Minnesotans Head Outdoors During Winter Warm-up
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - Most Minnesotans are leaving the snow pants, boots and heavy coats at home. Instead, they're choosing to shed the layers during a rare December warm-up.
"I didn't even have to wear gloves today," said Ann Brosseau after a walk around Medicine Lake. "It was fantastic."
Temperatures in the mid-40's were warm enough for one summer-season business to open for the weekend.
Bunker Hills driving range allowed golfers one last chance to practice their swing outdoors.
"Always helps the mental attitude to get to golf this late," said Terry Mruz of Columbia Heights. "You're bottled up all winter, and it could be a long winter."
The warmer weather also created comfortable conditions for Minnesotans who preferred to stick with their winter hobbies.
At Buck Hill, many skiers and snowboarders weren't bothered by the icy slopes.
"It's a beautiful day, and it's Minnesota, so, why not?" said Chris Petree of Lakeville. "It's much better than being 10 below and better snow."
After months of waiting, eager ice anglers aren't bothered by a top layer of slush and ice on Medicine Lake.
"Just out meeting some friends, going to do some fishing," said Todd Teske, who was going ice fishing. "It's a little soft but should, hopefully, hold me."
Joe Harty of Harty's Boats and Bait opened two weeks ahead of schedule. A cold November helped create thick ice early on Medicine Lake.
"It took a month to get to almost ten inches," Harty said. "It's not going to go away in a couple of days."
But conditions aren't the same everywhere. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is warning people to be safe on waterways this weekend. There's still open water and thin ice on many lakes and rivers.
The Hennepin County sheriff's office says the ice is not thick enough for snowmobiles, ATVs or vehicles.
Most bait shops have the latest information on ice conditions in the area.
