We survived another weekend, boy was it quiet out there. With Hillmans highway closed to wheel houses.
Buddy Hillman and the guys have the ice road again in pretty good shape. Going off road at this time is a bad idea unless you have a sled or track vehicle.
Just like always the fishing could of been better but no one got skunked.
Old Minnesota had Toms buddies. Tom comes every year and rents 2 of westwinds day houses plus one of there lake cabins.
They only managed to get a couple fish on a new spot.
North Dakota had rick matt and mike, They had some action but just like most of the time the second night was not as good as the first. I think they got 9.
Florida had Mel and Dan. Dan helped Jonny boy and Richy Rich all week digging out all our houses and getting them on fresh ice. They also had to rescue there house from the storm. They also caught a few fish.
Montana had Kevin and Nancy the hammer sister. They managed to land 12 fish plus had a big pike on twice. Fishy area?
Colorado had Bradly and his crew. I have no clue how they did.
Kentucky had Pat and his crew I think I escorted them out on Friday? Stupid concussion. I drove by them Saturday and saw they were cleaning fish outside so that was a good sign.
California had Darrin and his family. They left early Sunday but Darrin did have a diesel truck with a plow so Jonny boy recruited him to help with Hillmans road/ highway. Plus they rescued some ones wheel house Saturday. I think they got 9.
Today is me and the hammer 42nd annerversity . We met 44 years ago yesterday. I had met her brother on the school bus. He ask if I would like to come over on the ride home. As we went down stairs Kellie was coming up the stairs. When we got to the basement I ask Dan who was that? he said my younger sister. It was love at first sight, 2 years and 1 day later we were saying I do in a court house in south Dakota as we were to young to marry in Minnesota with out my mothers permission.
Speaking of my mom she passed away recently which was a god send as she was suffering. My mom remarried when I was 4 when I was 6 Carl my first step dad and her got in some type of argument, Next thing you no mom was at My dads car lot in Denver getting a car. It was a 55 lavender caddy. She loaded me and my sister up and we came to waskish to see my grandmother Olga my dads mom and hide out from Carl. We spent the whole summer here swimming, fishing, getting eaten alive from horse fly’s, skitters and dear flys. My mother also met Bob which would become my second step dad 9 years later here? Carl did track us down. He showed up late in the summer and drug us back home to Denver. I remember driving back in that caddy , we drove through the 66 floods of Nebraska. That car set behind the garage where we lived until we moved and Carl left it there. I plan on sharing a few more stories from child hood and memories of my mom Thelma Parson, Halvarson, Paulciani, Jennings she was married 3 times. She was with Robert jenning for 45 years.

At this time again its hard for me to report much. Richy rich’s better half did have a good flurry of fishing yesterday while the guys worked . She said she had never caught so many walleyes? Being last year she caught one? maybe she caught 3 or 4 and that’s a lot?
Jonny boy is having a hard time leaving that area but it just has to be done, With all the snow drifts one dusting followed by strong winds could be a disaster as all those trails will catch snow causing more weight..
I personally would like to make a trip out there today to measure some ice thickness. Checking out all the other resorts is not in the books at this time.
Just from following all the resorts on social media every single one had different circumstances . It only makes sense that the further south has the most snow with the wind blowing north NE that night.
I’m still unsure when and if Buddy Hillman will again let traffic out on the lake. He does have a few rentals out there with the 12 man double decker sleeper, sitting on fresh ice.
Were not full this weekend which is a good thing as the boys keep working on getting our houses on to fresh slush free ice.
I will have a fishing report come sunday, Monday as We will have 14 guys out there wetting a line not counting the help.
I know that buddy Hillman’s was making progress with the tractor and snow blower. Jonny boy was out helping plow the main road with the red baron into the night after we put on a used upper radiator hose.
I’m feeling a little better everyday by 1% if that? Resting my mind from my concussion is probably the toughest. I have looked into meditation so will see how that helps.
The phone calls are a problem but way better then weeks ago when I would cringe when the phone rang.
It amazes me how many people call looking for something this weekend or next. Looking at the books were good with reservation until the last weekend of Jan. Yesterday I had a string of calls in a row, as a outfit was calling there customers to tell them this weekend was a no go. I truly wish we could help them. Buddy Hillman may have something but they would need to call Hillmans, 218 647 8504 calling me does no good..
I may know today when they may be able to open there road again . Going off road is out of the question though. A sled or something with tracks is really the only way to get off the road. I’m not even sure if v plowing a spot are a option at this time?
I’m hoping I can go out again today to say hello to rick and his crew in north Dakota. I would also like to say hello to Pat and his crew.
Dan and Mel had to come up with a plan b after they got flooded out where they were at. They have been fishing and staying in our Florida House. Dan has also rolled up his sleeves helping out Jonny boy and Richey rich. He said yesterday he has a lot more respect to what we go through now that he has dealt with a taste of the operation. Funny it made me think about the year we camped with the cowboys at the Effie rodeo. After hanging out with them for 3 days I learned they traveled from small town rodeos week to week. If they were lucky enough to get in the money it was a win. Most had some type of injurie they were nursing. They all had pick ups with horse trailers. Man what a way to make a living.
well time to rest my mind and do my new thing “meditation”,

Not a whole lot to report on the fishing as most of the resorts and outfitters have been trying to make new plans. 2 days were spent up here getting too wheel houses, followed by rentals. The red baron and blue thunder had there first major workouts of the year. Have not heard yet but red baron may of blown a radiator hose last night. We took blue thunder up to David’s to try and thaw out in his shop over night as I have never seen so much ice on her. Should of took a picture. Even though it set all night she still had ice in the back.
It’s really hard after 18 years to not be able to be out there improvising, going from plan A to plan B all the way to lets start over. I did talk to one of my best friends Billy aka The Greek as Grandma Olga nick named him about my concussion? He mentioned I need to also rest my brain, which makes total sense. Other then its really hard to when every thing you have work for all these years is out of your hands. Jonny boy and richy rich have been doing a outstanding job. But this storm created quite a few problems I have not even experienced. I did get out there the 31rst to see for my self. From what I saw a good mile by mile where the majority of the wheel house and rental were is probably shot for the year. All the drifting created a lot of weight . I will be so relieved to know or see all 8 rentals safely on new ice completely away from that area. We have been canceling reservation day by day so far. If all plans go well we may be in operation today with one house being used as a day house for Tom and his crew. Then Pat and his crew will be up today using Kentucky as a cabin possibly fishable? Rick and his crew will be up Friday morning for north dakpta followed by Bradly staying in Colorado.
As far as I know Hillmans is still closed to all wheel houses and traffic.
Each resort is dealing with there own problems. Flooding, making new routes etc . It would be nice to take a cruise on each resort to see how each one has improvised. That is out of the question as driving is out for now. As the Greek mentioned that is not resting my brain.
Buddy Hillman purchased a tractor with a snow blower to re open his road, which is a first for me to see on his road, It will be interesting to see how its working. From the sounds of it she was throwing snow last night.
Our grand daughter Ashley has been up here before the big blow , she rode out the storm on the lake in California. It nice to see her step up and help where she can as she a has always been a good helper. She was nice enough to gather garbage, retrieve frozen in extension cord s etc., She also shoveled a path for our garage. That’s it for about now as I need to rest my brain.

Most want to now know what the conditions are like.. Each resort has there own problems to deal with so please give them a day to evaluate the conditions. Most will post info once they know. Calling and texting today only slows every one down in my own opinion.
The week between Christmas and new year is super busy every year.. It may of even been busier with red lake allowing wheel houses out. Those that decided to ride out the storm got to experience what all the resorts and outfitter get every year. Those that pulled the trigger and left the lake made a good decision as once these storms roll in you are basically stranded.
Jonny boy and Richy rich were able to stay on the lake with our customers. They had a sled out there which was huge, as that was more then likely the only way to move around. I have had to stay on the lake a few times over the years during these types of storms and its not for everybody.
The hammer and I tried to go to the cities this weekend and made a bad decision trying to take white lightning. She had to drive be cause I did not feel comfortable dealing with this concussion. Time we had gotten to grand rapids my back was a hurting , the hammer was also stressed as she has never driven a pick up on icy roads. White lightning has been a lake truck since we acquired it. Saturday morning I took it for a ride down the highway and realized how sloppy the steering is.. We decided to hunker down and wait out the storm and get back home as there was no way my back could take the ride.
Not being able to take care of my customers was driving me crazy, then yesterday when the guys were digging out I needed to know more. They were so busy they really had no time to give me minute to minute updates. Which was again driving me crazy. Today I have to give Jonny boy and Richy Rich a pat on the back as they dealt with all the citations on the lake.
I did get to see both the red baron and blue thunder go by last evening to get more fuel . They got a major workout yesterday with another day coming up. The hammer and I picked up a new alternator for the red baron , Today I need to look at the batteries and get them replaced asap.
I had a very nice email from Vin that was here a week ago. They had a blast in north Dakota and old Minnesota and would like to come back next year. I’ve also have had more then one compliment that Jonny boy and Richy rich are doing a great job out there which defiantly takes some of the worries out of me.
Its really hard to break down who were in houses and which house caught some fish. From the sounds of it the area we set up was nothing like it was before? Same old pattern, the area gets overwhelmed with traffic plus surrounded ,then the fishing tapers off…
I have no clue how north Dakota did. I’m thinking they got off the lake before the storm hit.
Keith is still in Florida, I did talk to him last night, they rode out the storm , if I remember right they have caught fish needing one more for there limits. I’m not even sure who is with him.
Pat ryan and the kids had old minnesta and montana. they had only gotten 5 the first day which they took to westwind for dinner on Saturday. Sunday they were snowed in and had to stay a extra day.
Our grand daughter Ashly poo and kevin have only landed a few fish in California as they also rode out the storm.
ken and his daughter came a day early to beat the storm sothey also rode out the storm in Colorado, I’m also not sure how Jeff and Bethany did in Kentucky.
Matt and his daughter had a grand time on a grand lake and said they would come again. They also got off the lake before the brunt of the storm.
Yesterday I had to cancel some new arrivals with possibly more to follow until we can evaluate the conditions out there.
All the house need to be pulled out of there spots as the whole area has to be evacuated, There were so many wheel houses ,trucks etc in that area the drifting has created a lot of weight in that square mile for sure.
I hope to know a lot more tomorrow but mother nature was not kind to us over the weekend

3 inches of snow threw a wrench in to the operation. At least we avoided the high winds. With a chance of up to 10 inches of snow predicted this weekend, starting Saturday. I will be stepping outside doing the no snow snow dance today for sure.
Yesterday I had the treat of hanging out in I and the Hammers favorite house old Minnesota. Lets say it was atreat as I actauly got a couple more trinkets I found under the bed that I have been trying get screwed into the wall for more then one winter. Most years there never seems to be the time. Being layed up all winter as far as working I’m going to get to fish in all the houses. I will also get to do some scouting /fishing. Lets hope I do not get to spoiled.
Jonny boy and Richy Rich seem to be doing a outstanding job the first 2 weeks of the season. The houses have done above average for fishing , With not one complaint. The few customers I have spoken to have all said your son is taking good care of us. That sure puts a smile on my face.
Yesterday we again had a hick up on blue thunder as the boss plow stopped working . With great relief Jonny boy found a area to wiggle some wiring to get it operating again this morning. They will have to try and track down the culprit.
The red baron also hit the lake as the 3 inches of snow needed to be cleared off of Hillmans highway. Jonny boy said she or he performed well.
Joe and his paw were in Colorado and were up to 19 fish with another dozen missed. I think this has to be 4 years they have came up. They were having a grand time on a grand lake last night.
The guys in Kentucky were here just for the day . They had 4 kids and 2 adults. Not sure of the total but they had a bucket full of fish when I said goodbye last night.
Dan and Mel did a prime rib on a rotisserie Christmas eve. The hammer and I went out and enjoyed a delicious meal on the ice. They have been coming up here for over 15 years summer and winter. Mel had the biggest fish so far last night a healthy 22 incher.
Jonny boy has been catching fish every night , having to pull up the rattle wheels to get some sleep.
Richy Rich and his gal Shelia have also been fishing . Not even sure how many they have caught?
Jason and his gal bailed a day early with the 3 inches of snow coming. I did talk to her Sally? Not Gale on the phone yesterday and they made it home fine . She said they got there 8 I think ? 7 for sure.
Now for a little venting, My car accident has given a concussion to boot. 3 different doctors not one gave me advise on what to do. I spent a hour researching it a few nights ago. Turns out I have the worst of 4 types. looking further into it . I have been home sine the 26th of November. Some of the things I read, stay off of phone, texting , internet. Avoid bright lights. I have been walking down to the lake on the sunny days as my back doctor said I could walk all I want as long as I have the brace on. Avoid tv? I have been watching tv since I got home, Eat plenty of fish? salmon etc. lots of veggies and fruit. I put a small Christmas tree up with white lights errrr.
So the scoop is. Please call do not text if possible. I will be doing my best to avoid internet, phone, brite lites. tv etc
Thanks I will have a fresh report Monday or Tuesday
The last thing as that Old timer told me that use to host the Viking purple people eaters. Its A Grand lake and owe us NOTHING! NOTHING

Merry Christmas to all my friends and fellow friends. Jonny Boy and Richey Rich were busy elfs last night as they put up a few Christmas trees for Shella and her crew. They also put one up for Dan and mel. Mel will be doing a prime rib today on the ice so my mouth is watering all ready just thinking about it. This year will be pretty tough writing who is who in what house at this time as the lingering concussion from my car accident is effecting more then I would like. In fact I’m typing this right now with one eye closed as I’m have double vision.
Trying to watch the vikes loose Monday night was like watching 18 players, 2 footballs, 2 goal post etc.
Jason, Gale, there dog named pepper are in Florida. They arrived a little early yesterday so I escorted them out in white lightning. I’m all so not spose to lift any thing over 10 pounds at this time. Did you know a 12 pack of Pepsi weighs 10 lbs? Crazy! a gallon of milk weighs 6.8. Jonny boy and Rich were in the process of moving the house so once we got out there I left them in Jonny boys hands. If I remember right they had gotten 3 so far in a few hours of fishing.
Mopar Rick was in California I think they got 6 keepers and a eel pout. Jonny boy got one the other night on a rattle wheel. The hammer said he reached down and grab it but was shocked when he brought it up and he screamed like a girl Lol. Maybe not like a girl? Jonny boy all so got a nice golden eye the other morning. I told him to start saving them and once we have a few we will get them smoked.
Shella and her crew of boys are here another night so will see how they did later today.
If I remember rite old Minnesota had gotten 15 fish on its new spot.”
If it works out the hammer and “eye” will be fishing in there tonight on the same spot. If “EYE” get one, I’m putting it down as two with this double vision so I should easily out fish the hammer for once.
Joe and his paw all so showed up last night for Colorado So we will see how they did over night later today. They all so got a tree in front of there shack but I’m thinking maybe they do not celebrate Christmas.
Vin and his crew had old Minnesota and north Dakota Saturday and Sunday ,they went home with 20 so Jonny boys move paid off.
Never heard how Quinten in the snow bear did?
Brian and Garret were here one night in Kentucky Sunday night. They did all right with 15 fish landed taking home 6?
I’m all most sure I missed something but that the best I can do for now.
It gets crazy after today for 6 days in a row. Jonny boy is limping blue thunder as we have a bad upper ball joint that needs to be addressed. The red baron will more then likely go out the next time it snows. The hammers car is getting a cv joint at this time. I all so want to track down my car as I think it went to a auto salvage yard? I still have the tidal? She had 4 new tires, a new alternator just prior to my crash, a new radiator also.
The last thing I would like to say is again thank you to everyone that donated to our fundraiser page, as bills are starting to roll in. All so all the prayers are much welcomed.
Then all the prayers and well wishes for the loss of Jonny boys grandma and my mom. She loved Christmas . Since she ended up in Iowa 20 years ago Christmas was harder as we never got together much.
When Bob my step father retired they bought a 5th wheel to become snow birds? 20 some years ago they stopped in Iowa on there way to Colorado to see Bobs mother. Her health was failing so they ended up staying. There they cared for her. My mom and Bob nursed her and his brother back to health. In the mean time. 15 years went by. When they passed my parents were not healthy enough to travel . Bob and mom got in a car accident and totaled the 5th wheel truck. My mon got banged up pretty good. She was a fighter and had no problem coming back from that. fast forward 5 more years, mom was closing in on 80 ,her health started to go down hill. Bob aka Grandpa closing in on 90. My Mom is way better off now in heaven as she was suffering. I personally have trouble understanding why some things happen? Why did she have to suffer so much at the end?. But they all happen for a reason. Just like this stupid car accident for me. I have a feeling when mom got to those gates the lord said you have a little explaining to do first. Again thanks for the well wishes and prayers as they are apricated more then you could ever imagine
cookie

Well, well, well., Here goes another report.
As I shared in my last report I’m a little laid up this winter from a car accident. I did go out Saturday eve for a couple hour’s to a friends shed party. He is a cattle farmer and had fresh rocky mountain oysters. I even got the hammer to try a bite. It really help me mentally to see some of the locals and have a few laughs. There were some hand shakes and hugs and a little talk how things could of been worse.
I did here through the grape vine that white or orange plain hooks have been the hot set up?
Visiting our customers is still not in the books as I’m also dealing with a concussion that makes it hard to focus.
I did venture out on to the lake yesterday just to check things out. Just as I figured Buddy Hillman has built another outstanding road that you could land your own 747 on. Straight as a arrow, wide as a runway.
The fishing reports have been very mixed. Jonny boy and Richie rich moved at least 4 house yesterday with Minnesota and north Dakotas customers getting a chance to fish a new spot the second day. Jonny boy found a decent spot and moved most of the fleet in that direction. From the sounds of it was a good move as all the houses were having action last night. Good job guys they might be after my job?
Brian and Stacy checked into Montana yesterday . They have been coming for quite a few years just before Christmas so I would like to at least go say hello to them today.
Its still going to be a very busy Christmas as we have 4 units being used Christmas eve and day.
I have heard from just a couple customers over the phone and they all have commented that Jonny boy is taking good care of them whish makes me feel good.
Our books are slowly filling in. But just like the past few years quite a few call last minute looking for a house the next or coming weekend?
I be leave Buddy Hillmans 218 647 8504 and my friend Thad 507 360 6405 may have openings as they have quite a few houses.
I have to talk to Buddy Hillman as I may start hanging out at there store in the morning helping out a bit. At least collect access fees for them early arrivers.
On a very sad day my Mother passed away yesterday, She of course was one of a kind. It was a relief to know she does not have to suffer any more. She was 80 and had a hell of a life. I guess you could say she played like baseball. All out, sliding for home and waring out her body along the way. She was quite the fighter and boy do I have some crazy memories of our child hood. She always said she should write a book and I would have to agree. It might be fun to share a few stories of her crazy life. She met my dad in mpls when she was young. Dad was from right here in waskish , mom grew up just west of Bemidji. There were 10 kids, they basically lived in a shed when they were young. She married John and they moved to Denver where me and my sister were born. Grandma Olga came to see me when I was born and my sister was saying her first word Cookie. That’s where I got my nick name as she said, that will be his nick name. Dad was not to happy he said no son of mine will be named cookie. lol. They divorced when I was 3 and she remarried Carl Paulciani when I was 5. He owned a couple different bars in Denver area and that’s where all the crazy child hood began

Well I have dropped the ball with my winter fishing reports. Nov 19th I dozed off while driving and crashed my car. I over corrected when I hit the shoulder and that’s about the last thing I remember un tell I woke up 2 hours later with a concussion ,broken ribs, fractured L1 L3 vertebra. I also had bitten my tongue severely plus a few other aches and pains.
Its been a pretty tough month for me physically and mentally. I’m waring a brace any time I’m out of bed for at least 3 months with no lifting. Jonny boy had set up a go fund me page and I can never thank everyone in person for there generosity and prayers in these hard times.
Jonny boy has had to take over with Richy’s help on the lake. I think I have taught him enough of how I like to run things as I have not gotten to go on the lake since the 18th of nov. He has been doing the cookie shuffle with the houses and it sounds like the fishing has been decent. The houses have been rented quite a bit since they hit the lake, plus we added another non smoking 24 foot grand ice castle nick named colorado. I checked it out a few days ago and all I can say is wow what a unit that sleeps 4 with 2 double beds and 2 singles.
The season has started about like normal, with road work on Hillmans highway as we help build his road. I sure would like to drive blue thunder soon but not sure I can at this time. We did have a few issues with a alternator and broken wire that shut her down for a day. The white chevy white lightning also had a few hick ups. The big 1 ton red baron has not seen the ice yet. The phone has been pretty busy with some rentals, some shoppers, some questions on ice conditions etc.
Were pretty swamped threw new years which is a good thing. I’m not sure but Hillmans may still have some houses open 218 647 8504 also my friend Thad may have openings through out the next month or two 507 360 6405.
Its a little tougher for me to talk about the fishermen we meet and the conditions on the lake but I will try and stay on top of it a bit.
Again I would like to personally thank all the prayers that have came my way. The wife the Hammer has to deal with me so prayers for her to would be apricated.

We have started to see a few fishermen walking out with good success on this very,very early ice. Jake came up yesterday and ventured ou.Walkedt with his 4 year old son Lakken. They managed to land 6 releasing one just over 20 but keeping 4 healthy fat fish. . Jake raves about how much he likes the way Westwind “the premier resort here on the shores of upper red lake” cooks your catch. So I got to enjoy my first fresh dinner of walleye since this late summer.
Most of the resorts planned on allowing fishermen out last Wednesday the 13th but high winds shifted the ice causing a large gap/crack down on the south shore. It was decided to hold up a few more days to be on the safe side.
Here on the east side it also cracked but pushed together causing a pressure ridge at this time. It sounds like it formed in about 4 feet of water.
Our books here are starting to fill in weekends for jan but still pretty wide open in feb. With many weekday openings where I offer 20% off.
Looking at the long range forecast there is a chance we may have our sleepers out the first weekend in Dec, but only mother nature will help decide that at this time. I’m herring a average of 8 inches of ice at this time . I personally do not venture out on the lake until I can drive blue thunder on the ice. So we need about 6 more inches for me.
We still have plenty of prepping to do with the fleet of houses and vehicles.
I be leave everyone has lodging in sleepers along the shoreline at this time.
My good friends Bob and Rick are here deer hunting this week. It again has been a very quiet year. This is tough country to hunt. One of the areas we hunt has a wolf problem which may or may not have anything to do with it.
I moved my bow hunting stand Wednesday. Last night when I got there two deer had at some time walked within 10 feet of my spot. Darn the luck. I have not tried that spot in the morning but may give it a shot tomorrow morning.

Just like that and summer has came to a end. I’ll miss going to work at the oak harbor golf course in Baudette.
We did have a few late summer highlights with our granddaughter Britanie landing a elusive yet still catchable 14 !/2 crappie while we were trolling for walleyes. My grandson Mathew catching a fat 18 inch walleye within seconds of throwing his line out. Him saying hey I got one with me saying no you don’t! Only to turn around and say hey maybe you do . Shell chick landings 41 inch pike after throwing a 100 cast with a spinner and 2 minnows. I think I maybe threw about 25 cast before I called it quits. She has always been a above average fisherwoman.
We have started to take reservation for the up and coming ice fishing season. Quite a few or our regulars have already reserved there traditional dates. We have also taken a few new ones.
Talking to The dnr while they were doing there late season test nets. They looked good with a average of 40 fish or so per net. I also heard a rumor of some smaller nets getting quite a few small elusive 5 inch upper red lake crappies erlier this summer. I always like hearing that.
I have talked to a few fisherman the last 2 weeks with some good fishing reports. The last time I was out I got 2 nice fish and lost another.
I’ve only seen a couple grouse so far this fall but have not even been out to my deer stand yet.
Just like every year we have a little work to get the fleet up and running for the season. All the houses will get another detailing with the heaters fired up.
The Minnesota twins have been a big surprise so I’m looking forward to enjoying rooting for them.
Bob, Rick and James will again be up for deer hunting so it will be nice to see them.
I have plenty of organizing to do to keep me busy for the next few weeks.