Other hobbies?

[emmahumpfritter]

Okay, so I tried to go ice fishing today. I only have a hand drill, I maxed out both it's depth and arm strength. I never made it to the water!! So Splat, talk to me oh native Minnesota guru...what do I do now? I was hoping for fish for dinner

[splatterdog]

Ooh man! I haven't augered down to my knees in a long time. That's brutal! Even worse you didn't make it. Might have to hit the grocery store if you want fish tonight...

This summer keep your eyes open for a cheap power auger. And then get an extension if it doesn't have one, as they are frequently needed. One time one Lake Of The Woods, our 4 feet of auger didn't make it in one spot. Every other spot was close.

Just have to figure out if you want gas or electric. There's even propane ones now. I have an older 12 volt that does OK. I would really like an "ice gator" as far as electric goes. There's even auger bit adapters for cordless drills too. I've heard good reports about those, but you better have a decent drill and a back up battery or two or three though depending on how many holes you need. Pawn shops are also a good place to look. Summer prices are usually better.

Still hoping to make a trip up to the big pond yet this year. I'll let you know if it's going to happen.

[ARCHINSTL]

Four FEET + of ice on a lake?
I think I've asked this of you before, but it still blows my mind...
How long/at what temperatures does it take for this to form?
Tom M.

[emmahumpfritter]

Splatter I'm sure will give a definitive answer, but this winter dropped below freezing in early December, has maybe had two "spikes" into the mid-30's (a stranger rain around new years) and has sat at zero or below for weeks at a time. I'm going to head back out to the hole I dug with more giant pry-bar and start chipping downward...I've got to be close!

[hberdan]

Pack that hole with C4 and a non electric detonator and stand back! You'll have as big a hole as you need.

[splatterdog]

Okay, so I tried to go ice fishing today. I only have a hand drill, I maxed out both it's depth and arm strength. I never made it to the water!! So Splat, talk to me oh native Minnesota guru...what do I do now? I was hoping for fish for dinner

We're in the same boat my friend. My electric auger just fried yesterday. Coincidentally, my T4's alternator went out just as we got off of Mille Lacs lake. Luckily the auger fried early in the afternoon and our old holes were occupied when we got back in shallow. It was time to go. Woudn't have made the two hour drive home with headlights on.

If I don't find an affordable auger, my ice season might be over.

BTW, the ice was only about 3 feet thick.

[Cayuse]

Another aspiring photographer here. I also enjoy skiing and spending time in the garage tuning skis (several pair of my own, the wife's, the daughter's, friends, neighbors etc).

During the summer I spend a bit of time waterskiing but may see if my shoulders will hold up to getting back into whitewater kayaking this year. I've also spent time climbing rocks and mountains and sometimes being the only male in the house has me climbing the walls.

[hberdan]

I tried water skiing once, never could find a lake with a hill on it.

[CathodeRayTube]

My main activities when not messing with the cars are surfing the internet, watching TV, work, sleeping, and fixing any number of other electronic things, specifically computers, and studying on my own time for more IT certifications...i also spend a good amount of time with friends and go to the occasional party or out to lunch with somebody, even tho i also consider myself rather antisocial and introverted.

I have several jobs. Firstly, i am an A+ certified PC repair tech, and i freelance doing that and other general handyman stuff. and i also run the go-kart track at a local park...iv had that job since i was 16, im almost 22 now. And now iv also been hired for a more professional position installing IMacs in Dr.s offices, still part time, but pays very well.

[shogun]

cooking, machining, playing squash, and geeky stuff, like using my ps3 as a media server for all computers in the house, building megasquirts, hacking my cellphone, tv and everything i can get my hands on