Ice Fishing at Blind Lake!

I did it! I finally accomplished a goal that I have had for many, many years. To ice fish the majestic Blind Lake! And might I add-it was not easy!!! Without much information about snow level or accessibility, Phil, Zeng, and myself headed down to my Dad's place late Friday night. We woke up the next morning, loaded up, and we were on our way. Our hopes were diminished somewhat by a local fisherman telling us that there was a big tree down on the way to Blind and that nobody had been in this year. Even with the bad news we were not going to be stopped. About half way up the road that leads to the trailhead we unloaded Zenger's snowmobiles and took off. Life was good, the trail was easy to follow, and all was well (other than Z's sled tipping over once) until we reached the parking lot. There were no tracks of any kind headed up to the lake. We were obviously the only fools that had attempted this in 2008. Zenger went out ahead and found a way to the top of intial hill. Phil and I soon found out that we were very unexperienced snowmobilers. The powder was deep and the trail was rocky. If it weren't for Zenger's experience, I have no doubt that we wouldn't have made it! But we pressed forward and after burying the snowmobiles several times and hearing a few choice words from Z- We made it! The view was breathtaking! There is something about being at a lake that no one else has been at for quite some time. Especially in the middle of the Winter. After making our way out to our favorite float tubing spot, I drilled the first hole. About 24 inches of ice was beneath us. This was quite a relief to Phil, who could now relax and put his ice spikes away. My first hole was in 9.6 ft of water. It didn't take long before I had a hit. I calmly waited and set the hook. I secretly prayed that the fish I was reeling in wasn't a rainbow and sure enough my prayers were answered. I pulled a beautiful Brook Trout out of the hole and it was on. To make a long story short, we caught several nice brookies, some small cutts, and a few nice bows. The final was Zenger 10, Myself 7, and Phil 6. But to be honest catching fish was a bonus. It was unreal just being there. After fishing from about 11-3, we decided that we better get out of there, just in case the ride out was as tough as the ride in. It turned out to be much easier and we were to the truck by 4:15. After reaching the truck I looked back up at the Boulder Rim and realized what we had just done- It made us all feel a little more manly (other than the fact that I suck at riding snowmobiles).

Later that night we ventured out to the Parker to shoot a few bunnies. It was nearly dark and bitter cold when we reached the mountain, but we made the best of it. Zenger had a scope on his 22-250 and was plucking rabbits off left and right, including a monster Snowshoe Hare that he destroyed with one shot. The night did not end up on a positive note though. A fox darted across the road in front of us, and perched itself on a rock. This rock was no more than 20 yards ahead of us and I had a perfect shot. I only had my .22 in hand so I let Zenger shoot and unfortunately he missed. All I can say is that that fox had a higher powere looking out for him. That or Zenger had a little fox fever!!! It was a short trip, but one that will always be remembered and never forgotten.