Amanda Klemetsrud caught the first fish of the tournament, at 1:01 pm – literally one minute after the horn blew! She didn’t stay in first for long, and all-in-all it was a great tournament. You can find the results from their official website.

The tournament last 2 and 1/2 hours and the weather was almost perfect. The wind was down and the temp was above zero.

Tickets go on sale in October, so if you are interested in fishing the tournament next year make sure to get your ticket early.

Sleigh rides on the ice.

Working on the upcoming ShiverFest event has put me in the mood for snow. Yes, I said the “s” word. Looking through the pictures from events past makes me reminice about all the events I took part in, or watched cheerfully – most of the time with a hot chocolate in my hand.

I think the favorite part of the whole weekend is the drawings at the end of the kid’s Ice Fishing Tournament. To watch them, all gloved and capped up, holding their tickets in their hands, just waiting with anticipation for their number to be drawn. As the numbers go by, the kids get closer and closer the window. Last year, the boy that won the ice fishing stater kit turned around to his dad and said, “can we go use it right now??!”

It’s also fun for me to watch the pond hockey tournament.

The drawings after the tournament.

The ages significantly vary but all play with such enthusiasm. You can usually find the teams between games warming up in the Cove.

Details are being finalized for this year’s ShiverFest and the committee is hoping to have some new experiences. Make sure to watch for the details to soon follow at www.devilslakend.com.

Flying around Devils Lake

We started off the morning with an aerial tour of Devils Lake (Thanks Rodger!!). Devils Lake from land and water is amazing itself, but to be able to see it from the air is something else. It almost looks like one of the great lakes it is so big.

Once we were safely back on land and I wiped the cheesy smile off my face we headed south towards Fort Totten. We took in Sullys Hill National Game Preserve (took in a little birding action), had a bet on who could spot the Bison first (nobody won but we did find them) and then headed on to the Fort Totten Historic Site. They recently finished the installation of their new visitor center and I wanted to show it off (I will have more on the historic site on my next post). By the end of this fast but great tour we were famished so off to the Spirit Lake Casino we went for the buffet (Thanks Connie!).

Birding at Sullys Hill (Katie, Tom Ibsen & Mike)

Checking out the new exhibit at Fort Totten Historic Site

Learning a little history at the Lake Region Heritage Center

Once done with the “all-you-can-eat” we headed back into town to check our guests into their rooms. We picked them up about a half hour later and headed downtown. I was lucky enough to catch Eunice and David just as they were leaving for the day at the Lake Region Heritage Center and they were nice enough to accommodate a tour. As stated by Heather, “The Lake Region Heritage Center is a gem – there’s a perfectly preserved federal courtroom, a U.S. marshall’s office complete with “holding cell,” a reassembled rural church, a barbershop, a dentist office, displays of Native American culture and much more.  When visiting “Lil’s room” be sure to ask about the ghost story!!” The end of the day was followed up by a little shopping downtown and dinner at the Cove.

Jason Mitchell & Kim Schmidt

The next morning the gang met at 8:00 am for a little fishing with Al Freidig and Jason Mitchell. We took two boats and went in two separate directions. I am sad to report that I was the only one to get skunked that day. But on the bright side, I live on this fabulous lake and can fish whenever I want!

Dean Ihla, Suzie Baisch, Kim Schmidt, Katie Mertens, Heather LaMoine & Mike Jensen

To my friends in Bismarck, thanks for visiting and I hope you come back soon!

I wish the cars could talk. I would love to hear the stories that they have to tell. Some built from scratch and some restored for years of wear-and-tear and weather.

Saturday morning always kicks off with a parade down main street in Devils Lake. My friends Kaylee and Jaylen sold snow cones along the street. I was fortunate enough to be their first customer of the morning. Wishing it would’ve been hot chocolate because it was a little cold that morning, it still hit the spot. Thanks guys!! It’s the anticipation of seeing the American Flag move down the street that entices me and keeps me on my toes. It’s also my goal every year to find the best spot to take photos. I lucked out this year in front of Klemetsruds Plumbing and Heating. I might have to try that spot again next year.

The entertainment also lists very high on my list. This year they brought in an Elvis duo to perform. Gospel hour on Sunday morning was amazing. The song Amazing Grace has always gotten me – but to hear him sing it… wow!!! Definitely put a chill down my spine. The younger version of Elvis is sung by his son. And if you can believe it, he’s only a senior in high school! I hope they come back again next year!

I can’t forget about my boyfriend Jason. His nickname is “Woody” and he has a “Woody” t-shirt. Every year he has to wear his t-shirt to the park and I find the Woody to take his picture in front of. I hope they come back again next year!

This is Woody!

Devils Run is always the first weekend of June. Next year is the 20th annual. If you haven’t been I think you should. Even a non-car girl like me gets a rush!

What better is there in this world but a morning drive out to Sullys Hill in spring time. Sure, the grass isn’t green yet and there is still ice on the lake. But the birds are singing and there is movement on the ground.

I drove in the gates with my camera armed and ready. I looked left and I looked right, but no buffalo! Sometimes I get lucky and they are down by the gate, but not today. Today they are going to make me work!

Sully Hill National Game Preserve Look Out

I decided to take the overlook road and hike to the top to see spring in action. It was a long walk. I can say I’m a little out of shape after this long walk. But I made it. I could hear the sounds of a woodpecker as I made my way to the top (even over the sound of myself grasping for air!) How beautiful the site! I didn’t stay as long as I would have liked because the wind was starting to pick up already but I did get to take in the natural beuty.

I made my way back down and got back into my car. I drove about a 100 feet out of the look out area and their they say…. The buffalo!

Sullys Hill Buffalo

All resting in what little sunshine they could find. The babies laying in the grass.

I will be back in a couple of weeks to check on their progress, see how big they are getting and hopefully see some green grass.

Sullys Hill National Game Preserve

Devils Lake – October 2010. I am just wondering, if the lake rises 2 feet or more this spring, what will the roads look like then?