We'll be updating this blog continuously throughout the weekend as FAN Outdoors broadcasts live from a Rainy Lake Houseboat. Click the banner above for photos from our trip, and of course listen to Fan Outdoors Thursday Night and Saturday Morning!

6/21/12 - After a wild drive our northern border with roads under water near Duluth, rains so hard that the semi 2 car lengths ahead disappeared in the dense white and hail stones crashing into the windshield sounding like glasses being thrown on floors all around we made it to I-Falls in mid-afternoon.  Groceries were shopped and final stop, Rainy Lake Houseboats www.rainylakehouseboats.com , our ultimate destination achieved.  While we were all both anxious and relieved everyone greeted us with smiles ‘n handshakes.  Boats, really BIG boats were neatly tied like ducks in a row.  Alex, Cory and the other guys helped load all our “stuff” on carts moving into boat #38, the Gold Rush.  A short while later Cory inserviced us on the workings of this 50’ craft.  Soon after he also backed us from the dock, tied my Ranger to the back and piloted us into Rainy Lake.  Since the afternoon was waning it was our choice for him to bring us to Harrison Bay and help secure the boat to the mooring points.   Trust me there’s absolutely no comparison to loading a Ranger Boat on it’s trailer.  Long ropes, a specific order in which to tie them and even a gang plank connecting us to shore made us ready for the evening. Anxious to wet a line Bob and I headed out for the last couple hours of daylight.  Shortly after the sun set we drifted over a shallow pile of Rainy Lake shoreline rock slowly reeling Rapala X-Raps over the top.  Two legal “eyes” were fooled ending up in the livewell becoming today’s shoerlunch.

A while later we fired up the hot tub, yup that’s right a hot tub on the roof of the boat, crawled in and pointed out constellations while enjoying some beverages.  Relaxed and not believing such an experience could be had the night came to an end around midnight.  It was a long day yet really a very unique awesome experience already making the trip special.  Today was a fishing day but a tough bite ‘n a windy day.  Gotta close now because Thursday Fan Outdoors is getting’ closer and we’re broadcasting from the houseboat tonight.  So if you’d like to know more about our adventure tune in or grab the On Demand replay at www.kfan.com .

After only one day I can honestly say everyone should try this if you haven’t already done so.  Not only is it extremely relaxing along with unmatched beauty in Voyager’s National Park and world class Rainy Lake fishing you’ll make a memory never to be forgotten.  Our trip has really just begun so check the photos often because we’ll be keeping you up to date too!  Remember there’s “No Experience Necessary” to begin!

Wish you were here!

Capt’n