The Patrick Bolman Heritage Tree Trail and donated historic homestead.

I trekked through drifted snow with my faithful (and inexhaustible) dog during the Artic Blast of earlier this month. If you are capable, I highly recommend taking the hike in the off season. Absolutely gorgeous!

All Photos courtesy www.aceofimages.com

Bright beautiful day for fishing in January

Tracks of the anglers' sleds lead north out onto a frozen Sylvan lake.

Please sign in at the red box upon each visit!

All Photos courtesy http://www.aceofimages.com/

Ice Fishing Derby and Family Fishing Fair

Did you know our lot is filled with cars all winter long? At least every day that the ice is safe. The ice fishing is usually excellent on Sylvan Lake and public access to the ice is through the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site.

To celebrate this traditional pastime, on February 6 we are hosting an ice fishing derby plus a fair for beginning anglers with free family-friendly activities.

Derby
Check-in: 6:00am – 7:00am
Derby: 7:00am – 11:00am
$3.00 (pre-registration recommended)
Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories and participants can have fish identified by DNR Fish & Wildlife experts.

Family Fishing Fair
8:00am – 11:00am
FREE
Guests who want to warm up may enjoy the fishing activities in and around the Carriage House. Beginners to expert anglers may browse ice fishing equipment, learn how to identify unwanted species, try their hand at ice fishing games and discover the unique fish that reside in Sylvan Lake.

Tournament Rules:

1. This is an open event and everyone is welcome. Fishing totals will be based on the overall catch per individual.
2. All anglers under 17 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
3. All anglers must register to be eligible for prizes.
4. All Indiana fishing laws and regulations apply. Anglers 17 and older must possess a valid state fishing license. Licenses are not sold on site.
5. Entrants must park in the designated visitor parking lot. An unloading site will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis for easy access to the lake.

Prize Categories:Adult (17 and over):

Most Fish Caught
Longest Total Fish Measurement
Largest Total Weight of Fish Caught

Junior (16 and under):
Most Fish Caught
Longest Total Fish Measurement
Largest Total Weight of Fish Caught

For other events scheduled in 2010, check out the GSP website.

On a frigid January day- the main grounds

The garden in a wintry rest

View from a frozen Sylvan Lake at bottom

All photos courtesy www.aceofimages.com