Today was a beautiful day all day at Leech Lake. The temperature ranged from the mid-60s in the morning to nearly 80 in the late afternoon. The sky was mostly sunny and the wind varied from 8-15 mph out of the WSW.
After breakfast I went next door to the cabin to finish power-washing the dock. I had put this project on hold while Joe and I stained the house, but now it was time to wrap it up. It took me close to three hours to wash the final sections of dock, but at about 2:15 p.m. I completed the project and it looked great. I put away the hoses, the power washer and cleaned up myself and then had a quick bite of lunch before heading over to John Newman's cabin.
John had invited me and Joe, along with Tom Malay and Ron Newstrand, over to his place for a grilled chicken dinner. Prior to getting the grill going, however, John, Tom, Ron and I took our ATVs back into the woods to survey the many trees that came down in last month's big storm. There are probably a half a dozen big maple and ash trees that fell across the various trails that crisscross our properties and since Tom and Ron both heat their houses with firewood during the winter, John and I wanted to make available to them the fallen trees.
Once the woods activity was complete, Joe joined us back at John's where we reconvened for some cold, malted beverages, some conversation and eventually a very tasty grilled chicken meal, complete with mashed potatoes, Cole slaw and an apple pie (compliments of Lainy Malay) for dessert. Joe and I finally left Newman's at about 10:00 p.m. and came home for a quiet evening before going to bed just before midnight.
We didn't get any fishing in today, but the power-washing of the dock was completed. I have to run into Cass Lake tomorrow to mail some packages, and later in the afternoon I have a work call, but somewhere during the day tomorrow, Joe and I do plan to spend some time on the water. Until then...
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
August 20, 2012 -- On Leech Lake
This morning the sun was shining, the sky was mostly blue and bright, the temperature was 65 degrees and there was practically no wind, maybe just a slight breeze from the WSW creating a few ripples on the otherwise flat-calm lake.
The only part left on the house to stain were five different areas. One fairly large section over the garage, another fairly big section over the living room, a couple of small areas over the kitchen and in the back side of the house, and one section over the master bedroom window. I stained the part over the master bedroom since I could reach it with a ladder and extension pole. Joe handled the over parts by climbing up onto the roof and then using a roller attached to an extension pole. Despite the relatively small areas to stain, it took close to three hours since it the areas were hard to reach and required using the extension pole. But by 3:30 p.m. we would complete. The house was stained (not including the decks) and the materials and gear were cleaned up and stowed.
Joe wanted to spend the balance of the afternoon reading, talking a walk and hanging out at the cabin, so while he was busy doing that I went fishing.
The water was 73 degrees, the air temperature at that time was also 73 degrees and the wind had picked up and was coming out of the WSW at 8-12 mph. With the drift sock hanging over the side of the boat, I still was pushed northward on Sucker Bay at a ground speed of roughly .50 mph.
My method of fishing today was a jig and 3" plastic grub bounced just off the bottom of the lake as I drifted along. I caught two medium-sized northern pike, a couple of small perch, and then had my line snapped by something that hit hard and put a lot of weight on my line; most likely a good-sized pike. I tied on a new jig but decided to come ashore.
Joe and I had some dinner and then decided to go trolling with crankbaits; a proven method for catching walleye in the spring, early summer, and autumn. But since it was mid-August, I wasn't too sure we'd hook a walleye, and I was correct. We trolled in 10-12 feet of water from mid-Duck Bay up to the Malay's cabin, but the only fish we hooked was a northern pike that Joe caught.
Still, it was great to be on the water as the sky changed colors and darkened. Good night from Leech Lake.
The only part left on the house to stain were five different areas. One fairly large section over the garage, another fairly big section over the living room, a couple of small areas over the kitchen and in the back side of the house, and one section over the master bedroom window. I stained the part over the master bedroom since I could reach it with a ladder and extension pole. Joe handled the over parts by climbing up onto the roof and then using a roller attached to an extension pole. Despite the relatively small areas to stain, it took close to three hours since it the areas were hard to reach and required using the extension pole. But by 3:30 p.m. we would complete. The house was stained (not including the decks) and the materials and gear were cleaned up and stowed.
Joe wanted to spend the balance of the afternoon reading, talking a walk and hanging out at the cabin, so while he was busy doing that I went fishing.
The water was 73 degrees, the air temperature at that time was also 73 degrees and the wind had picked up and was coming out of the WSW at 8-12 mph. With the drift sock hanging over the side of the boat, I still was pushed northward on Sucker Bay at a ground speed of roughly .50 mph.
My method of fishing today was a jig and 3" plastic grub bounced just off the bottom of the lake as I drifted along. I caught two medium-sized northern pike, a couple of small perch, and then had my line snapped by something that hit hard and put a lot of weight on my line; most likely a good-sized pike. I tied on a new jig but decided to come ashore.
Joe and I had some dinner and then decided to go trolling with crankbaits; a proven method for catching walleye in the spring, early summer, and autumn. But since it was mid-August, I wasn't too sure we'd hook a walleye, and I was correct. We trolled in 10-12 feet of water from mid-Duck Bay up to the Malay's cabin, but the only fish we hooked was a northern pike that Joe caught.
Still, it was great to be on the water as the sky changed colors and darkened. Good night from Leech Lake.
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| Leech Lake sunset from the boat on Sucker Bay |
Monday, August 20, 2012
August 19, 2012 -- At Leech Lake
I must have been very tired from staining yesterday because I slept in much later than usual; and Joe slept in even later.
The weather this morning was sunny, blue skies with a temperature of 64 degrees. The high today is supposed to be 72 degrees. The wind was out of the north at 8-15 mph, and while there were no white caps, there were some decent-sized rolling waves; typical for Leech Lake.
I started in on staining the house at noon, and Joe joined me about 90 minutes later. We worked straight through until 5:30 p.m. and completed staining the house. Technically there are still some sections we need to stain, but those will require one of us, or both, getting up on the roof in order to reach some of the cedar panels that are tucked up high under certain sections of the roof. We'll get to those tomorrow.
But for the most part, the staining of the house is complete.
Just before 7:00 p.m. John Newman stopped by for dinner and joined us for BBQ pulled-pork sandwiches, Cole slaw, sweet corn and French fries. It was tasty, and fairly typical, summertime meal at the lake. We then hung out for a couple of hours talking, listening to old Steve Martin comedy LPs and enjoying each other's company.
When John went home shortly after 10:00 p.m., Joe and I watched a little TV (actually DVDs) and then called it a night.
Tomorrow I want to finish the staining of the panels on the roof so we can cross that off our list. We'll then be able to spend some time doing a thorough cleaning of the house, and do some fishing, before we start staining the decks.
Good night.
The weather this morning was sunny, blue skies with a temperature of 64 degrees. The high today is supposed to be 72 degrees. The wind was out of the north at 8-15 mph, and while there were no white caps, there were some decent-sized rolling waves; typical for Leech Lake.
I started in on staining the house at noon, and Joe joined me about 90 minutes later. We worked straight through until 5:30 p.m. and completed staining the house. Technically there are still some sections we need to stain, but those will require one of us, or both, getting up on the roof in order to reach some of the cedar panels that are tucked up high under certain sections of the roof. We'll get to those tomorrow.
But for the most part, the staining of the house is complete.
Just before 7:00 p.m. John Newman stopped by for dinner and joined us for BBQ pulled-pork sandwiches, Cole slaw, sweet corn and French fries. It was tasty, and fairly typical, summertime meal at the lake. We then hung out for a couple of hours talking, listening to old Steve Martin comedy LPs and enjoying each other's company.
When John went home shortly after 10:00 p.m., Joe and I watched a little TV (actually DVDs) and then called it a night.
Tomorrow I want to finish the staining of the panels on the roof so we can cross that off our list. We'll then be able to spend some time doing a thorough cleaning of the house, and do some fishing, before we start staining the decks.
Good night.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
August 18, 2012 -- At Leech Lake
Today the sun was out for most of the day, the temperature hovered between 65 degrees earlier this morning to a high of 72 degrees by 4:00 and then cooled back down to 65 degrees as the evening progressed. The wind was variable throughout the day at 8-15 mph from the north and NNW. By 5:30 p.m. the clouds rolled in, we had some thunder and about 90 minutes later a light sprinkle of rain, but nothing that should negatively affect the stain on the house.
Speaking of the stain on the house, Joe and I spent the better part of the day applying "butternut-colored" stain the house. We focused our attention today on the side of the garage that faces with road and moved around the corner to the south side of the house facing Newman's cabin.
It is often tedious and hard work and someone needs to scale the ladder while using an extension pole attached to the roller to reach the higher parts of the house. Joe has graciously volunteered to most of the ladder work. Although I too spent a couple of hours using an extension pole to reach some of the paneling up over my head.
The sections that Joe and I completed today -- from a square footage perspective -- make up close to 60 percent of the cedar paneling that requires staining; not including the front or lakeside decks. Thus, we knocked out a significant chunk of the work today. Tomorrow we'll stain around the big windows of the living room, work our way toward the kitchen and then wrap things up around the master bedroom's bathroom. If we do finish up tomorrow, then we'll take a couple of days off before starting on the decks. I want to be able to do some fishing with Joe; particularly some muskie fishing.
John Newman arrived at the lake this afternoon and I invited him to have dinner with us on Sunday evening. I've got a pork shoulder that I'll slow cook in the crock pot and then make BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, with a variety of side dishes. John accepted and will be joining us for food, conversation and fun tomorrow evening. Hopefully by that time Joe and I will have finished staining the house.
We watched another beautiful sunset this evening before settling in for the night. Joe did some reading and played video games, while I did some reading online and listened to some music. Good night from Leech Lake.
Speaking of the stain on the house, Joe and I spent the better part of the day applying "butternut-colored" stain the house. We focused our attention today on the side of the garage that faces with road and moved around the corner to the south side of the house facing Newman's cabin.
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| The garage, partially stained. |
The sections that Joe and I completed today -- from a square footage perspective -- make up close to 60 percent of the cedar paneling that requires staining; not including the front or lakeside decks. Thus, we knocked out a significant chunk of the work today. Tomorrow we'll stain around the big windows of the living room, work our way toward the kitchen and then wrap things up around the master bedroom's bathroom. If we do finish up tomorrow, then we'll take a couple of days off before starting on the decks. I want to be able to do some fishing with Joe; particularly some muskie fishing.
John Newman arrived at the lake this afternoon and I invited him to have dinner with us on Sunday evening. I've got a pork shoulder that I'll slow cook in the crock pot and then make BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, with a variety of side dishes. John accepted and will be joining us for food, conversation and fun tomorrow evening. Hopefully by that time Joe and I will have finished staining the house.
We watched another beautiful sunset this evening before settling in for the night. Joe did some reading and played video games, while I did some reading online and listened to some music. Good night from Leech Lake.
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| Calm waters during a Leech Lake sunset |
Saturday, August 18, 2012
August 17, 2012 -- At Leech Lake
The temperature this morning at 8:30 a.m. was 56 degrees, the sky was mostly sunny and the wind was blowing out of the WNW at 8-12 mph. Not a strong wind, but enough to send waves rolling into the shoreline directly in front of the house.
Joe and I continued staining the house today and now have completed the road-side of the house, including around the master bedroom and the part around the garage door. At 3:30 p.m. I cleaned up and drove into Cass Lake to get some groceries and to pick up a pizza at Great River Pizzeria so Joe and I could celebrate a "Friday night pizza party" at the lake.
The evening the temperature was a perfect 73 degrees, the wind was barely a whisper and the sunset was unspectacular yet beautiful nonetheless.
After the sun had set, Joe and I had our pizza then watched some DVDs. We had a productive and fun night at Leech Lake.
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NOTE: Although I made mention of this in its own post, I would be negligent if I didn't mention that fellow Ottertail Peninsula resident Steve McLean passed away today. He had suffered for the past several years with lung cancer, despite the fact that he was not a smoker. Sometimes things happen for no apparent reason. Peace Steve, I hope you did not suffer.
Joe and I continued staining the house today and now have completed the road-side of the house, including around the master bedroom and the part around the garage door. At 3:30 p.m. I cleaned up and drove into Cass Lake to get some groceries and to pick up a pizza at Great River Pizzeria so Joe and I could celebrate a "Friday night pizza party" at the lake.
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| Joe staining the road-side of the house. |
After the sun had set, Joe and I had our pizza then watched some DVDs. We had a productive and fun night at Leech Lake.
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NOTE: Although I made mention of this in its own post, I would be negligent if I didn't mention that fellow Ottertail Peninsula resident Steve McLean passed away today. He had suffered for the past several years with lung cancer, despite the fact that he was not a smoker. Sometimes things happen for no apparent reason. Peace Steve, I hope you did not suffer.
Friday, August 17, 2012
RIP Steve McLean
I did not know Steve McLean well, but I did know him. We would often talk while he was out walking his dogs and I was either riding my bike, riding the ATV or driving in the truck. Kathleen used to see Steve often while she was out running and he was out walking. Steve liked being outside here on Ottertail Peninsula.
Today, after a long battle with lung cancer, Steve died. He was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester where he had been receiving the best care that could be offered to anyone in the world. It was not enough.
The first OPA potluck dinner I ever attended, back in October 2001, Steve wore a name tag that read "John Doe." Why, I do not know. But that was Steve.
Steve was a fixture on Ottertail Peninsula and a resident of that group of houses we refer to as "The Harbor." He liked to play hockey and worked as a court reporter at the courthouse in Walker, the county seat for Cass County.
Good bye Steve. Rest in peace.
Today, after a long battle with lung cancer, Steve died. He was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester where he had been receiving the best care that could be offered to anyone in the world. It was not enough.
The first OPA potluck dinner I ever attended, back in October 2001, Steve wore a name tag that read "John Doe." Why, I do not know. But that was Steve.
Steve was a fixture on Ottertail Peninsula and a resident of that group of houses we refer to as "The Harbor." He liked to play hockey and worked as a court reporter at the courthouse in Walker, the county seat for Cass County.
Good bye Steve. Rest in peace.
August 16, 2012 -- At Leech Lake
At 8:30 a.m. this morning the temperature was a cool 56 degrees and because we'd left some windows open last night, the temperature in the house had dropped to 64 degrees. I closed the windows and set the furnace thermostat for 68 degrees to warm up the house.
The sky was grey and overcast and the wind was howling at 15-20 mph out of the WNW. With the cold temperatures and the threat of rain, I'm not sure we'll do any staining of the house today. Plus, with all the rain we had last evening, I'd like to give the house a day to dry out before we do any staining.
Throughout the day the wind continued to howl, and at times was blowing over 25 mph creating big white caps on the lake. The grey skies did eventually give way to sun, but not until 3:30 p.m. too late to start staining for the day.
I did some more power-washing on the dock at the cabin, and I figure with another 3-4 hours of dedicated time I should be able to finish the job.
Joe and I had a rack of tasty pork spare ribs for dinner, and then watched a little TV (actually DVD since we have no TV service) before going to bed early. Tomorrow we're going to try to get several hours of staining in.
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NOTE: The stray dog, which I've dubbed "Buck," showed up this evening for the first time in 12 days. He looked skinny and weak so Joe and I gave him a bowl of dog food which he devoured. He then had a second bowl. Then as darkness fell, Buck turned tail and wandered away.
The sky was grey and overcast and the wind was howling at 15-20 mph out of the WNW. With the cold temperatures and the threat of rain, I'm not sure we'll do any staining of the house today. Plus, with all the rain we had last evening, I'd like to give the house a day to dry out before we do any staining.
Throughout the day the wind continued to howl, and at times was blowing over 25 mph creating big white caps on the lake. The grey skies did eventually give way to sun, but not until 3:30 p.m. too late to start staining for the day.
I did some more power-washing on the dock at the cabin, and I figure with another 3-4 hours of dedicated time I should be able to finish the job.
Joe and I had a rack of tasty pork spare ribs for dinner, and then watched a little TV (actually DVD since we have no TV service) before going to bed early. Tomorrow we're going to try to get several hours of staining in.
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| August 16 sunset over Sucker Bay, Leech Lake |
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NOTE: The stray dog, which I've dubbed "Buck," showed up this evening for the first time in 12 days. He looked skinny and weak so Joe and I gave him a bowl of dog food which he devoured. He then had a second bowl. Then as darkness fell, Buck turned tail and wandered away.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
August 15, 2012 -- At Leech Lake
The temperature this morning was a balmy 75 degrees at 10:00 a.m. with overcast skies and a 8-15 mph SSW wind. The temperature would eventually climb to 80 degrees today, but we'd only see brief moments of sunshine in an otherwise very cloudy day.
The forecast for today called for late afternoon thunderstorms, possibly severe, so I made the decision that rather than start staining the house only to have to redo it because of the rain, that we'd wait until better weather to begin in earnest. Joe and I did spend a couple of hours staining the road-side of the house, the part that's underneath the front porch where it wouldn't get wet even in the most heavy rain. I have to say, the stain looks good, and the cedar paneling soaked up the stain suggesting it was definitely time to tackle this project.
I spent several hours power-washing the dock at the cabin. I'm roughly half way done after three days at it. With the staining still ahead of us, I probably won't get back to the dock for a week or more, but we'll see.
As the day went on, the sky grew darker and more green in color. By 5:00 p.m. the temperature started to drop, from a high of 80 degrees to down around 70 degrees. The wind began to pick up and within 45 minutes the skies opened up and it started to rain.
Joe and I scrambled to close up the garages, lower the flag pole, etc. in preparation of a thunderstorm. At 6:00 p.m. NOAA radio warned our area of a severe thunderstorm and recommended seeking shelter. Joe and I went back into my bedroom, which is away from the lake and more protected than any other room in the house. We played chess and waited for the storm to pass.
There was lightning, thunder, rain and heavy wind for roughly 90 minutes. At last, however, the storm passed and the sky began to lighten. We had a wonderful purplish sunset at approximately 8:30 p.m. this evening, after which Joe and I had dinner. We had a quiet night at home and plan to do some more staining of the house tomorrow; weather permitting.
The forecast for today called for late afternoon thunderstorms, possibly severe, so I made the decision that rather than start staining the house only to have to redo it because of the rain, that we'd wait until better weather to begin in earnest. Joe and I did spend a couple of hours staining the road-side of the house, the part that's underneath the front porch where it wouldn't get wet even in the most heavy rain. I have to say, the stain looks good, and the cedar paneling soaked up the stain suggesting it was definitely time to tackle this project.
I spent several hours power-washing the dock at the cabin. I'm roughly half way done after three days at it. With the staining still ahead of us, I probably won't get back to the dock for a week or more, but we'll see.
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| Half of the 'cabin dock' washed. Half to go. |
Joe and I scrambled to close up the garages, lower the flag pole, etc. in preparation of a thunderstorm. At 6:00 p.m. NOAA radio warned our area of a severe thunderstorm and recommended seeking shelter. Joe and I went back into my bedroom, which is away from the lake and more protected than any other room in the house. We played chess and waited for the storm to pass.
There was lightning, thunder, rain and heavy wind for roughly 90 minutes. At last, however, the storm passed and the sky began to lighten. We had a wonderful purplish sunset at approximately 8:30 p.m. this evening, after which Joe and I had dinner. We had a quiet night at home and plan to do some more staining of the house tomorrow; weather permitting.
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| The remaining clouds from the thunderstorm that hit Leech Lake this evening |
August 14, 2012 -- On Leech Lake
This morning the sun was trying to force its way through a haze of high clouds and was doing its best to cast shadows although it itself could not been seen. The temperature was 68 degrees and what little breeze there was out of the SSE created no more than ripples on the otherwise flat surface of the lake. The sky, and the lake, were a brilliant, and yet at the same time subdued, color of yellow.
Joe slept in very late this morning, in fact, it was no longer morning when I first saw him. By that time I'd done a few chores around the house, like connecting a new back-up battery to our security system and handling several personal-business issues both online and on the phone.
I started power-washing the dock at the cabin at 1:45 p.m. and kept at it until 4:00 p.m. when the muscles in my arms and back told me it was time for a rest. The process of cleaning the dock is slow and tedious, but necessary. When I was finished for the day I looked at how much I had completed and estimated I had between 4 and 6 more months of power washing ahead of me. Actually, it'll probably take another 4-6 days, but with the house-staining project due to start tomorrow (weather permitting) I won't be able to finish cleaning the dock for another couple of weeks.
I had a quick sandwich to tie me over until dinner and went out fishing around 4:45 p.m. Joe decided to stay onshore so he could go for a walk, do yoga and read. Not a bad choice, but for me, the lake beckoned.
I lowered my Lund into the 77 degree water and made my way out to a spot in front of the house in 10 feet of water. With the light breeze still coming out of the SSE the boat was gently propelled away from shore and slightly north toward the Malay's.
I managed to hook one small hammer handle, but nothing else while jigging with artificial bait. I decided to change tactics dramatically and go bass fishing.
I switched from a spinning rod and reel to a baitcasting set up and tied on a spinnerbait. I added a 3-inch plastic trailer for extra bulk and attraction. I dropped my MinnKota electric trolling motor into the water and slowly made my way north along the reeds that start in front of Norm's house.
In years past, the edge of the reeds that start at Norm's have regularly produced both good numbers and good-sized largemouth bass, but not this year. In fact, I've not hooked one bass in front of Norm's all year; although to be fair I've not targeted bucketmouths more than a half dozen times since bass season opened.
I finally did hook a smallish bass in front of what I call the "eagle tree," thus named because bald eagles often perch in it while eating fish they've taken from the lake. The bass made one final leap into the air right along side the boat and managed to unhook itself before I could land it cleanly. Not that I cared, since I planned to put it back into the lake anyway.
While I was out on the water, Joe had not only gone for a walk and exercised, but he decided to go for a swim in the lake as well. It's always a good idea to take advantage of the lake when you can, since before you know it it'll be too cold for swimming.
We spent a quiet night at home watching the sunset, having dinner and just hanging out. Tomorrow, we start the house-staining project.
Good night.
Joe slept in very late this morning, in fact, it was no longer morning when I first saw him. By that time I'd done a few chores around the house, like connecting a new back-up battery to our security system and handling several personal-business issues both online and on the phone.
I started power-washing the dock at the cabin at 1:45 p.m. and kept at it until 4:00 p.m. when the muscles in my arms and back told me it was time for a rest. The process of cleaning the dock is slow and tedious, but necessary. When I was finished for the day I looked at how much I had completed and estimated I had between 4 and 6 more months of power washing ahead of me. Actually, it'll probably take another 4-6 days, but with the house-staining project due to start tomorrow (weather permitting) I won't be able to finish cleaning the dock for another couple of weeks.
I had a quick sandwich to tie me over until dinner and went out fishing around 4:45 p.m. Joe decided to stay onshore so he could go for a walk, do yoga and read. Not a bad choice, but for me, the lake beckoned.
I lowered my Lund into the 77 degree water and made my way out to a spot in front of the house in 10 feet of water. With the light breeze still coming out of the SSE the boat was gently propelled away from shore and slightly north toward the Malay's.
I managed to hook one small hammer handle, but nothing else while jigging with artificial bait. I decided to change tactics dramatically and go bass fishing.
I switched from a spinning rod and reel to a baitcasting set up and tied on a spinnerbait. I added a 3-inch plastic trailer for extra bulk and attraction. I dropped my MinnKota electric trolling motor into the water and slowly made my way north along the reeds that start in front of Norm's house.
In years past, the edge of the reeds that start at Norm's have regularly produced both good numbers and good-sized largemouth bass, but not this year. In fact, I've not hooked one bass in front of Norm's all year; although to be fair I've not targeted bucketmouths more than a half dozen times since bass season opened.
I finally did hook a smallish bass in front of what I call the "eagle tree," thus named because bald eagles often perch in it while eating fish they've taken from the lake. The bass made one final leap into the air right along side the boat and managed to unhook itself before I could land it cleanly. Not that I cared, since I planned to put it back into the lake anyway.
While I was out on the water, Joe had not only gone for a walk and exercised, but he decided to go for a swim in the lake as well. It's always a good idea to take advantage of the lake when you can, since before you know it it'll be too cold for swimming.
We spent a quiet night at home watching the sunset, having dinner and just hanging out. Tomorrow, we start the house-staining project.
Good night.
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| Calm waters of Leech Lake at sunset |
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