The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza is on!

It's official. The Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza scheduled Jan. 24 on Gull Lake's Hole-in-the-Day Bay was given the go ahead Wednesday by Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl. Dahl and other members of the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office checked the thickness of the ice in two different locations on Gull Lake where the contest will take place to see if the sheriff's office would issue the Jaycees the appropriate permit for the event. Dahl said the ice thickness typically must be at least 17 inches or more in order for him to issue the permit.

Gull Lake Map

I am surprised by the drop off but thought this map of Gull Lake depths was pretty cool.

Fargo FX series clip

The series "Fargo" on FX is based upon the classic Coen brother's film.  I'd say the dialogue is pretty accurate in terms of the lingo found on the tundra of Minnesota and North Dakota.  This series is a must watch of fans of Billy Bob Thornton, which plays the bowl haircut main character.  I haven't seen any of the episodes yet, but just watched the first seven minute clip below.  Check out this series...it is easy to relate to the endless snow, jello salad, ice fishing, hot dishes, fishing, hunting, and other stereotypical elements distinguishing this part of the country.

Official Ice Check for Jaycee's Fishing Extravaganza on Wednesday

Gull Lake: 1/11/15

The Brainerd Dispatch reported the official ice check of for the January 23rd $150,000 Ice Fishing Tournament will be conducted this Wednesday, but I don't think anyone planning to visit for the event should stay up late worrying about the results. While warmer weather will return to this area on Thursday (spring-like highs in the 30's) the last few weeks have been below zero cold.  I am sure the ice on Gull is plenty tick...I meant to say thick, and it may even be seasonably warm for the event this year. I don't plan on catching any fish at the tournament, but after attending for the last few years, it is an event for people watching and the entertainment is priceless.  Pick up your ticket and support a great cause!  You can't win the truck or money if you don't attend.  Good luck out there and keep your line in the water!

Gull Dam Swan Song Ice Fishing Minnesota

We drove around Gull Lake tonight to see if there were people out fishing but the traffic was pretty light.

We are going to start fishing down here in the evenings, so be sure to keep updated or become a member to hear about the catch.

The swans, despite having wings and instincts to do so, have decided to stay here in Minnesota on the small bit of open water to endure the Arctic temps.  Pretty but dumb swans.

No Lifeguard on Duty

Around this subarctic place...we ice fish.

ProBlogger Job Board Link

The pro blogger jobs board is fun to look through and many of the jobs are for specific niche areas such as a few of my personal favorites:

01/09eCig Vaping Bloggerat Kingly VapesCorporate/Business

01/09Thriving Cougar Contributorat Thriving Cougar, Inc.Co-blogging

01/09Award-winning content writer and creative bloggerat The Site SlingerBlog Networks

01/09Writers Needed Immediately for Adult Content Projects!at JB EnterprisesCorporate/Business

01/08Experienced Article Writers for Women's Authority Websiteat LadiesLifeBlog Networks

01/08Intellectual Property, Branding, and Startups Bloggerat Innovation to ProfitsCorporate/Business

01/08Content Curator For Blogs and eBooksat Digital DominationCorporate/Business

01/08Content Creatorat Penn Media LtdMiscellaneous

01/08Social Media / Internet Marketing Blogger Wantedat Elegant ThemesCorporate/Business

01/07Blog author to write real estate / house flipping articlesat Cornerstone CompanyCorporate/Business

When reading through this list, it may be tough to find a job or maybe you can connect with one of the diverse topics associated with these jobs. It is a good start for finding a part time blogging hobby job.

Brainerd Habitat for Humanity Restore

Habitat for Humanity's Restore, is a large retail warehouse specializing in second-hand building materials.  Restore is located in an unassuming industrial park in Brainerd, Minnesota, and the location is  open Wednesday-Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Despite the limited hours, discounted building materials of all kinds can be found for a bargain at Restore, and I have purchased used lumber, plumbing, housewares, windows, doors, and many other heavily discounted household and building materials.  Restore adds new inventory weekly, and many popular materials, like plywood, disappear rather quickly, so I always try to visit Restore early on Wednesday morning, so I can shop the newly added inventory, and save a great deal of money on the building supplies. Before finding Restore, I used to buy building materials for retail price, at the big box lumber stores. Restore is a great option for anyone interested in a great value on used building materials, and many other items.

Brainerd Jaycee's Ice Fishing Extravaganza

I have attended the Brainerd Ice Fishing Extravaganza for the last five years. It is a great event with a ton of prizes, but I have never caught a fish. The Jaycees are a great organization and the money from this event is donated to many great causes, but the reason I attend is due to the shock value of seeing this many people on the ice.  I was in awe the first time I loaded up my gear and climbed on the bus to head to this great event.  Here are some pictures to give you an idea of what it is like to attend this amazing event:

This picture is amazing when you realize it is -20 F with a 30 MPH wind. Party Time!

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Vendors selling food and cold beverages are found in the center of the event and a police helicopter is overhead to make sure nobody sneaks in with a previous caught fish. It is a very fun event and I was especially impressed with the way it is organized. BIR (Brainerd International Raceway) offers free parking with bus service to tournament, and I have always parked at BIR. This is a great event to take part in during a long Minnesota winter.

Minnesota handmade cruiser skateboard deck

I really like handmade skateboards:

made by DL boards

For more info. check out Obsolete


I really like the look of this cruiser style skateboard deck.  I am getting too old and fat to ride on it, but my daughter would love a cruiser like this made in Minnesota:

Read the description of this board below:


Introducing the NEW, locally crafted, ‘Minnesota Missile’ skate deck from OBSOLETE Skateboards! The ‘Minnesota Missile’ was inspired by the first few skateboards ever made. NO ply’s, NO fiberglass, NO bullish*t. Straight up solid oak. These old school cruiser decks will have you skating for hours.

Locally made by WAAM Industries, each deck has a unique grain pattern and stain+lacquer finish. These decks are available in both the classic tear drop shape, or always popular, fishtail design. Hang it on the wall as a totally-rad art piece or shred it when you’re in the mood to cruise.

Be one of the first to buy at Soundset 2014, this Sunday! Decks come as a complete with Penny Trucks+Wheels and ABEC 5 bearings. Kick it old school with a deck that is truly OBSOLETE!

nice little indoor mini ramp pics

We need some indoor ramps like this for the Brainerd winters. It would really help to be able to skate all winter.

For more info on building an indoor ramp of your own or to build a skateboard park, check out the following link:Mini construction rmp plns org 

 

Brainerd, Minnesota needs a public skateboard park

Brainerd is a small town in Minnesota. Having an indoor public skateboard park would provide a great place for the residents of this town to practice their favorite sport during the long cold winters.

Check out skateboard parks from other towns in Minnesota at concrete disciples skatepark directory/\.

And a ditch that is in a small place in Minnesota called: Iwnevertell, MN.  It isn't the best spot to skate in the state, but it allows for privacy and no worries about getting busted at this spot.