Welcome to 'Young Man and the Lake'!

Welcome to the first post of Young Man and the Lake! This blog is intended to give insight into a young upstart's adventures across Minnesota, when they happen, as they happen. For the first time in as long as I can remember, I feel truly inspired to write, and reflecting on the happenings of tonight itself, I know there is truly no better time than the present!

Tonight, the first night of a project I hope to continue for years, was also the Northwest Metro's 2011 Pheasant's Forever Banquet. I've attended several of these banquets, and spoken with several of the members, donors, and beneficiaries, and I'm now beginning to realize that "nothing" is preventing me from becoming like them. What do some of my common-age idols, like Ron Schara, Bill Sherck, Jim Gilbert, or Travis Frank have that I don't? Disposable income? A following? Production value? Years in the industry? Education? The ability to spin a good yarn? Well, I hope to talk to each of them in time and ask them that myself, but the one thing they have that I don't may be my saving grace in keeping this project alive; I'm no expert, but I intend to be.

This blog will catalog my journey from a mediocre outdoors weekend-warrior into what I intend to become, and extraordinary outdoorsman. I've grown up outside and have a solid backbone in fishing, hunting, and camping, but I'm an expert in nothing. I'm less than a jack, more like an eight-of-all-trades. So, come along with me as I tell you, as I learn it myself, what works and what doesn't, what Minnesota has to offer, and how to enjoy it too!

A few goals to lay out right now.
1: Update this blog at least twice a week, and at least once a week with an original outdoors-related story from the current week.
2: Tell some of my favorite stories from friends and family that have had a critical role in shaping me into what I am today, from BWCAW trips with my highschool buddies to the likely unrecognized impacts several greats from the Minnesota environmental network have had while I've been at college.
3: Test fishing, hunting, or camping techniques in order for other non-experts to see a no-nonsense, straightforward explanation of what worked... at least for me.
4. Give a place for ACTUAL experts to give suggestions on anything, be it improving my writing style, or what I should have done in order to turn a muskie follow into a strike.
5. Finally have an excuse to live a little less indoors!

Thank you all so much for going on this journey with me! Lets see where it takes me!