More Friends from Canada!

Meet Jake from Atikwa Lake Lodge

I asked him where he was from and he replied, Milwaukee.   So, I had to ask how someone from Milwaukee ended up managing a resort in Canada.   It turns out that his uncle sold another business and bought this resort.   And, Jake helps him.  

Sounds like a great fly-in fishing experience!~

Thanks Jake!

Elk Hunting Anyone?

Meet Travis.

And, meet Merlin!

These two gentlemen are from Powder River Ranch. And, if you want to go on a pretty rustic elk hunt, these guys can take you.   You actually travel in by horseback for most of a day  Then, it's time to...Camp...Hunt...Have some great food.   Then, back on the horse for the journey back.

It sounds like a blast to me!  No cell phones!

Thanks guys.  

Happy Birthday, B

Hard to believe its been 34 years. I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday

Happy birthday B.

Resorts in Canada. Our Friends to the North

Meet Terry and Kathy!

They are the owners and operators of Jackson's Lodge and Outpost about 60 miles north of Winnipeg!

I think the fishing could be GREAT up there!  Since I get to Winnipeg now and then for business, I just may need to make a drive further north.

Thanks Terry and Kathy!

Lake Superior Charters: Deep Lake Fishing

Meet John from Lake Superior Fishing!

Now, this is a reasonable driving distance.  I sense a charter fishing expedition with B and the big D in my summer future.  AND, photos ops!

Thanks John.  It was great meeting you.

Memorial Day: 2015

As we enjoy another Memorial Day, take time to remember what we honor. 

Thousands of men and women have given their lives to support a free, democratic society.

It is the most amazing country in the world in that people can be free to live their lives.

But we are so close to losing this. 

 Remember our Constitution, my friends.   And, do not stop fighting for it.

Free speech
Right to keep and bear arms
Free from unreasonable search and seizure.

Do not give one inch in this battle.   For the very foundation of our country is at stake.

And finally, I want to extend my deepest thanks to all who have served.  May those who have given their lives never be forgotten.  May the battles they fought, be remembered.   And, may the United States of America return to the country it once was.  A country to be proud of.   A country that led the world in prosperity and freedom.

Sportsman's Show: Another Photographer

Meet Carrie from Cedar Island Lodge in Pipestone Lake, Ontario!

She had a wonder smile and, she was very interested in my camera equipment.  It turns out that she is also an avid photographer!

Thanks Carrie!   You look fantastic!

 

Check out their website here!

Sportsman's Show: From Montana

Meet Diane.

Diane was representing the  Missouri River Country of Montana!

And, she was thoroughly enjoying her time in Minneapolis.  I think Diane knows how to have fun!  She was hilarious!

Lovely meeting you, Diane!

Sportsman's Show: Minnesota Resorts

Meet Chris

And meet Diana!

They were at the show representing the Grand Rapids area.  Each owns their own resorts.  But, they were representing other resorts throughout the area.  I liked that!  They are competing.  But, they know they want the tourist dollar in the area.  And, that helps all of them. 

Well done!

Thanks Chris and Diana!

Sportsman's Show: Camp Grounds!

Meet Rhonda

And, Greg! 

They are the owners and operators of Camp Idlewood Resort on Rainy Lake.  I have been to Rainy Lake a few times.  It is a lovely area.  

 

If you are looking for a wonderful place to visit and enjoy a fantastic experience with the kids, check out their resort here.

Sportsman's Show: An Old Acquaintence

I walked around the corner of the show and was delighted to see...............

Ralph!

He frequents the local coffee shop that I visit.   And, we have chatted often while I petted and scratched his little dog.  Ralph is an avid hunter and outdoors man.  But, that little dog has him wrapped around her paw.

You have met Ralph before...here!

Thanks Ralph!  It was great seeing you again.  And, what a nice surprise!

Sportsman's Show: Weedless Lures!

I was trying so hard to come up with something edgy and funny about "weedless lures", but the creative muse has left me stranded again.

SO, meet Al.

 

I think he had one of the best displays in terms of catching your eye as you walked by.  A giant pike, vertical, spinning slowly around a display tank filled with weeds and with 4-5 of the weedless lures on arms moving through the water.  I tried several photos but none really do it justice.

Fishtrap Lures have been around for 80 years.  Al bought the business over 20 years ago and still love making and selling the lures.  They are...pretty interesting and ingenious!

Thanks Al!

Sportsman's Show: Fishing Charters!

I have been pretty busy over the years.  And, I haven't wet a line for a long time.  But, meeting the gentleman below gave me an idea...and a desire...to get on the water again.

Meet Captain Ken!

He runs a sport fishing charter service out of Bayfield, Wisconsin.

I can see a trip in my future.   Let's see....drive to Duluth and cut across to Bayfield.   Get on a boat.   Fish.    Spend the night in Bayfield and then....Drive home.  Yes....I can do this!

Thanks Capt Ken!

The Sportsman's Show: Prime Defense!

Marketing type folks tell us that the fastest growing segment in the firearms industry is women.   And, it is natural, assuming you believe in Adam Smith's "Invisible Hand" theory, that suppliers will go into business to serve that market segment.

So, meet Kristin!

She is the owner of Prime Defense.  She hails from Wisconsin, went to college in Minnesota (we didn't talk about whether she was a Packer fan or not).  And, she travels about the country teaching classes, often to women but not exclusively so, on firearms!

It was lovely meeting you Kristin! 

Bill's Annual Shooter Show: A Rep!

Meet Jeff!

He was manning a booth and was gracious enough to let me photograph him.  

Thanks Jeff!~

Bill's Annual Shooter Show: Boberg!

Meet Mark!

I caught him mid sentence explaining the very cool Boberg Arms revolutionary design.  

If you are curious, rather than feed the cartridge forward, it feeds it backwards.  This enables the barrel to be shorter and still provide accuracy and better concealability (I wonder if I just created a new word!)

Nice meeting you Mark.  And, say HI to Arnie if you see him!

Bill's Annual Shooter Show! Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance

If there is a local, annual shooter show that is bigger than this, I'd like to know what it is.  I am guessing that on the Friday-Sunday show, somewhere between 3,000 and 4,000 people walk through the store.  It's crowded!

But, they have a large vendor display area and you can fire any of the guns the vendors are displaying, as long as you supply your own ammo. 

I got there early on a Saturday because I knew it would be crowded.  And, I was very pleased to meet Sarah!

Meet Sarah!  Sarah is one of my friends (Oleg, on the sidebar!) models.  And, she has graced the cover of a magazine or two.  So, it was a delightful surprise to see her there. 

And, meet Dan!  Dan was not quite as comfortable having his photo taken. But, he was an excellent sport about it.   But, they each required a photo of them together in their t shirts.

So.....here they are!  They were hosting a booth for the Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance.

Take a look at their organization here.

Thanks Sarah and Dan!  Sarah, it was lovely seeing you again.  And, Dan, great meeting you!

Styling!

Meet Grove!

I was getting ready to leave the Home and Garden show when I met him.   I liked the hat and interesting bow tie with matching pocket square.

He was gracious enough to let me take his photo! 

My sincere thanks!

The Pink Panther

Even a movie star showed up!

OK, I still like the Pink Panther.   Although, those with Peter Sellers are my favorites!

Man Cave and Gaming Tables

Meet Jeremiah and David from Pure Designs!

 

If you are planning on building or enhancing your man cave and need some fascinating decorating ideas or a very cool gaming table, visit Pure Designs!

This table was a work of art, with cards, poker chips, cigars and god knows what else laminated under the surface.  

The money and cards are under the laminate surface!

 

I thought it was very cool. 

Thanks guys!

Creative Work with Pipes, Gears, Gauges, and Electricity

I found this display just fascinating and marvelously creative.  The owner didn't want to be in the blog.  But, they were willing to let me do photos of his handiwork.

What do you think?

Very Steampunk!