By Chris Erwin
The weatherman was dancing around the map while pointing to our area proclaiming that Saturday was going to be in the 60s, so although my boat was still in the shop getting a new power head I couldn’t resist heading for the lake.
I figured it would be a good time to open the fish camp and get ready for spring. It had been months since my last trip to the lake. As a matter of fact the last time I was there it was New Year’s Eve. I turned down a party to go down back then. I had never spent a New Year’s Eve at the lake so it was an adventure to be there when almost everything was frozen solid.
This trip would be different. The forecast was calling for a 65-degree and sunny Saturday, while Sunday could begin a slide back into winter. I just couldn’t pass up a chance to head to the lake.
The trip down our gravel road once we were behind the gate was a view I have only seen a few times. The barren woods revealed things I had never seen. Nothing was blooming or sprouting and it all looked naked. However, the sun was shining like it was a summer day. The air was clean and fresh and felt warm on my face as I gazed out the window. My dog Tank was as excited as I was. He bounced around in the back seat popping his head out the window. He seemed to smile watching the squirrels run from tree to tree.
Once unpacked it was time to start the four-wheeler. It had been stored in a shed since the end of October and I was praying it would start. After removing all the locks and the cover I slipped in the key, set the choke and turned over the key. The green light came on indicating it had power. However, it turned over like it was full of molasses. The dreaded slow crank let me know it needed a boost.
I hooked up the battery charger and set it to boost start. The charger began to count down to attempt a boost start…3…2…1… I pushed the starter button again. This time it started so fast I could hardly tell it had time to crank. Once warmed up, I was ready for a ride.
Nothing compares to looking out over the lake while sitting on a mountain top. Even when the woods are still asleep in wintry slumber the view is a post-card beautiful vista. I watched the birds of prey soar over the water and mountains looking for dinner.
I headed down the mountain through a stand of giant pines where I end up at the water’s edge. I could see a couple of boats on the water fishing a crappie hole where some huge trees slid into the water a couple of years ago.
This 68-degree day was fleeting. I wake up Sunday to 35 degrees and icy rain. After working on the camp and listening the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team loose by one point to Florida, it was time for me to head out. As I made my way down the gravel drive an inch of snow was already on the ground and near whiteout conditions were setting in.
Till next time, keep a tight line. Good fishing!
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