been spending the last two weeks polishing and slicking up the runners of my house and will take a full pull again this year. i have a fresh made batch of chili and some homegrown habeneros for flame color. i am going for that sweet spot behind rootbeer island again this year and have redone my steering mechanism. the big green will take on a new coat of paint next year but is still john deere green this year and with all of the reflectors will act as a nice marker for town to ice travel by again this year. just hope i dont have to deal with that polaris powered ice auger again this year drillin all those holes around my shack. bobby ill be up on the 12th and the first turkey with a hamms chaser is on me. ... paul

Busy, suddenly things have gotten busy on this end of the lake. Crappies have started to bite at sundown and the locals have been out on the ice. Elmers secret spot off Root Beer island was discovered when he accidentally dumped his five gallon pail when loading it into his truck. A couple of guys saw the crappies fall out of the pail and the next day they followed Elmer around as he drilled holes. Not locals, they were guys who were staying at one of the camps. Yesterday they became a pain as Hammering Hank and Skinny were out on the lake drilling test holes. The holes are needed to make sure we have enough ice to launch the houses here on the 13th. Hank would drill a hole, check the thickness and move on. The tourists would have a line down the hole before Skinny and Hank could get on the Bomb-A-Deer and move on.

Later in the day there was some words exchanged as Hank and Skinny had the test log out and were testing the bungee for the fling. The test log if some of you remember is an old hollow out log that is used by the launch guys to check out the bungee and also to see if the lake ice will support a house. Well the tourist were warned that the area directly out front of the Lodge and inside the orange barrels is a test fire area. This is also the area where the test holes were drilled. Well it seems the tourists refused to leave all of these fresh holes and when the siren sounded they just sat on their pails and watched. Hank and Skinny loaded the test log into the sling and only doing a 1/8 pull on the bungee they released the log.

Well right away they was a problem as with out any snow on the ground the log hit the bottom of the hill and went airborne. Landing on the ice it sent out a shock wave which scattered the tourists on their pails. That was a good thing as the log seemed to gain speed as it slid across the ice. With a little rotation the log started to spin as it gathered speed and with a perfect hit right in the pocket scattered the pails like they were bowling pins. Skinny set off with the Bomb -A Deer to retrieve the log and was greeted by angry fishermen.

Sheriff Tim arrived and made his way out on the ice. Order was restored and during this time Skinny brought the test log back up the hill and while Hank and Skinny had lunch they borrowed the hose from the softball field and were watering down the hill. For some reason one of the fishermen decide he wanted to go across the slope to get to his car and found himself frozen to hill about half way across. The water had to be turned off and a rescue was needed. It being just the first week of the month we hit the siren on the roof and put out a call for the Lake Iwanttobethere volunteer fire dept. We figured we could get our monthly meeting in as well as practice our "tourist caught in the ice on the hill drill" Well a few minutes later the fire dept. had arrived and were standing at the top of the hill offering suggestions at just how we should recover the fishermen who now had his sorrels frozen securely in the river of ice.

We first tried the Bomb-A-Deer running up the ice, only to lose traction and slide back down the hill. After everyone had a try we then moved on. Sending the test log down was discussed but ruled out. A rope was thrown down but that quickly stuck to the still freezing water. Several of the volunteers were getting cold and retreated to the Lodge. From inside holding cups of hot cocoa they offered encouragement and chatter between everyone on their two way radios. Sheriff Tim's dog Bailiff arrived along with our lake rescue dog Grace. Dan, Graces owner gave some directions to his dog and the dogs walked across the ice to the fishermen. When they arrived they each took a boot in their mouth and tugging away they pulled the tops of the boots away from the rubber bottoms. The fishermen fell to his back and holding onto the leather tops the two dogs dragged the fishermen to the grass at the side of the hill. To some polite applause the fishermen was helped to his truck and the dogs were soon surrounded by the members of the fire dept.

Everyone then went to the Lodge and roll was taken. It was entered in the log book as a successful ice rescue. Bailiff was given a beer and Grace a bowl of ice cubes. Was decided we need some snow or we will have to make more ice on the hill. So far Nytelyter has signed on for the ice house fling along with Skinny, Elmer, Big Earl the Johnson brothers and Tess. I am thinking it might be safer to sign up for the fling instead of being in Alert One. There is already a house down at Dug's and it is under a tarp. We don't know whose it is but it came in by truck two days ago and Dug's says he has been sworn to secrecy and was paid twenty dollars to keep it under wraps. A few raised eyebrows but no one wanted to leave the Lodge and go look at it. Sunshine Ray says we may get some snow this afternoon, I hope so. Big Earl was talking about putting in an order for plastic sleds for the luge, but no snow, no luge.. Fire dept. meeting was called to order, minutes read and new business discussed, meeting was then adjourned. From Lake Iwanttobethere [87508]

Some welcomed snow has fallen here at Lake Iwanttobethere over night. Having some snow gives us a new look and takes away that black and gray we have had since the last colored leaves blew away. The ice fishermen who was rescued by the lake fire dept. is fine. He spent the afternoon at Mabel's hot house getting warm and returned to camp late that night. Now with the new snow, the hill at the Lodge is covered with ice underneath. For some unknown reason the ice fishermen return to the Lodge and decide to go look for his boots. He did not make it far across the snow and ice covered hill before he lost his balance and ended up on his back, sliding down the hill to the lake. Like the log when he hit the edge of the ice he went airborne and landed in a heap on the lake ice. Some of his buddies were fishing off the orange barrels and loaded him back into his truck. Last we heard he was back at Mabels.

More snow falling as I write this, not the heavy stuff, more like the ivory snow flake type. Looks pretty but does not pack well. Hammering Hank and Skinny are down on the ice with the AVT's. They are plowing what little snow we have to the base of the bungee hill. We hope we will have enough to take out that jump that is there so we will still be able to launch houses as scheduled. Hunterdown has added his name to the ice house fling list but we still have a few spots open. Lodge is all decorated up, Tess has gone out of her way stringing up lights and has gotten Gus to help her. The tree is up in the corner by the Lodge TV and there are bulbs and garland and tinsel hanging from it. We still have a smaller tree near the fireplace that is decorated with beer coasters and swizzle sticks and the gold foil from cigarette packages. There is even a ribbon tied around the gallon jar of pickled eggs on the bar countertop.

Just a few notes here, the Lodge Ice fishing contest has started, the chalk board is clean and waiting for the first entries to be written on it. Also League drinking will start next Monday. There will be a rules meeting held that night and also a vote will be taken if league drinking night is to be six or seven days a week. Want to also remind everyone that Lodge dues are due for the year at the first of the year and also locker rental fees need to be paid at that time also. You can also sponsor a new Lodge member this month, so if you would like to join the Lodge or sponsor someone you need to get your name on the sign up sheet. Also with the snow the shooting range is closed. However the pigeons on the roof are still fair game to the pellet gun club. Tuesday night the basement if off limits to everyone except those in the archery club. They will be holding practice shoots down there. If you need something from your locker you need to go down before or after the shoot.

We also want to remind everyone riding into the Lodge on either AVT's or on your sleds that you should park behind the ice house and please no riding down the launch hill till after the launch. I think that is about it for Lodge news. Ice house fling next Saturday and then Christmas party on the 20th. Guys at the Lodge will exchange gifts on the 29th as this month we have both a Lodge meeting and a Town Hall meeting this month. Should be a busy week that week with New Years Eve the day after. Hope you are working on your houses, were making ice! From Lake Iwanttobethere [87,734]

Well two weeks out from Christmas here at the lake. Snow has been falling nightly and the Christmas spirit is growing. All it took was some of that white stuff to cover the ground and Christmas lights started to go on. Evening here at the lake now has the twinkling of lights and the quiet sound of light snow falling. Morning greets you with a fresh sheet of snow, not falling hard enough to call it a blanket. Today the wife is home from work. She started digging out the boxes of decorations. With dogs and cats following her around the cabin like kids not wanting to miss anything she started unpacking decorations. As each box was emptied a cat would jump into inspect it. Dogs would then nudge the boxes around with the cat inside. When you have three cats and three dogs things break. Lucky for us we are down to but a few glass bulbs and they were packed away in a foam box. Yesterday with a trusty ax the little woman went out and hacked a tree down. Taking Buddy with her they went to the stand of pines and with a few well placed blows they were soon back at the cabin, tree laying on the deck. Bud sitting next to the tree with a look on his face like he had done something.

With some trimming the base of the tree found it's way into the tree stand and was secured in the corner of the living room. It did not take more then a few minutes for the cats to be inside the branches of the tree and the tree took on it's own life as it shook in the stand. Cats are getting bigger so I did add an extra support wire to hold the tree up. I then retreated to the garage to work on the ice house. At least that is what I told the wife. Sitting in the ice house with the heater on and my feet up on the kick rail I could just make her out through the window as she made her way around the cabin. With the sun dipping behind the trees the lights in the cabin came on as did the strings of Christmas lights that she was hanging inside the windows. Looks like she must have seen Big Earl and gotten some more lights. I still don't know where she hides all this stuff. I made my way into for a refill of ice for my Wild Turkey and had to wade through empty boxes with cats inside them and all three dogs sitting at the base of the tree acting innocent.

Hands on her hips she was holding her breath and I could see her thinking. Not good I turned but did not make it to the door. " Honey, I need you to hang a few things for me" With hammer in hand I made my way to the living room while my ice for my Wild Turkey melted. It took most of the afternoon and well into the evening before she announced that she was done. The dogs had left and gone to sleep in the bedroom away from all the clutter. The one cat Buff was laying in a mess of colored ribbon that he had gotten a hold of. The tree shuttered a little and gave away where Smokie his brother was hiding. My glass held nothing but clear water and I was a little parched. The cabin was decorated, except for the bottom three feet of the tree. Dogs, cats and grand kids always take care of the bottom of the tree. From dogs walking by and knocking things off with their tails to the cats finding decorations to bring to the far reaches of the cabin. Grand kids will decorate the bottom of the tree when they come to visit and that is an ongoing project.

As soon as the wife put on the Michael Bolton Christmas CD I made my move for my coat and back out the door. Telling her I had to turn the garage lights off I made it outside. Barney followed me and the two of us walked to the garage under some light falling snow. Looking back behind us our tracks stood out in the fresh snow and the blinking light from the cabin windows. Standing in the garage doorway, out of the falling snow the cabin did look good I must admit. Fresh snow on the deck and a few small icicles hanging from the eve. The flat ice of the lake and twinkling of lights from the neighbors across the bay. No tracks in the snow but ours and the distant sound of Christmas music faintly heard from the cabin. OK, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.. From Lake Iwanttobethere [87,842]

Just a few days from the ice house fling and the final sign up sheet has been posted. The draw was made and here is the order of this years fling. Skinny's, Tess, Nytelyter, Big Earl, Johnson brothers, Hunterdown, Bobby Bass the Secret shack and the sparrow club's entry. Friday night the pre launch gathering will be held in the Lodge and courage will be poured and emergency plans discussed. Skinny will be doing double duty this year as he is also going to sit in Alert One this year. After my experience in Alert One last year no one really wanted to go in it. Skinny says it has been reinforced and during summer tests it was dragged behind a speed boat and remained dry inside.

Now that we have some snow the cold has followed. We are making ice at night and I am guessing we are still doing it during the day as it has not gotten anything close to be called warm during the day. Hammering Hank this years fling director, has had to post signs on the ice announcing the fling. The tourist who are fishing from the big cites still for some reason think the only place they can fish is inside the area where the orange barrels have been placed. They do tend to scatter some when the test log is loaded into the bungee and they hear the tractor pulling the bungee back. Hank and Skinny have not launched the log for a few days but they seem to enjoy watching the fishermen scatter.

Lots to do in the next few days as we are getting deliveries in and we, the Lodge will be having a tent down at the landing. We have to make up batches of chili and Coney sauce and of course we will have some Hamms on tap and the bar will be stocked with Wild Turkey. We should have more information for you on fling day otherwise a full report on Sunday.. From Lake Iwanttobethere {87,990}

Well, I certainly hope it's not to late to enter. You wanted 10, and only have nine! This has been such a great tradition, we could pass this oppitunity up any longer.
Been polishin' the heck out of the 316 stainless steel bottom of our small 6x8 with our special ingredient(GOLD) for the last 2 weeks.
Not worried about where we end up,(as long as it's on the lake)Hopefully, with the shiney bottom, the fish will react to the bright reflection and come right in, shutting down the rest of the lake. We will also want to go with a 3/4 pull(Michelob is not a big mouth) So the waste/littering should not be a problem. The pull should get us away from the middle of the lake and onto the shallower water off the deep hole. We realize that this puts us way off the main road, that will only save on the fish population. A sacrifice we must make to save the future of the lake.

Burrr, we are making serious ice now!!! As I write this it is a minus 5 here at the lake and we have both fireplaces in the Lodge going. Bud is by one and Barney by the other and neither has moved other then to move away from the fire when their coats start smoking a little. We have added another flinger so to speak to the list. A late entry 1lkstatge has signed on and has gotten his shack to Dug's in time. This means that Skinny will not be flung but will be in Alert One the entire launch time. I had failed to list Elmers shack so we did have an opening. Our forecast is in for the fling.. Temps to rise in to the upper 20's and a good chance of snow in the afternoon. A snowstorm is predicted for Sunday and then it is going to get really cold for even these parts as Sunday night it will be in the -20's Good time to get the houses on the ice, bank them with snow and then hunker down for a few days.

A few other notes here, There has been a rumor going around about some of them environmentalists showing up at the fling. They are going to protest that we are using trees to anchor the bungee cord to. If they show up, Hammering Hank says he already has a plan in place to remove them from the area. We, in the committee have been told it involves a test ride from the fling.. Also Lodge members are reminded that with cold weather here you are asked to stop by the wood pile on your way into the Lodge and bring in a stick or two with ya. We don't want anyone going out to the pile in the wee hours of the morning after drinking Turkey and get themselves turn around out there. The fling is a mandatory Lodge event, and we expect to see everyone here. There is a sign up sheet on the end of the bar for things that need to be done. If you don't sign up then you will be assigned tasks as needed. There are still slots open for Alert two, Slope groomers, beer tenders in the tent, Gus could use a hand with the BBQ and parking never has enough guys. With snow in the forecast a few more spotters would be good and bonfires will need to be kept burning.

Remember the fling party for all flingers will be held tonight in the Lodge and there are insurance wavers to sign and also Reed The Realtor will be here to sell life insurance to ever one who is interested. Lots to do today but we want to keep you up to date. If you need to get a hold of me I will be at Dug's garage doing some last minute adjustments to my shack from Lake Iwanttobethere {88,063}

Welcome to the Ice House Fling!

Well the day after the fling. Right now we are in the middle of a blizzard. Here at the Lodge you can just see the landing and parking area below the Lodge. Between gusts of wind and snow coming off the Lodge roof I can just make out what looks like the base camp of an abandon arctic expedition. Actually we did not have time to put things away before the storm hit. The main tent is still standing but the doors are flapping in the breeze and already enough snow has started to drift that the orange barrels are nothing but mounds of snow with a dash of orange color on top. Several ice shacks are stacked along the shore, they did not make it out on the ice. The mini donut trailer is chained to the softball fence and does not look like it is going any where real soon. We can't see any of the ice town that is out on the ice, to much snow and wind. With the CB crackling over in the corner of the Lodge we are staying in contact with several residents who have decide to ride out the storm in their shacks. For them it is an adventure, at least that is what Elmer said when he filled a baggie with pickled eggs from the bar and along with Marv headed out on the ice..

It being a silently Sunday I am left alone with my laptop here by the Lodge main windows so I jotting down some thoughts about yesterdays launch. The day started off cool with just a light breeze. For the past several days we have gotten a little snow overnight. Last year we had two snowstorms right before the launch and actually we had to much snow on the slope and on the ice itself. This year we just managed to have enough to allow a somewhat smooth transition from the slope to the lake ice. Ice fling director Hammering Hank did a fine job of organizing the launch, as we had no major problems.

At ten a.m. with some light snow falling we had the parade from Dug's garage through town to the public access. The shacks remain under tarps during the parade but after being unloaded at the park the covers were taken off for final inspections and public viewing. The first thing we noticed is that there has been a lot of thought into these new shacks. Someone has had a lot of free time on their hands over the summer. I toned my shack down this year, I was just launching the center section and will add the solar dome later along with the bowling alley, skeet shooting deck and of course the built in flip out BBQ. Also the wine rack was removed for safety reasons along with the keg holder. I did have the converted barber's chair secured with extra bolts to the floor.

Elmer put a lot of time into his shack as he covered one entire wall with the crappie scales. Kind of like a heat shield. I don't even want to guess how long it took to do that but as Elmer says when you get old that is all you have, time. Big Earls shack was the same as always, a big old block of a shack made out of logs, but he did go a little modern as his lights on the outside that spell out THE GENERAL STORE are all LED's. At the park he was busy handing out 2009 calendars and shaking hands. The inside of his shack is empty except for the folding chair that is tied to the center post. Once the shack is on the ice Earl will load it up with goods for sale.

OK, so while the houses were open up for a final inspection the crowd started to grow. Already the better spots off to the sides of the bungee were taken up. Small bbq's were in use along with a few of them turkey deep fryers. The main tent was busy as cocoa was being served and the mini donut wagon had a line. Hot pretzels on a stick steamed in the cool air and most of the teenagers were at the softball field now converted into a skating rink. The local ATV club was at the edge of the shoreline ready to act as a chase team if needed. Sunshine Ray and Stormy Clearweather were doing a remote for the radio station KCUM and handing out bumper stickers. They were down near the shoreline and they had a large weather balloon on a tether. This year they were not leaving it unattended as the local kids shot up last years balloons with pellet riffles.
Parade this year was pretty uneventful, went off without a hitch. Even though we have snow on the ground it was nothing like last year so there was no one on cross country skis and only one person was seen using their snowshoes. Just about everyone from town is at the hill and there is low rumble of noise from all the conversations going on. Last years snow queen who was pregnant was given a second chance and rode the flatbed trailer with her court again this year. All the ladies and their kids looked great. The bust of cheese in her likeness made it with the crackers to the main tent. With the lack of snow this year there was no need for Frank the plow driver to make a path for us. He did how ever bring up the rear.

We did come up with our ten needed shacks for the flings, Some are regulars and are here every year and as always we have a few new ones. Some who were here last year are not with us. Tess in her baby blue eggshell shack is back. We have found out that she is a strong woman and if Hank was not going to let her be flung then he was not going to be flinging anyone. The luck of the draw had her going out second. I should give a little history here as some people who come to the fling are new to the town or have not been here long enough to have been at a fling. It has become a tradition here at Lake Iwanttobethere to move the town to the ice come winter. Ice fishing is a big part of the town and we have what we pride ourselves in as being the best ice town anywhere. To be fair we have what is called a "fling" a long time ago the Lodge came upon two very large bungee cords and now we attached these two bungee cords to two sets of trees on the slope just below the Lodge. Using our tractor we can pull the bungee back and we insert ice shacks that have been reinforced for such a launch. The bungee is then pulled back anywhere from 1/8 pull to a full pull and released. Depending on the weight and construction of the shack it will sail down the hill and on to the ice.

Ten shacks are selected for the launch with the shack flung the farest winning a plowed road for the winter and a special prize package. In the second bungee our rescue shack name Alert One is on stand bye the entire fling. Loaded with equipment, if need be it can be flung after a shack in trouble. Such things as a life raft and bottles of Wild Turkey are standard in the Alert shack. There is also an Alert 2 but that is only used as a back up. After the ten houses have been flung other houses are free to use the bungee for their launch or like most people they are dragged out onto the ice. The area between the ten houses is where the town will set up. Houses can be placed out side of the flinged houses but they will not be provided with plowed roads and electricity.

After the houses are inspected and the general public has there one hour of walking through them they are dragged one at a time to the top of the hill. Even though Skinny will be spending the day sitting in Alert One he still wanted his shack shot out onto the ice. Skinny's shack as always is a converted fiberglass outhouse and it is placed in the sling and only a 1/8 pull is needed to send it skipping down the ice and in the general direction of Root Beer Island. It seems the shack had gotten one of the runners stuck in the grove made from firing the test log down the ice covered slope. Skinny gave a thumbs up to the location and with an assist was secured in Alert One and the door closed.

Tess's baby blue house with the pink curtains was then loaded in the bungee and with a wave to her husband at the control took a ¾ pull and was a blur as it flew down the slope. Hitting the ice it took to the air and landed on the ice like a figure skater and gracefully flew across the ice. A pink curtain streamed out along the house and we later found out that the landing had broken a window out. Using the spotter scope we watched as with the lack of snow Tess's house just continued to glide across the ice. Finally coming to a rest we saw Tess get out of the house and set off her flare letting everyone on shore know she was OK. Actually the shack was closer to her and Hammering Hanks cabin then the landing, I think that was the plan.

Next up was the tell tale John Deer painted shack of Nytelyters. There was a delay here as we could not locate Nytelyter and he was finally found behind some cases of root beer with Mandy. After securing the shack in the sling and Nytelyter giving the thumps up from a window the Shack was launched also with a ¾ pull. This shack was heavier and we could see Nytelyter in the window as he roared down the slope. Hitting the ice he was in the same grove as Tess untill the side wall of the shack folded down reviewing fireworks motors. Clear of any spectators the fireworks were set off sending rolling balls of fire across the ice. The crowd on shore yelled and clapped loudly. With just some trails of smoke coming from the side of the shack we can see here on the slope that the shack was doing a slow curl towards Root Beer Island. A few minutes later it came to a stop and a final burst of fireworks headed skyward. The signal that Nytelyter and his shack were OK. Skinny clicked on the radio and said he was ready to go, we told him Nytelyter was OK and there was no fire, just sit tight. Skinny double clicked back and went back to his crossword puzzle.

Elmer's five by 10 foot shack was loaded in the sling with the crappie scale front. A ½ was requested and Elmer entered his shack. He was wearing a special suit of sheet metal and we strapped him into his seat and applied expanding foam as requested. He had one of them nascar helmets with the strap on to hold his head in place and yelled at everyone to get out of the way as he was in a hurry. With no fan fair the horn was blown and the shack was flung down the hill. Following the same track as the others before it things look good till it hit the ice. For some reason it flew up on its nose and skidded across the ice. Fish scales flying in all directions. It came to a stop and the crowd was quiet as we waited. The door popped open and a grappling hook shot out from inside the house. Elmer appeared at the doorway and pulling the rope the house fell back down on its runners. Elmer then shot off his white flare and the guys on the rescue ATV's turned their motors back off.

Next up was the General Store's Log Cabin shack. We had to get several guys from the Lodge to assist getting the shack into the sling and a ½ pull was requested. Big Earl wearing his carharts and bright red apron climbed in and secured the door. The led lights were turned on and started flashing. The horn sounded and the bungee groaned as it was released. Slowly the shack started to move down the hill, the two runners digging ruts in the slope it plowed through the hump at the bottom of the hill and with a slight turn to the right from a bent runner came to a rest just a five iron shot away from shore. Big Earl came out of the shack and just waved at everyone. Retreating into the shack he reappeared and put his chair on the roof to watch the rest of the fling.

A town favorite the Johnson brothers carried the shell of their VW bug to the launch site. Several other guys from the lodge pulled the toboggan with their supplies along side. A keg of Needabeer was locked into place as a runner and a keg of WhynotAle was secured on the other side. With one brother going in through the trunk the other entered through the engine compartment. A 1/3 pull was requested and with everyone pushing up against the boundary ropes the bug was shot off down the hill. As expected from previous launches it was a train wreck. The first contact with the ice and the bug went end over end, spinning sideways with an occasional flip the bug skidded across the ice. From our vantage point behind the bungee we could see it was heading towards Big Earls shack. When it looked like they were going to hit for sure the far side keg broke loose. The bug hit the shack with a glancing blow and looking like a kid's top lost forward motion but spun like a giro. We stood on shore and watched the spinning bug slowly move across the ice, finally it slowed and then came to a stop. The hood popped open and one of the Johnson brothers hit the ice running, In a straight line he retrieves the lost keg and returned to the bug. Anyone else would have been dizzy and dazed and would never have made that run but it being the Johnson brothers they most likely had been drinking since yesterday in preparation. The brother climbed back in the bug and the hood slammed closed. A few seconds later a white flare was seen tossed out from the other end.

One of the more interesting shacks was in the sling next. Hunterdown, a new Lodge member must have spent to much time getting advice from our bartender Gus at the Lodge. Hunters shack which did meet launch approval is a converted pontoon. Where the deck house would be is now a 6x6 shack bolted to the decking of an old pontoon boat. A nice safety feature having them pontoons come spring. The interesting part was the deer stand on the tripod legs on top of the roof of the ice shack. I suppose it would be a good vantage point to spot schools of crappies moving beneath clear ice. The entire shack was painted in a white and gray camo pattern and per rules it had to have some color. A wide red band of red paint encircles the entire rig and it did kind of look like something the coast guard would sail. The rig was placed in the sling and no one could find Hunter. He was there all the time as he was wearing matching gray and white camo and no one noticed him standing next to the side of his shack. With a half pull the horn sounded and the shack made its way down the hill. Actually it was one of the better launches as with the ridge on the bottom of the hill flatten and the shack's pontoons riding above the ruts it gracefully slid out on the ice to disappear. It came to a rest and Hunter climbed the tower and held his flare overhead waving it from side to side.

Now our rivals the Sparrow club from across the lake entered an unmanned shack built from cardboard milk cartoons. Last years papermache shack was cut in half from the bungee and rules were rewritten to out law a repeat of that. This year they built the cardboard shack and with the 4x4 in the rear it did pass the support inspection. There was question about not having a rider but the rule was waved for them as we didn't want to get in to a long argument with them. The shack was loaded in the sling and with a 1/8 pull was shot down the slope. It took a straight path to the General Store shack where it exploded on impacted! Big Earl did look somewhat surprised as the cartoons came tumbling down around him. Not being wasteful Earl set off a white flare that he was OK and then preceded to put the flare into the center of the remains of the Sparrows club shack. The members from the Sparrow club immediately sought out Sheriff Tim looking to stop the Fling and press for charges for destruction of property. Sheriff Tim listen to them and then wrote them a ticket for littering.

Another resident and first timer to the Fling with a small 6x8 house Stadge was loaded into the sling. Asking for a ¾ pull we scratched our heads a little. The ¾ pull was announced and the crowd gather up spotting scopes and binoculars. The horn sounded and the small shack flew down the slope. The light from bonfires were reflected off the stainless steel runners under the shack. With just a little air it skipped across the ice quickly flying by Earls and then the bug. A moment later and Elmers shack was left far behind. Only the spotting scopes could see the reflection of the runners as the small shack sailed across the ice. Gus with the big spotting scope on the Lodge deck said he could just make out the shack on the other side of the bay, It looks to have come to a stop just pass the bluff. A puff of white smoke was seen by Gus and it was relayed to the crowd that the little shack was OK. Looks like we have a winner for the farest shack.

Now the big boy was hauled into the sling. This shack came in on a flat bed a few weeks ago and it did pass inspection but we have not seen the owner yet. A converted Air Stream trailer it was a thing of beauty for these parts. Resting on hand polished oak runners it was all of thirty feet long. Had a dish TV mounted on the roof and a wine rack almost as big as mine. The fireplace was an added touch. A rather lanky looking guy wearing a full face shield came to the sling and producing a key undid the lock and waving to the crown stepped inside. A moment later and the rear window open and a hand appeared giving the thumbs up signal. A full pull was on the release sheet and the bungee was pulled back all the way. The tractor puffed black smoke as it dug into the snow and then the release. Looking more like a silver bullet the shack flew down the hill, gaining speed as it rushed pass the crowd. Hitting the ice the satellite dish popped off the roof and bounced along side the shack. Traveling across the ice it made graceful, control turns across the ice, this thing was being steered! It flew pass Earl's missing it by a few feet, with another course correction it slid past the Johnson brothers. Heading directly for Elmers shack it made a smart correction and drifted around Elmers shack, but there was a problem as the dragging TV dish snagged Elmers grappling hook on the ice. With a lurch Elmers shack broke loose and was being dragged behind the Air stream. Not as graceful now the Air stream started sliding sideways across the ice. It came to a rest with Elmers shack bumping to a stop along it's side. Elmer was out in a flash and looking like the tin man he stormed the Air streams door. With our binoculars we saw the door open and the helmet come off the driver. It was Marv! Tess's father. The two of them pounded each other on the back and climbed inside the Air stream. We found out later that day that Marv has retired and has decided to move to the lake. He wanted to surprise Elmer and so he did.

Well, that bring us to me. Like I said before I am just launching the center section of my ice house and after looking where everyone has come to rest I asked for just a ½ pull. Climbing in I strapped myself in my barber's chair and gave the thumbs up signal. I took a nice pull and like a curler I brought the hammer home to rest in the center of the new ice town that is Lake Iwanttobethere. {88,157}

HIYA from Lake Iwanttobethere. We are a week out from Christmas and it has almost been a week since the ice house fling. Been kind of busy around here and like everyone there is not much free time to be had. Since the little blizzard we had the day after the fling the town has settled down. The snow was nicely timed as people were able to get their houses out on the ice and then they had snow to bank them. Hammering Hank was out with the plow and the roads are all in and with banks they can clearly be seen. Perch Drive and Crappie Lane already have their signs up and Main street has it fire barrels out and community fishing holes. Vicki from the Masterbaiters shop is back and she is open and doing a brisk business. Once again it seems the crappies are hanging out near Root Beer Island and a lot of houses out that way. Mindy and Mandy have their shop open and the hot cocoa is at the ready.

More snow in the forecast for this weekend, Sunshine Ray and Stormy Clearweather agree we are in for another storm. They just can't come together on how much we are going to get. During the last storm there was a report of three inch snow flakes coming down. Not to hard to believe as this is Lake Iwanttobethere. Bungee and the test log are back in storage and we have a good base for the luge. If we get the snow like they are saying we should have the run open before Christmas eve. Already some of the guys are leaving the Lodge and taking sleds down the slope and out on to Main street. The General Store ice house is stocked and Earl is spending a lot of time down there. Pretty good job as between customers he is fishing. I guess when you are the owner there are some perks.

I did get the solar dome installed on my shack, but there has not been a sunny day yet to see if it is working. With the forecast it may be several days before I will find out. Elmer has been spending his time out in the air stream with Marv. Marv has decided to retire and has moved to the lake to be closer to his daughter Tess and his son in law Hammering Hank. When he was here Marv and Elmer hit it off and the two of them are making an interesting pair. They do come in to the Lodge in the evening and are hitting the cribbage tables as a doubles team. Winning a lot they are quickly becoming the team to beat. Skinny is busy trying to figure out their "code" then he and Gus will challenge them. Reed the Realtor is looking for a cabin for Marv and Marv has shown some interests in the nudist cabin out on the point. Don't know if it is for sale or not but Marv mentioned he liked the view on that end of the lake.

Lodge has it's Christmas party coming up, Town Hall meeting and also Lodge meeting all in the next two weeks. First ice fishing contest will also be held and the prize list for the longest shack fired from the sling was posted. This years winner received coupons from Midgets Dirty Air Ducts cleaning service, Mini Blinds from Tess's, Two extra large pies from Del's Pizza and Sub Shop. Ten free tanning sessions from down at the car wash and a Sleigh ride from old McDonnell farm. Of course they also get a dozen crappie minnows a day free from the Masterbaiters shop and a plowed road for the winter to their shack.

Starting to snow here and I do have to help Skinny with some projects around the Lodge. We still have not blown out the big ice shed as we just got the snow thrower repaired. Seems some one did not secure the Christmas lights on the Lodges eve very well and when the side walk was being cleared it grabbed a fallen end of lights and the auger pulled the lights off the Lodge and wrapped them around the snow thrower. We ended up bring it inside the Lodge to thaw and then it took us almost a entire bottle of Wild Turkey to untangle the mess. We were in no shape to climb ladders to put the light string back up so it had to wait a day. Also there was the problem Skinny was having with his arms as the lights were turned on when the snow thrower grabbed them. Did you know that a snow thrower will conduct electricity from Christmas lights? With Skinny not being able to use his arms for awhile due to the dumbness, excuse me I meant to say numbness he had to drink his Turkey through a straw. We all did the same as a sign of solidarity and we saw he was drinking more turkey then us that way. Hope to see your shack out on the ice soon and just a reminder that there are still a few more shopping days left before Christmas. Hope ya are thinking of getting yourself something nice, I know I am.. From Lake Iwanttobethere. {88,278}

Merry Christmas from everyone here at Lake Iwanttobethere..

Lodge is busy today it being Christmas Eve the members have their kids and grand kids here. Lodge is holding a Christmas party for the kids and this gives a last minute break for the parents to get some late shopping in or just a plain break if needed. Early this morning Tim's Dairy dropped off a thousand of them 4 oz ice cream cups along with the little wood spoons. Funny how even on a cold day no one can turn down free ice cream. Actually the sun is out and the bass thermometer has climbed up in to the middle teens, above zero! Wind is nothing to talk about and the snow has finally come to a stop. This morning we plowed the Lodge parking lot and the ice town is all plowed out. Public access has plenty of parking and we are proud to announce that the Luge is up and running. With all the snow of the past several days we did not have any problem at all building a pile big enough for the take off point. Plastic sleds can be rented here at the Lodge and then left down on the ice at the General Stores shanty. Even a few of the wood toboggans have made the run with Hammering Hank being the first to take the trip down the hill. The pair of Elmer and Marv were the most interesting pair to go down as they tried to balance their full minnow bucket and thermoses. They did make it to the bottom of the run and then dragged the toboggan the rest of the way to their ice shack. With all the kids going down the luge it seems to be getting faster and the runs are going farther out onto the lake ice. Lodge members are taking turns dragging kids back up the hill using the bomb a deer.

A little excitement this morning as Big Earl was dressed up as Santa and was standing a tad to close to the fireplace. Well he caught his backside on fire and was the center of attention as he ran around the room. He finally was tackled and knocked to the floor where a perfectly good pitcher of Hamms was poured on his backside. Earl was OK as he was wearing his NASCAR fire suit underneath. Don't ask why he had that on. Tess was here and with her ever handy sewing kit she made repairs to the suit. There was however a loss of maternal and Skinny had to take over as Santa. Something about a tall skinny guy as a Santa with a gut that is a little scary.

Gus is on the grill and hamburgers and hot dogs and the occasional burned brat fills the air. Mindy and Mandy are here and root beer is free to all. Mini donuts fill the air with the smell of cooking oil and the sound of the paper bags being filled with air and then smashed against the side of a leg to echo across the ice. Ice fishing contest going on from noon till four. Prizes will be awarded then and we will call it a day as the sun will be going down. Lodge will still be open but it being Christmas eve it will be quiet here. I may stay around to play a few hands of cribbage and make sure the grill gets put away. Christmas lights are all back in working order and the tree is decorated and presents will be tucked under it for tomorrow.

Between kids here I just wanted to say Merry Christmas to everyone. Hope you have a fine holiday and hope to see you here at the lake soon. Always room in one of the shacks for you to come and sit a spell or an empty bar stool here to park it. From Lake Iwanttobethere {89,208}

Another Christmas here at Lake Iwanttobethere is coming to a close. A good day weather wise, cold enough to remind you that it is winter and some sun to keep you outside. At the crack of dawn grand kids made the assault on the tree in the living room. Parents sat on chairs with steaming cups of coffee made from one of ma's gifts. Some flavored imported stuff and tiny cookies from the plate left for Santa. As usual the smallest one found the empty boxes and wrapping paper more fun to play with then the gifts. That is until she came to the box with the stuffed monkey. Compressed inside the box as the ribbon was broken the monkey expanded and grew in front of the tot. The two wide eyes of the stuffed monkey met the two wide eyes of the tot and that was all she wrote. The two of them spent the rest of the day arm in arm. Grandpa picked the right gift.

Adults exchanged gifts and grandma's boxes of hats and socks and gloves were open. Gag gives were exchanged and some fishing tackle found it's way into waiting hands. A few gifts required assembly and tool boxes were open along with glasses dangling on the end of a nose peering over instructions written by some one who went to MIT. After awhile things were all put together and the extra parts were stored in boxes and set off to the side. Wrapping paper is gathered and stuck inside the big black garbage bag. Order is somewhat restored and the living room floor has the look of a battlefield with toys and ribbon scattered about. Grand kids with nothing but the whites of their eyes head out the back door. Properly bundle against the cold they are released to play in the snow and try out the new sled. Dogs follow the kids and with in minutes the once trackless lot is now covered with footprints. Parents gather at the windows and watch as the oldest pulls the sled and the others follow in the deep snow.

The smell of turkey in the oven and potatoes boiling on the stove, steam on the windows and a mixture of candles burning in the arch way. Some sticks of apple from the tree that went down a few years ago burn brightly in the fireplace. Hot cider with cinnamon sticks clink in mugs and the lights on the tree twinkle. Soft laughter and the cabin is cozy and warm with family. After dinner we all bundle up and pulling sleds we step out onto the ice to fish for a few hours. The silence of the ice is disturbed with the auger blowing blue smoke up into the air. Ice shavings spin off the blades and kids quickly move to the holes to look down into the water. Rigs are set up and pails tipped over. The big blue cooler is open and kids take off mittens to reach for grandma's fudge. The son in law is first to strike with a small perch. His brother in laws quickly shame him into releasing it back down the hole. The grand son catches an even smaller fish and is rewarded with praise on his fishing prowess. No more fish are caught but it is still a successful day on the water.

Back at the cabin the ladies head to the kitchen and the kids return to the toys. Menfolk sit with feet up and watch as kids find ways of using toys for things other then they were intended. Lincoln logs are mixed in with tinker toys to create walls to be attacked by GI Joe's. The wall holds up till the battery powered four wheel drive pickup trucks ram them. Mothers come out of the kitchen to correct their children in the proper way to play. Men encourage the kids to double the Lincoln logs and reinforce the walls with couch cushions. Late supper is served and turkey sandwiches and pumpkin pie soon has everyone ready to go to bed. Kids say goodnight and grabbing their new found favorites head to the bedrooms. Moms clear a path and with glasses of wine snuggle with their spouses. Old stories of Christmas past are retold and we all sit in the light of the Christmas tree and the flickering of the fire in the fireplace. With the day coming to a close and with the sound of the grandfathers clock chiming out eleven bells we decide to call it a night. Standing up and stretching I am the first to see the two does walking across the yard between the cabin and the lake ice. They stop and give us a perfect picture as they stand still for a moment and we get to watch them and the moonlight reflecting on the snow covered ice of Lake Iwanttobethere {89,326}

A balmy plus thirty-six out as I write this. Here at Lake Iwanttobethere it is our turn for some mixed weather. After receiving several snow storms in the past few weeks now we have unseasonably high temperatures today. Just waiting for the other boot to fall as this is all going to freeze as soon as we get cold again which is a given. Last night we had drizzle and I took advantage of it today as I have already cleaned off all the decks of snow and we are right down to the bare wood again. With all the packed snow I was thinking it might be awhile before I saw the deck wood again. Critters will have an easier time of it as soon as this freeze comes back as all the deep snow will have a hard crust on it. The dang gray squirrels are out and have spent the morning raiding the bird feeders. I should run the Dodge down to the car wash and give it a good rinse but I called Earl and he said there was already a line down there.

From my vantage point here at the cabin the ice town looks to be pretty busy. Can make out a lot of colored coats moving between the houses and snowmobiles making the run out past Root Beer island. Smoke coming out of the workshop over at Elmers. Looks like he has a project going on as I can see his snow blower parked out on the drive and the doors are wide open. Bud and Barney are sleeping in the living room, with no presents under the tree they now climb under it to sleep. Boys have taken the grand kids out on the ice to fish and the ladies have all gone into the big city to shop. I guess there are no bad days to shop. Looking a the new years Honey DO List. adding a few things and making sub lists. Just about time to start thinking about doing taxes and books for the Lodge. I like to get a head start on that but today I think I am going to stay here at the cabin and enjoy the peace and quiet. I do have the snowshoes handy and I am thinking a walk on the trail might be in order. With this warm weather if the sun peeks out at all I am sure the grouse will be out. Bud lifts his head and looks at me. Sometimes I swear that dog can read my mind. He must have overheard me thinking about grouse hunting.

Still eating leftovers, Ham and Turkey from the fridge and tins of cookies on the countertop. Rolls are all gone and I do have that on my short list to go to Amy's and pick up some more. I was looking for fudge but that is all gone. Had to dig out the fire pit yesterday and wrapping paper that was to torn to be salvaged was added to the cardboard and burned. A few broken sticks were added and the kids roasted some marshmallows in the coals after the paper was gone. Always something nice about hearing the crackle of an outdoor fire when you are surrounded by snow. Winter does have it's own sets of sounds that you don't hear in the summer. Sitting on the ice and hearing the deep, sharp crack of ice is still unnerving the first few times of a new season. Hearing the wind as it comes across the ice bring swirls of snow with it. The clanking of someone pounding on metal from the other side of the lake just seems to carry in the winter. The ten o'clock freight working it's way around the far side of the lake is always a winter favorite sound.

Well next week will be busy here at the lake, we have the end of the year Lodge meeting, town hall meeting, New Years Eve party. New Lodge members will be sworn in, ice fishing contest. In the next month we will have more ice fishing contests, Ice will need to be harvested for the Ice House, Winter carnival, Beer tasting days. Something else we are working on will be a Luge contest and the ladies of the Lodge are in the planning stage of a big sit down fancy supper. I have to add that on to my list here, another calendar so I can keep track of everything that is going on. Well the sun does not look like it is going to come out but it has gotten a few degrees warmer. I see the grand kids have made it up off the ice and are now busy making a snowman. Well that is something that I can surely help with, I have a long history of making snowmen. Perhaps one in the center of the driveway as a surprise to the ladies when they return from shopping is in order. From Lake Iwanttobethere.. {89,440}

Happy New Year everyone! Well in a few hours anyway. But then when most of you read this it will be the new year. I am hiding out here at the Lodge in my office. Taking a break from tending bar as it has been a long day. A little after ten here and most of the people are off the ice of Lake Iwanttobethere. Fishing is done for the evening and after today's events a lot have gone home for the night. We still have the fireworks display to be held at Midnight and under the lights we will be having a Luge contest on the Luge run. We will be sending down sliders side by side armed with roman candles so we can track their progress in the dark. We were hoping for a clear night sky but clouds have moved in. Not much of a moon out anyway but with the clouds the temperature has been slowly rising. Of course there are several bon fires going on down on the access and hot cider is being served. There is also some of that bayless stuff mixed in with some cocoa making the rounds.

Lodge meeting and the town hall meeting were both held this week as there were five Mondays and Five Tuesdays this month. Town is in good shape and the Lodge will be introducing several new members. Rather then just lumping their names all together here I will introduce them from time to time. I will make mention that Hunterdown has been made a full Lake Iwanttobethere Lodge member in good standing, and Hunter if you see this you need to settle up with Gus for the round that all new members buy. Sorry that all the members of the Lodge were here and you went over your credit card limit. Been awhile since we all had a drink from the top shelf of the back bar.

A little cool today out on the ice but it was sunny. I know the guys who were out curling had a good time and after the confusion with the guys who wanted to get in a few boccie games in was settled everyone was happy. It might not have been such a good idea putting the horseshoe pit out there so close to the curling, surprising how far them shoes can bounce on ice. Doc Burriem says the one guy should be fine when the swelling goes down. It was just good that there was some Hamms out there that could be applied to the swelling right away. On a dare Frank the plow driver was going to take his grader out on the ice to widen the curling rink. But someone had heard about a front end loader that had gone through the ice on a neighboring lake and we figured the grader weighed as much if not more. We like Frank and don't want him to lose his job so we passed the hat and gave both Frank and the tourist five dollars and called it a draw.

Mabel's Hot House and Sauna has been very busy ever since she dragged a ice house onto the lake that is also a sauna. She is set up just a few doors down from me on Main Street. Kind of disturbing to be in the shack jigging with the door open and see some one like Skinny pretty much buck naked running from the sauna to his shack. Even more disturbing is when Hammering Hank has locked Skinny shack and he has to make the run back to the sauna. If ya didn't see him going, ya sure saw him coming back.

A lot of cross country skiers have been out on the lake also. Taking the trail from the golf course they are making their way on to the snow covered ice and then coming off right below the Lodge. They stop in here to warm up and of course use the rest rooms. The yellow bucket sits near the door and you can hear Gus mumble as he has to mop up behind them as they tend to track a lot of snow in. Well looks like some more people have come in so I better get back out and help Gus. Not having a balloon drop this year at midnight but we did manage to get several dozen intertubes. We have them hanging from the ceiling and that should make things interesting. They being all black you can't see them up there in the rafters. Well you all have a happy New Year and we will see you all here at Lake Iwanttobethere...{89,700}

Well, I just returned from Senior Camp. As one of my Christmas presents I was given a few days at senior camp here on Lake Iwanttobethere. Having turned 660 months old this past summer I qualified to go. Senior camp is held when the owners feel like it. I was lucky enough to have receive a tip that camp was going to be open for a few days and I jumped on the chance to start off the New Year going to camp. Now I am sure some of you reading this have an idea already about what going to camp is all about. This is not like what your kids or grand kids go to in the summer. No computer camp no leadership camp no boy scouts or girl scouts. No intercity under privilege youth who sold cookies or tins of popcorn door to door. This is senior camp where old fashion values are at a premium and everyone is not a winner. As a matter of fact everyone is a loser. You don't get a letter for your jacket for perfect attendance. No certificates for spelling your name right and they only take cash, no credit cards.

Breakfast is at seven and plates are cleared at seven thirty. Chalkboard in the dinning room has the day's menu on it and you put a check behind what you want to eat. Sounds pretty ruff and nothing you would actually pay to do you say. But.... After breakfast the day is yours. No phone calls are accepted. The computer sits under a 80's plastic dust cover in the corner. Several cigar boxes sit on end tables next to well-worn lazy boy recliners. The chairs are so well used that there is no hesitation when you sit back into them. The leg rest glides out and locks in place and just a little forward motion returns the rest back into it place and the back comes up to let you exit the chair. Snow mobiles with full gas tanks and keys in them are lined up under a awing at the shoreline. You can take a sled and head out to the shanties or if you like someone will drive you out. You can spend the day or an hour out fishing and when you return you can clean your own fish or someone else will do it. If you want them for supper you tell the cook.

No TV but there are recliners facing the lake and if there are no clouds in the sky you can watch the sunset with a cigar in one hand and some warm brandy in the other. Their white sheepdog Merlin will sit by your side and search out your hand so he can get petted behind his ears. When you return to your room nothing has been touched. Your pants are wear you left them on the rug and your slippers are still on the floor of the bathroom. Farting is encouraged and crumbs on the floor are acceptable. Every story told is taken as fact and some interesting hunting and fishing stories are exchanged. Wife's and girlfriends are not allowed but stories of grand kids are. No one tells you to wipe your feet, but you do anyway. You buss your own dishes and it is just as easy to pour your own brandy as it is to wait to have it done. After a few days of this relaxing you find yourself ready to head back home.

So why do they call it senior camp? A good question. I guess because it makes you think you are out on your own when you are really always on your own. It makes you say thank you for things you take for granted and sometimes it is just nice not to have to put gas in the gas tank Guess it also proves to yourself you are not as big a slob as the wife makes you think you are sometimes. After going to senior camp I know now why the wife gets a beauty day from the daughters. Guess there is something to someone else cutting the cucumbers slices to put over your eyes. I missed the snow storm but returned to the cabin in time to do the cleaning up. I would say it is getting old but that is part of living here at Lake Iwanttobethere. One hundred and twenty days out from the beginning of a new open water fishing season. One hundred and twenty days and I'll be chasing Mr. Big again. One hundred and twenty days and shoveling snow and trying to warm up cold fingers on top of the toaster will be nothing but a memory. Senior Camp, hard to beat in the dead of winter. From Lake Iwanttobethere. {90,025}