Funny how a little warm air lights the Kipawa fire...

[T-Bone]

Pretty nice weekend here in central Ohio...temps into the lower-60s yesterday. Got in some golf and Marco tossed a few plastic worms into the deep end of his pond and nailed three solid bass in less than a 1/2 hour. Temps looking in the mid-50s all week too...hopefully, Spring has sprung. Which brought this topic up last night across the Kipawa - May trip attendees...

"So...you think the warmer temps now will lead to an earlier ice off and warmer water temps when we're up there (May 22-25)?"

And the 2020 trips discussion fire was officially lit. It was 46F in Kipawa yesterday afternoon. Prevailing thinking was "yes"...earlier ice-off, warmer water temps in May, and bugs galore. Last May, Brian from Alwaki told me and Mattie we got out of there just in time and missed the bugs by only 2-days. We're counting on seeing them in force this year. Oh well...so it goes.

I haven't had to "prepare" for bugs in many years. Will have to dig out the bug suit, bed net, permethrin spray, duct tape, face mask, ear plugs, etc. HA HA HA!! I can't wait. 

73/137

[Hodgey1]

The fire is definitely lit , weather here has been crazy warm and sunny as well. I will pass on the fishing during bug season Todd, the fish would have to be jumping in the boat to make it worth while. The fishing in July and September when I go is alway good and nearly bug free. I give all of you that go during bug season lots of credit, but I’m out.

[Ira]

Fire is lit here after the last day of finding safe ice. Looking forward to this year's Canada trip, June 27. First time to Kipawa after the past 3 years at Ogascanan. Will miss the Mullins (great hosts!) but looking forward to something new.

[Fort Wisers]

Does the fire ever really go out?

[T-Bone]

Not really, but between October and March it goes down to embers... 

There is flame now...and soon a campfire...then a bonfire...then all-out blazing inferno...

71/135

[GregL]

Oh ya!.. Let's see

Replace lost/damaged cranks that produce for us from last year - CHECK!

Replace colors from our plastics that produce for us - CHECK!

Re-string all rods this year - CHECK!

Add new tracks to boat with new rod holders - CHECK!

Get Ulterra repaired under warranty - CHECK!

Fix Trailer brakes from lack of dealer PDI. - CHECK!

   Either the dealer or manufacture put exactly 0 amount of brake fluid in and improperly wired my reverse shut off!
   Dealer told me the trailer didn't come with a reverse override and that I had to use this stupid little key to override the
   brakes if I wanted to back up..

   NOPE! WRONG! It was wired incorrectly! Voila! I got a reverse override, launching is going to be so easy this year!!
   Now I just gotta bleed the brakes properly they are full of air!! UGH!

   Get truck serviced, that hurt! -- CHECK!
       3 ball joints and 2 leaf springs broken. Good to tow again.

Bring on fishing season!