First Haul with the New Jeep

   Several weeks ago I decided I needed a new vehicle.  I still own my 04 Dakota, but I thought it was time for something new.  I really liked the New Jeep Cherokee so I test drove one.  I was very impressed with the comfort and layout of the vehicle.  The Jeep also has a a ton of features I really like such as: 110 outlets, USB ports, Compartments, systems monitoring, and power.  The options I got was the tow package and the V-6 engine.  The tow package comes with a full size spare, transmission cooler, bigger alternator, hitch, and wiring harness.  The V-6 engine is rated at like 270hp and turns the Jeep into a rocket ship.  Hills are no problem, and I get 26 MPG on the highway.  
    Yesterday was the Jeeps inaugural tow.  My buddy wanted to bring his little 14 footer down to the shore for winter adventures, so i offered to hitch it up to the Jeep.  The boat was not a test since it only weighs 600 pounds BMT.  I got the boat down to the yard and we put it in the water for a little duck hunting.  The wind had picked up hard and it was borderline safe.  We tucked in behind some rocks but did not get any sea ducks to come in.  We did accomplish the first adventure in the new Jeep, and I hope for many more.

Surgery

Last Thursday I had Laparoscopic Gallbladder removal surgery.   Everything went well and with the help of my wife and family I am just about ready to get back to life.  I will be honest, I have not experienced much pain or discomfort from the surgery at all.  I also have been able to eat without much of a problem.  I have had to take it easy as per doctors orders. It is unfortunate the 3 50-60 degree days in December were the days i Had to stay at low levels of activity.  I did however use the time to make strategies for 2014.  Here is my list of things to do.

1:  Ice Fishing.  The last few years The weather has not been conducive to making lots of Ice.  Last year we went once, and then got 20 inches of snow dumped on 5 inches of ice so i stayed off.  So It looks like we will have a season with ice this year.  If not i got to start making friends with people up north.  

2:  Small Game Hunting.  I really like hunting for squirrels, rabbits, and birds.  I think I will get out this winter to some of the state land with the shotgun or .22.  I really want to take a trip out to small game hunt PA.  I don't know why it just seems like a nice place to hunt.  

3:  Over Night Hiking.  I really want to do a few overnighters in the White Mountains, but there is a lot closer to home.  I will have a 2wt on these outings as well.  

4:  Keeping Some Fish.  I have a new found love of cooking fish whole.  It is so much better.  I plan on keeping some fish this year from pan fish through the ice to porgies.  I will also be exploring ways to preserve them .  

   So there you have it.  I will be back soon.  

A Trip to Disney World

 

  I went to Disney World!  Yup, I went down to Orlando Florida for 4 days along with my brother, his girl friend, my mom, and my grandmother.  Before I go any further I want to clear the air and say "Disney World is not just for young children".  We enjoyed 4 days of trouble free life.  All we had to do was have a good time.  Everything else was taken care of.  I highly recommend taking a trip to Walt Disney World at some point.

On The Line

 

  Recently, I was lucky enough to have 4 mornings off in a row.  Being it was November I decided to go trapping for a few days.  I went on line and purchased a trapping licence and checked the regs.  I have not been trapping in several years so I was very excited.  I dusted off a few traps and called a land owner.  I got the landowners written permission to trap for 4 days.
   I went into the swamp and scouted it out.  I was a little disappointed in the amount of sign I found, but i set some traps anyway.  I found a few areas which were good for muskrats.  I set 2 #110's and 2#120's.  I also set 2 #11DJ long springs in a pockets set for coon.  On the first day checking the gear I was rewarded with a nice Coon in the Pocket set.  The second day I was treated to a muskrat in one of the #110's.  The third day was blank.  On the fourth day I was given a little surprise to find a nice Mink in one of the #120's.  I have never trapped a Mink so this was a first.  They are very cool animals with wedded feet, claws, and sharp teeth.  Alan over at Small Stream Reflections is probably pleased about a few wild trout being saved by taking this swift predator out.   So I did pretty good for not being able to trap every year.  I have not been in several years and I was treated to some nice treasures.   I have to get the mink tagged by the state.  After which I intend to have all three furs sent out to get tanned.

trapping video with mink catch