Late: Southeast Minnesota Spring 2013

 

But it is here now.  A few indicators pictured below with captions.

 

 

Wild ginger (Asarum canadense, I think).  Started as a few plants a couple years ago, now thriving in the cool shade on the north side of the garage.  My hope is that it takes over the entire area.  One of my favorite plants; top indicator of spring underway, things to come.  If coverage becomes thoroughly installed we may harvest some root.  I've heard of folks doing it; never tried though, beyond pulling some in the woods just for the fragrance while walking around.  One of the most common plants of the Driftless Area forest floor.

Tomato plants coming along well.  About ready to put them out.  Always do far more than we can use, just due to tray sizes, seed counts, etc.  Give away the rest.

Good thing to get varying uses out of existing equipment.  Couldn't stomach buying a special lamp or set up for plants.  But, setting them in the window was not enough: too spindly.  So some minor adjustments to garage light were made.  The chains allow for adjustability as the plants get taller, so they can be kept close to the light but still have plenty of space.

Bought them with his own money.  $5 even, no tax for poultry.

Long weekend but only three hours of fishing.  Most streams were blown out.  Some were good though.  These images are give-aways for locals but no big deal.  This is no secret.  Water was gin clear.

At this pool there was a horde of nine inch fish feeding and flitting about.  We stood on high ground above them and flipped nymphs down...   watched them eat for about fifteen minutes.  Had to be a nice vision and good education for a little guy like DMW.

Would have stayed until 9 PM building on sandbars.  As it plays out with stream configuration, each pool has associated depositional features.  So if kids get bored casting they can dig like dogs without anyone to bother them or discipline them or get after them for not turning off lights.  It's a break for all parties, it seems.

I went crazy and took a picture of myself.  Highly questionable but I was curious and dwelling in one place more than anything.  This slot was loaded with fish and I crouched there for a good half hour.  Wondered if I looked like a yahoo to passerbys.  But in the end I like the blue sky and the flex of the 2 wt Sage.  It somewhat captures a bit of the low profile approach needed for small stream fishing.  Forgive me.

15 < Fish caught < 20.  Nearly all were the same year class  - nine inchers.  I think that means either three of four years old but I should confirm.  A couple bigger fish.  Five are in the freezer.  All nymphing.

Forget sometimes to just look at the water.  Wet wading is key.

Three shots out the window driving home.  Spring.  Home...