Old adventurer and most others here have rushed to open patios, balconies, doors and windows this past week when thermometer numbers climbed above 60 degrees, and then 10 more. Spring finally sprung and its long-delayed arrival has spurred our rush.
Old adventurer travelled far South of Highway 2 last week, far from our Edge of the Wilderness, for a quick hometown visit in the Minnesota River Valley; in addition, a longer St. Croix River Valley turkey hunt visit with former college roommate from our small nearby hometowns of nearly 60 years ago. That respected engineering-school roommate went on to become CEO of a successful company.
We’re now about two months into reports of “Putin’s Pushing” into Ukraine with some form of military pounding. While there’s no way to fully know the roaring Russian agenda, it is possible to make some historical comparisons.
Our stubborn winter season is not really conducive to warm memories of hometown garden melons; however, an upcoming chance to visit that Minnesota River Valley hometown and its close, life-long personal friend brings warmth that includes a “Melon Memory.”
Calendars tell us February is supposed to be our shortest month, even when Leap Year brings an extra day every four years. Now, as February is into its exit slide, we wonder at its length that seems so slow to get finished.
Fly rod fishing in northland February??? When atmospheric conditions are just right, dancing snowflakes and flurries remind this old adventurer of hatching, dancing mayflies with fly rod used in pursuit of cold-water fish long ago with close fishing friends; sometimes even in February, a long way from now’s Northland snow and ice.
Some four years ago, this old adventurer and his long-term bride left Idaho’s Snake River Camp with downsizing and simplifying change into senior living accommodations in this fine Northland city at the Edge of the Wilderness. Somewhat independent senior living rules then outlawed bird feeders and feathered friends have been missed following decades of up-close bird watching. A long waiting list finally delivered the recent local relocation to Majestic Pines, nearly North of Highway #2. At this comprehensive senior living facility, it was discovered that bird feeding up close was now possible once again.
Our calendars now announce February, arguably the beginning of Winter’s downturn in our Northland regardless of what the groundhog sees. At least it helps us think that we’re on the backside of winter as we see more daylight each day.
Sub-zero temperatures of last two weeks brought crystal-clear air and blue sky except for that bright, white, low-level cloud that comes with paper machine dryer exhausts.
By Dick Nachbar These old long-term campers are setting up a new camp this week. It’s almost, but not quite, North of Highway 2 in… Login to continue reading Login…