OUTDOOR Adventures

Springing ahead…

Being one who equally enjoys all four of the seasons and what they have to offer, I have been catching myself trying to put winter in the rearview mirror a lot earlier than in years past. Maybe it is just a natural transition as my chronological clock is starting to tick faster? Usually, things like golf or baseball are not regular thoughts until at least the end of March but I must admit, images of a nicely manicured Par 5 with a slight dogleg to the right and a flat lie to the green, Veterans Park (Home of the Hastings Hawks) and CHS Field have been frequenting my thoughts quite regularly.

Don’t get me wrong, I love winter and all that comes with various outdoor activities available to enjoy around here. Ice fishing, snowmobiling, slapping the puck around at one of the outdoor ice rinks or just tromping through a fresh snow are all outdoor adventures that can be great fun, and that is just the tip of the iceberg (yes, I did that). Skiing, both downhill or cross country, sledding aka tobogganing for those who are old school, making snow angels, snow forts, snow “people” or even sculptures out of snow, there are many ways to stay active during the winter. I guess everything has a shelf life and for me, the winter shelf has gotten a bit shorter.

I am not totally ready to write off the winter weather and still holding out hope for a whip or two on the old Polaris. The Hastings SnoMos will be hosting their annual Vintage and Antique Show and Ride on Saturday, February 19th from 9am to 5pm at the Jay Frandrup Farm at 6925 160th Street East in Hastings (County Road 46 – just west of Hastings). It is a fun time with races, food, and fun for all ages. If you want to know more about the club or the event, go to www.hastingssnomos. org and check them out. Even if you are not a snowmobiler, seeing the old sleds is a “cool” experience (and yes, I did that, too).

The fish have been biting intermittently this winter and while I have not gotten out nearly as much as I did last year, the hopes to chase the panfish a little more is still on the radar. I know a few anglers who have become so frustrated with the slow bite that they have all but put their ice fishing gear away for the season. Just a reminder for them that a bad day fishing is still better than a good day working. Even a workaholic must take some personal time for a recharge every so often. All work and no play can make Mr. or Mrs. Happy-Pants become Mr. or Mrs. Grumble-Butt and it is safe to say that nobody likes hanging out with the Grumble-Butts. Even if your thoughts are advancing to the spring activities that lie ahead, look at the date of this newspaper and realize that it is still only February and in Minnesconsin, winter sports tournament season usually means at least one or two dumping’s of snow and a few frigid days.

Some of you may be wishing winter away while many wished it never existed. While playing golf, watching baseball, and having a cold beverage on a warm spring or summer day sure sounds nice, getting our hopes up too soon might not be to our advantage. If you are a Vikings fan, you will totally understand how ineffective getting your hopes up can be. So, unless you have a vacation that is scheduled to a destination like Florida or maybe even Arizona soon, getting out to enjoy a round of golf or checking out some baseball may not be in the cards. I will do my best to let you know about some of those outdoor adventures when we get back. Until then, let’s all make the best of it and “Get Out and Enjoy the Great Outdoors.”