless Observations Tags: , 3 Comments

Hey Kids,1711529046_1cb1673cd1

The snow has receded back to the mountains but it left its cold behind. The mornings are the coldest and tomorrow, we’re expecting possibly down into the 20’s.

It’s funny. Leaving in the morning on the bike, it has been in the mid to upper 30’s and I think, “Damn this is cold!”

Yet come January and the middle of winter and I see a 35° day in the forecast. I’ll be thinking, “Heat wave!”

NaNoWriMo: 18,691/50,000

Day 261

Cold Call

mikemjensen Useless Observations Tags: , Leave a comment

Hey Kids,

Today saw the return of an old friend.

The temperature wasn’t too bad going into work; a mild upper 40’s. It was enough to make the fingertips chill and get a little tingly through the summer gloves.

Sometime between noon and quitting time, the clouds rolled in and blotted out the afternoon sun and with it, stole the afternoon heat that warms the ride home. In fact, it was colder going home than it was riding in.old man winter

These were cold clouds too. Antartica clouds. Although it’s technically too warm to snow, these clouds had the feel of snow to them. The cold bit through the jacket. My fingers cooled enough to merit turning on the grip heaters. Winter had sent its announcement that it’s not far off.

I’m not fearing the cold weather. I’m kind of looking forward to it.

Those are foolish words, I know. And the first morning in the single digits, I know I’ll be wishing I was somewhere with a Jimmy Buffet song playing in the background. But today, the cold felt refreshing. It felt like seeing an old friend that you haven’t seen for 6 months.

A friend that, although fun to see, will assuredly wear out the welcome before he leaves again in the spring.

 

Day 247

Once Bitten, Twice Frozen

mikemjensen Life's Truths, Motorcycles Tags: , , , Leave a comment

Hey Kids,

Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is said to be the definition of insanity. I guess I’m insane.ride 4-4-15

I have now tried to ride twice to and towards Idaho despite the early season and both times I’ve expected, nay, hoped, the ride would be warm or warmish. Both times I have been met with cold reality. Both times started in the sunshine and progressed into a grey, cold northern sky filled with cold Idaho air.

I might be insane, but I believe if I keep trying, this cold streak will change.

The worth and enjoyment of the ride was worth every shiver and frozen finger. I shared the ride with my brother and picked up my girl and brought her back home.

Ride on, I say; the cold is but for a few hours yet the memory of the ride will last a lifetime.

That rule actually applies to many things.

 

Day 40