Most people know that Minnesota is the “Land of 1,000
Lakes”. After all, it does say that on their license plates. I think they put
that on the plates because it’s much more romantic than saying “Land of 10,000,000
Boats”.
The truth is, I’m surprised they didn’t stop me at the
border and demand to know where my boat was. Or expect me to purchase one
within 60 days of my arrival. Everybody in this state has a boat. Rich or poor,
sick or well – you have a boat. Might not have much of a car, but you must have
a boat.
Camp itself has boats. The 3 pontoons are the only ones with
motors. But we have sailboats, and paddleboats, and canoes, and kayaks. And
when there’s family camp or weekend groups, they bring their own boats. Where
I’m from, it’s the slightly wealthy or handful of avid fishers that have boats.
Not here. Minimum wage is enough for a boat. As for avid fishers…
On Sunday, a little boy barely tall enough to see over my
counter came into my office with his family as they checked in for Family Week.
First, he had to show me his rocks (which he also shared). Then he started
telling me about his fishing adventures. I was informed that fishing in
Wisconsin is not worth one’s time or energy. If you wish to fish, do it in
Minnesota. And wear a bright red t-shirt with a fish on it.
“I’ve been fishing since I was three years old!” he told me.
He was probably all of five now. But that’s the way they
train them here. I would even dare to say that three is a little old to be
starting them. (Although Aaron’s three-year-old Hudson caught his first fish
this past weekend.) In Minnesota, I think kids are born with fishing poles in
their hands. If you have never been fishing, they would think you were from a
different planet. And probably send you packing.
I have to confess, I don’t even own a fishing pole…let alone
a boat. So, the jury is still out if I’m going to be allowed to stay. I wonder
if getting a boat for my bathtub will count…
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