Summer Weather

We have now had some warm weather and timely rains in the Oak Point area. The results have the summer flora in full bloom. The state flower, the Showy Lady Slipper, a rare wild Orchid can be found close to Oak Point Estates. The Showy Lady Slipper needs wetter areas with more sunlight then the Yellow Lady Slippers. We also have the ditches and open area with fieldsfull of white Daisey's and Mustard Flowers. We have also seen Wild Roses in the ditches.

Another summer ritual is under way called the Mayfly hatches. Mayflies are an aquatic insect that is present in Leech Lake. On Friday we had a rain storm with winds coming in off the lake stirring up the water. The results were a rather big hatch with the flies all over our house, garage, trees. Used my leaf blower to blow them off. Thank goodness the Mayflies are harmless and they usually last only 1 to 2 days at the most.

The walleye fishing has still been fairly good from the reports that I have been getting from my neighbors. With the Mayflies hatch on, that will put a stop to the fishing for awhile.

First Day of Summer

Today is Sunday June 21st, the first day of Summer. The weather has been more summer like with warmer days and thunderstorms. As I was mowing my grass on top of my riding mower today I couldn't help but think about ironies of my comfortable life here in the Chippewa National Forrest. We now have high speed digital telephone, Internet and television service along ways from civilization in a National Forrest with modern communication tools at my finger tips.

Exciting news on the fauna front here in the woods. I was getting my early morning walk in on the Oak Point Road all by myself a few mornings ago when all of a sudden I look up and a big black bear was crossing the road about 150' in front of me. I just stood still while he or she ambled back into the woods. I wanted to make sure there were no cubs around before I proceeded. This morning we saw our first fawn following its mother down a gravel road. We have two pair of Bald Eagles nesting in the neighborhood, we give them wide birth so as not to disturb them.

We have new property owners at Oak Point Estates. The property was officially sold last week to some young people from the twin cities area. We have the annual meeting of the Oak Point Property Owners Association next Saturday with some interesting speakers attending.

First Day of

First Week of June

The first week of June is more like early May or late April. It has been cold, temps in the low to mid 30's in the morning and having trouble getting above 50 degree range. We are having a fire in the fireplace to take the chill off tonight. The Walleye's continue to bite on Leech Lake. My neighbor caught and released a 26+ incher today. A number of neighbors are boating fish with a number in the slot needing to be released.

Progress is happening at Oak Point Estates. The foundation is poured for the first home. The owner plans spending vacation time in July, August and September getting a good start on building. Glad to see the first new home being built.

Saw my first goslings and ducklings of the year this week. Its surprising at how fast those little creatures grow. The two pair of Bald Eagles continue to do there nesting in the neighborhood.