June 4, 2012 -- At Leech Lake

It was beautiful this morning at 8:30 a.m. with a temperature of 65 degrees, clear blue skies and virtually no wind. The slightest of breezes, out of the WSW, did put a few ripples on the lake, but for the most part the lake was calm.

The birds enjoyed the fabulous morning by providing a chorus of song emanating from all 360 degrees around the house. The trees seemed to radiate bright green, and the smell in the air was that of fresh lake water and clean northwoods air. What a glorious start to the day.

Unfortunately for Rick, this morning was his last day of his two-week long visit to Leech Lake. While I enjoyed a leisurely cup of coffee, he bustled about gathering up his clothes, stowing his fishing gear, and as is his custom on the last day of his stay, he lowered the Australian flag which had flown constantly just below the Stars and Stripes since the day of his arrival.

Rick lowering the Australian flag

About an hour from now we'll load into the truck and make the 45-minute drive into Bemidji where we'll enjoy a late breakfast at Perkin's before I take Rick to the airport.

-------------------------

I dropped Rick off at the airport just after noon, after we'd had a late breakfast at Perkin's, and then took my truck to Dondelinger GM for service. While my truck was being serviced I went to the local movie theater and watched The Avengers. Sure it was a Monday afternoon, but I was the ONLY person in the entire theater. In fact, I was one of only 3 people seeing movies in the entire 8-theater complex! I love Bemidji.

When the movie ended, my truck was ready. Dondelinger sent out a car to pick me up at the theater which then took me to my truck; which they had washed. The entire service, including oil change, rotating the tires, topping off fluids, etc., cost $42. I love Bemidji.

The temperature in Bemidji was quite warm, at 83 degrees. I'm sure it was cooler at the lake, with the breeze off the water, but here in town it actually felt hot.

I ran numerous errands in town, and didn't get on the highway back to Leech Lake until almost 6:00 p.m.

After putting away groceries, and many other items acquired in town, it was getting close to 8:00 p.m. I decided that I would not go fishing tonight and settled into a nice evening at home alone. While it was great to have Rick visit, he arrived less than 12 hours after I did two weeks ago which meant other than going to sleep on that Sunday night, I have not been alone at the lake yet this trip. Tonight was my first night alone and I wanted to spend it quietly reading, which is what I did.

Tomorrow I have lots of things I need to do, including putting up some pictures, updating the software on my Lowrance boat electronics, weeding the gardens, etc. I'll have a busy day so tonight was meant for kicking back and relaxing.

Kathleen will be here in just 5 days. She arrives late Saturday night and I'm very much looking forward to seeing her.

Good night from the shores of Leech Lake.