Ramble without Storm: Love

COOK, Minn.–Mulling things on my morning ramble (without Storm, the family’s mixed Lab).

Setting out in the morning well before dawn, I heard a deer scramble up the bank of the road. I couldn’t see it in the dark.

A haunting call of the loon came from Lake Vermilion as I neared the crest of the hill.

Different things that rambling off mornings back home with the meathead.

I just entered my longest stretch away from wife in 18 plus years of marriage. And it feels different.

Last night, I climbed the hill to the hot spot for Verizon cell coverage and called home.

The two younger boys were home and talked. The one that ripped my heart out was the 8-year-old, who obviously wanted to talk and still calls me daddy.

Sorry, for slipping a little maudlin, but sometimes it fits.

A coyote sprinted across the road as I neared the end of the second road loop of my morning ramble here at Spring Bay Resort.

The Gil Hamm Memorial Chapter Challunge started a few minutes ago. Boat motors are starting and roaring out of Spring Bay in the darkness. Steve Statland.and I are waiting until a bit later to start fishing.

As I finished up, I saw the light from the cabin on the island. I think the Capital chapter of Muskies Inc. is staying there. At least they have a banner out.

I thought it looked scenic this morning with their light on in the dawn.

The Gil Hamm runs through Friday. Chicagoland Muskie Hunters chapter of Muskies Inc. is the host, because they won last year.

I am part of the Grumpy Old Men team, one of five six-man teams from CMH. The other team members are Paul Hortenstine, Statland, Brent “Bert” Cunningham and twin brothers Bob and Don Roman.

More to come, hopefully with fish stories.

I would love that.