About Gilbert Lodge
Tour Gilbert Lodge
Guest Dining Schedule
Visitors to Gilbert Lodge
Gilbert Lodge Car
Gilbert Lake Calendar
Quotes from the Project
The Specifications
Job Opportunities

__________________________
     

G L

 

Gilbert Lodge
 
Since 2004


 

 Back

                 Gilbert Lodge Blog
         The life and times of Mark and Paula Persons

Saturday, February 11, 2012: The Brainerd Jaycees held their annual $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza on Gull Lake, near Gilbert Lodge.  The event is a fund raiser for charity.

About 10,000 fishermen and fisherwomen went to Gull Lake just north of Brainerd, Minnesota.  They all took that first brave step onto the ice.  There were between 10 and 69 feet of depth below the 20 inches or so of ice. 

Click on the photo for a larger image. 

> Like an army, they marched onto the ice between rows of American flags.

Click on the photo for a larger image.

Some were in groups with a common name like the "Happy Hookers."

Click on the photo for a larger image.

>

This group used "big bait" to catch "big fish."

Click on the photo for a larger image.

Everyone seemed to have their own way of staying warm in the 10 degree temperature with a -20 degree wind chill factor. 

Click on the photo for a larger image.

> No one could get lost on the ice roads with signs like this.

Click on the photo for a larger image.

Many dressed to be seen at the event.

Click on the photo for a larger image.

>

Some wore fur to stay warm. 

Click on the photo for a larger image.  

The contest wasn't just for men, many women showed up as well.

Click on the photo for a larger image.

>

Friends Dave Cox and Kim Hauglie were there.  Kim runs her own blog at http://kimkay.blogspot.com

Click on the photo for a larger image.  

There was plenty of good eating and drinking going on too.

Click on the photo for a larger image.

>

Soon, fish were brought to the weigh-in tent by happy fishermen. 

Click on the photo for a larger image.  

A good sized northern was one of them.

Click on the photo for a larger image.

>

The winning fish was caught by Luke Botzek of Foley, Minnesota.  His catch was a 6.37 pound walleye.   Luke drove home in a new pickup truck.

Click on the photo for a larger image.  

For those out on the ice for four hours, there was nothing like the comfort of home. 

Click on the photo for a larger image.

>

 

Your well-dressed photographer/story teller, Mark Persons, showed off his winter wear.  It was "layers upon layers" of clothing.  Starting out with the usual clothing, he added full body winter underwear.  Then put a close-knit sweatshirt on, topped with snowmobile outerwear, a stocking cap, and three pairs of stockings in insulated boots.  He used an insulated tube to put his hands and camera in.  Inside were two chemical hand warmers.    

Click on the photo for a larger image.

 


Quote of the day:  Minnesotans are known to do crazy things in the winter.  Mark < Back to previous story Ahead to next story >

Questions, Comments?  

............... More about Gilbert Lodge

page last edited 02/16/2012