Swantastic

I have been meaning to share this wonderful picture with all of you. This Swan is nesting close to Hwy 71, just North of Park Rapids about 6 miles in a swamp....I think someone forgot to tell her that she is in the state of Minnesota, after all it is the land of 10,000 lakes. Nonetheless what a gorgeous bird. Since the taking of this picture, four to six cygnets' have arrived. How fortunate we are to live in this area to see such beauty. Not everyone can drive down the highway and see this kind of wildlife.

Park Rapids Bull Ride

Well once again that fun and rowdy time has come and gone to the Park Rapids Area. The PBR Bull Ride was held the 3rd, 4th and 5th at 6:30 each night. I attended all three nights. Some of the bulls bucked so high it looked like they were hopping around the arena. During intermission we were entertained by a Freestyle Moto X group called Guilty By Association perform. The stunts were neat, but the back flips that Cody Cavanaugh performed were incredible. They would start out on one side of the arena, get up to speed and up and off the ramp they would fly. Another one of the tricks they did was called "Look Back Heart Attack."



On the 4th us Bull Ride patrons got to see a special show from the 148th Fighter Wing Division -US Air Force. A special fly-over at 1000ft. and 350 mph started around 7:30pm. This was amazing to see in person. Can you say fast? Truly amazing!

Each night after intermission, kids who want to grow up to be cowboys, had their chance for eight seconds of fame - or longer - on a sheep in the popular amateur event. But what I like best about the bull rides is the Coldwell Banker Cowboy Poker. Anyone crazy enough to sit around a plastic table on a plastic chair waiting for a bull to enter the arena is well, nuts. At least they get a small token of a hundred dollars for their efforts, but only the last cowboy sitting in his chair wins.

Each night, after the show was over, the top regional band “Switch” played a variety of music for dancing the night away under the Montana Pavilion on the grounds. Along with the bucking action, the Rodeo Idol Contest returned. This popular karaoke contest once again played out. I loved all the singers this year and had a hard time picking just one. I guess the gal that won was from the Menahga area. How cool is that!

Thanks for listening and happy trails. -Jody

Celebrating the Eel Pout...

Leech Lake is the the third largest lake in Minnesota, the fertile waters harbor some of the best walleye and muskie fishing in the Midwest. However, Leech is also know for its large and abundant eelpout. Have you ever seen this freshwater cod before? Well, friends it isn't pretty! They are wonderfully know for their ability to wrap themselves around your arm and then leave you with a gift of slim to enjoy for hours to come.

I still remember my first time catching an eelpout. I was ice fishing with a group of people on Lake the Woods and I thought I had caught a walleye, due to the toying with my lure. As I was bringing up my prize, I remember how awesome I felt, because nobody had caught a thing all day-and that is when it happened. The first time ever seeing an eelpout, I was in shock it was so ugly. All I wanted to do was scream, it was slithering back and forth, throwing its slime all over me. I didn't know what to do. What would you do? I just wanted this ugly prehistoric beast away from me. But how? The only way I knew to get rid of this ugly thing was to stomp it back into the hole, so that is exactly what I did.

Leaving that horror story behind, I want to talk about a more pleasing story. The Annual International Eel Pout Festival held on Leech Lake. This annual festival draws thousands of anglers (partiers?) to Walker, Minnsota every February. The three-day slimefest has something for everyone. If you are a runner, then the Eelpout Peelout -5 mile run is for you. Not a runner, no problem. The Polar Plunge always promises a refreshing and exhilarating experience. Don't feel like going into cardiac arrest, then may I suggest taking in the evening festivities. This is my favorite part. I love seeing how people decorate their camps (aka fishhouses) with decorations and lights and then adorn themselves with fancy articles of clothing and accessories or in some instances lack of.

One favorite pastime is dancing around Santas pole. You recogonize it, right? This is how Santa keeps his elves in shape. No matter what way you partake in the festivities you are sure to enjoy yourself.

Minnesota truly is a state of its own. If you ever visit, make sure you stop by and have yourself a sliming good time.

Happy trails.-Jody

In the beginning...

Wow! I can't beleive that I just made my own blog. I have been reading other people's blogs for months and had no intrest to make my own, well until one little email came along, that is.

Why the lack of intrest?

I stumbled across my first blog in mid 2007 and it was like a snowball out of control. Once I started rolling (reading?) there really was no control. Lets just say one blog lead to two blogs, and well you know the drill.

I have been happly content reading about other peoples lives and living through their beautiful pictures, that I just didn't think that my life would be as adventurous as others.

But my friends that is where I'm wrong. You see life in it self is one beautiful adventure. So come along with me as I board this roller coaster ride and experience the learning, love, joys and heartaches that life has to offer.

But first, I need to hunt down Cupid.

Happy Valentine's Day. My love, Jody