Last weekend I had a little inspiration to write the first blog entry in a long while. It might be a rehash of something that gets discussed a million times here in the great white north but it gives me a chance to tell a story that is only funny after the fact. Maybe someone can learn from my mistakes.

My dad and I had ventured up to Price county for a long weekend to try to get at least one more deer in the waning weeks of bow season and to try our luck ice fishing.

We knew there was snow in the forecast for Sunday morning so we decided to get some of our stuff packed up the night before and were all set for the two to four inches of snow that were being predicted for Saturday night.

When I woke up Sunday morning about ten inches of the White Death were already on the ground and I was thinking through in my mind what exactly I would say to the Bush League meteorologist if he had been standing in front of me.

Without wasting any time, we packed the rest of our gear into the truck and at about 8:30AM we started down the long gravel driveway toward a long gravel road. I remember remarking how beautiful and quiet the scene was.

After carefully navigating the twists and turns of the backcountry driveway we came to an open area where the snow had drifted in such a way as to make it impossible to know where the road was.

About a third of the way into the clearing my dad found out where the road wasn’t. We were stuck.

Now, I may have never worked as any kind of automotive expert and I don’t have a PhD in physics but in my short 27 years, I would say that I have developed a keen understanding of human nature. From that I concluded two things: 1) Dad was going to floor it and spin the wheels digging us into an even less navigable rut and 2) I was best to just sit there and not give him any driving advice.

It is here that I will stop to make my first point: While packing up the truck, in the midst of placing it in the bed, I was talked out of bringing a shovel.

No matter how short the trip, no matter how little space there is, there is no reason to leave behind the sorts of things you would need to get unstuck and moving including…

Shovel
Kitty litter/ ice melt/ salt/ sand
A chain or heavy strap
Jumper cables
Blanket
First aid kit
Flashlight
Etc.

After making the realization that we were not going to get out with the current inventory of objects on hand we began the long walk back to the house to get anything and everything that we thought might help get us out.

We grabbed a chain, 2 shovels and a 400cc ATV and we were on our way back. While it made it a lot easier to get back to the truck I had serious doubts about the ability of an ATV to pull a 3/4 ton truck out of anything.

We got back to the truck and found it in the same condition we had left it in. I quickly got to work clearing away as much snow from behind and under the truck as possible. We hooked up the chain to the truck and ATV and using the combined power of the truck and ATV we managed to accomplish absolutely nothing.

We piled back on the ATV and went back to select another vehicle to use.

The next vehicle we tried was a used up Jeep Wrangler. Now, before I get any nasty responses from the many current and former Wrangler owners in the crowd, I must tell you that this thing was a used up hunk of junk years ago. Unable to get it started we opted for what should have been the first option: a 1/2 ton 4×4.

Try as we might, the 4×4 just didn’t have enough hutzpa to get the job done. At this point there was a brief discussion of giving up and spending Christmas in the middle of nowhere.

Instead of giving in to the temptation of hypothermia, starvation, and eventually death I took the 4×4 back to the shed and loaded it down with as much heavy junk as I could find to put in it.

Second point: If you have a vehicle with rear wheel drive, four wheel drive or all wheel drive… for the love of god, put some weight in it over the rear axel. The time you save will be your own.

Low and behold, with the extra weight in the back of the 4×4 more than did the trick and we were back on the road… for all of about 75 yards. It was at this point my mind wandered back to the Jack London short story, To Start a Fire, about the guy who slowly freezes to death due in equal parts to the cruelty of nature and his own stupidity. The frozen legs of my jeans stiffly swayed as I walked back to get another shovel to replace the two we had broken already.

Stuck again and in a deteriorating mood, I got back to the shed in an attempt to start the Jeep, which despite its decrepit condition, did have a plow attached to the front… It was time to work smart instead of working hard for a change. Perhaps getting the Jeep started and using the plow to clear our way was a required means to an end.

Well… it still wouldn’t start. I spent more precious time while the snow continued fall to charge the battery. After getting the battery back in it fired right up after about 20 minutes of carefully pumping the gas to keep it from dying. We were back in business. By this time there was nearly a foot of freshly fallen snow on the ground.

Third Point: Get a decent battery and even if you think you have a decent battery, have it checked out. I know the temptation to save 20 or 40 bucks buying a cheap battery is strong but the cost of missing one day of work or paying for a tow makes up for that difference immediately.

I plowed my way back to the stuck truck to find it in a marginally better position than I had left it. I used the plow blade to push it out and then followed close behind as we made our way to the road.

Much to my surprise the county road crews had made it all the way out to our secluded location and the gravel road at the end of the driveway was relatively clear. I used the plow one more time to nudge the truck on to the road and we were back in business again.

My dad made it about 1/4 mile up the road and, in an attempt to pull over for a county work truck, made friends with the ditch for the third time.

After getting out twice already we were getting really good at it and in no time were free again. After his third strike, I opted to take the wheel and began the slow crawl home.

All told, what is usually a five hour drive took about 13 1/2 due to bad road conditions and getting stuck.

I hope someone can learn something from my tale of woe. And if anyone else has any winter driving tips please feel free to add them.

Best wishes to the WNPA membership for a happy new year and a safe winter driving season.

-Nathan

Posted by Nathan Pier as Survival Afield at 3:44 PM EST

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Hello Friends, I hope the holidays are treating you well. I walked into the office today and saw a package that came all the way from
Lubbock, Texas. That feller down there is slippery as a hog on ice but, without further ado, here are the results.
J. Maniaci==WNPA Clip Chair

SPOT NEWS

1. Al Hoch-Janesville Gazette=Fireworks Caused Housefire
2. Mark Hoffman-Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel=Tornado Hits Bear Paw Resort
3. Dan Reiland-Eau Claire Leader-Telegram=Waste Research & Reclamation Fire

GENERAL NEWS

1. Mark Hertzberg-Racine Journal Times=Benjamin King waits for an iPhone
2. Andi Stempniak-Eau Claire Leader-Telegram=Walking Sticks At Bible Camp
3. Gregory Shaver-Racine Journal Times=Alan Lews at Gateway Graduation

FEATURE

1. Tom Loucks-Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune=Fishing Boat needs a Tow
2. Susan Pischke-Manitowoc Herald Times=Conner Bessler Zips a Backpack
3. Steve Kinderman-Eau Claire Leader-Telegram=Ty Halle’s Mummy Race

PORTRAIT

1. Evan Siegle-Green Bay Press-Gazette=Chad Brosig & his chopper/mohawk
2. H. Marc Larson-Green Bay Press-Gazette=Jeanie Kurka Reimer w/poster
3. Dan Powers-Appleton Post-Crescent=Tennis ace Phil Borden
HM. Dan Lassiter-Janesville Gazette-Pianist Andrew Langston

SPORTS

1. Cory Dellenbach-Shawano Leader=Tee-Ball batter/eye contact
2. Al Hoch-Janesville Gazette=Craig High bench eyes a strikeout
3. Andi Stempniak-Eau Claire Leader-Telegram=Corey Geary of Aquinas safe at two.
HM. Al Hoch-Janesville Gazette=Williams Bay celebrates v. Hurley in Title Game

MULTIPLE

1. Kevin Poirier-Kenosha News=Brighton Dairy Breakfast
2. Kristyna Wentz-Graff=Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel=iPhone Release Gala
3. Evan Siegle-Green Bay Press-Gazette=Nguyen Family Reunion

ILLUSTRATION

1. Dan Powers-Appleton Post-Crescent=Appleton Catcher’s Strategy
2. Dan Lassiter-Janesville Gazette=Asparagus Tips
3. Al Hoch-Janesville Gazette=Choco-Luscious

Posted by jmaniaci as Webmaster's Column, Clip Contest Update at 9:54 PM EST

2 Comments »

Mike De Vries, a photojournalist with the Madison, Wis. Capital Times newspaper recently had one of his photos earn recognition as the Associated Press National Member Showcase Photo of the Month. Well Done Mike!

**A friend who served with Sgt. Joshua Brennan kneels at his casket after burial service at McFarland Cemetery, in McFarland, Wis., in this Nov. 6, 2007, file photo. Brennan, 22, was killed on Friday, Oct. 26, 2007, in a combat mission in Asadabad, Afghanistan.  (AP Photo/The Capital Times, Mike DeVries/FILE)

Posted by Administrator as WNPA Report at 2:18 AM EST

1 Comment »

John Maniaci, WSJ 835
Kristyna Wentz-Graff, Journal Sentinel 665
Dan Lassiter, Janesville Gazette 595
Dan Powers, Post-Crescent 475
Corey Wilson, Press Gazette 470
Dan Reiland, Leader-Telegram 430
Terry Mayer, The Week 400
Evan Siegle, Press-Gazette 375
Mark Hoffman, Journal Sentinel 335
Gregory Shaver, Journal Times 295
Al Hoch, Janesville Gazette 280
Mark Hertzberg, Journal Times 270
Tom Loucks, Daily Telegram 235
Steve Kinderman, Leader-Telegram 185
Jaslyn Gilbert, Herald Times Reporter 180
Eric Young, Herald Times Reporter 170
Andi Stempniak, Leader-Telegram 170
Marc Larson, Press Gazette 165
Michelle Stocker, Capital Times 160
Kevin Poirier, Kenosha News 145
Susan Pichke, Herald Times Reporter 120
Patrick Ferron, Post-Crescent 90
Jack Orton, Journal Sentinel 80
Doug Alft–Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune 60
Sharon Cekada Post Crescent 50
Gary Klein, Sheboygan Press 40
Brian Passino, Kenosha News 30
Dan Plutchak, The Week 15

Posted by Administrator as Clip Contest Update at 2:11 AM EST

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Winning images from the October 2007 clip contest have just been posted.

Click the image below to see the gallery for October.

October 2007 gallery

Posted by Administrator as Clip Contest Update at 1:46 AM EST

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Winning images from the August 2007 WNPA Clip Contest are now online.

Click the image below to view the winners’ gallery.

AUGUST WINNERS’ GALLERY 

Posted by Administrator as Clip Contest Update at 1:30 AM EST

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Winning images from the September 2007 clip contest (remember those?) have just been posted.

Click the image below to see the gallery for September.

September 2007 gallery 

Posted by Administrator as Clip Contest Update at 1:18 AM EST

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Hello Friends,
2 weeks til the Christmas. If you are sick of the mall like me, maybe build a birdhouse or bake a cake for a friend this year. Or, candlesticks always make a nice gift. October clips were judged by our friends at the Lincoln Journal Star in Lincoln, Nebraska. Congratulations go to the following.

GENERAL NEWS

1. Kristyna Wentz-Graff=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel–Peter Sotski/Lightbox in Classroom
2. Dan Powers-Appleton Post-Crescent–Peter Kelly Duct Taped To The Wall
3. Jaslyn Gilbert-Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter–Giant Flag Taken Down
HM. Evan Siegle-Green Bay Press Gazette–Pang Vue Collapses after Court
HM. Mark Hertzberg-Racine Journal Times–Antonio Shannon Weeps

SPOT NEWS

1. Evan Siegle-Green Bay Press Gazette–Fire At East Walnut and Clay Street
2. Terry Mayer-The Week (Delavan)–Bauer and Peck Fight Fire on Hwy. 89
3. Dan Reiland-Eau Claire Leader-Telegram–Turk comforts Sihsmann after fire

PORTRAIT

1. Andi Stempniak-Eau Claire Leader-Telegram–YMCA Marlin Leah Pronschinske
2. Mark Hoffmann-Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel–Phone Repairman Colby Frost
3. Jaslyn Gilbert-Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter–Susi Richmond Punkin’ Carver

FEATURE

1. Dan Lassiter-Janesville Gazette–Steamy Pavement Workers N. Parker Dr.
2. Kristyna Wentz-Graff=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel–Markos Mamalakis walks the Beach
3. Brian Passino-Kenosha News–Sailboat Emerges From Coastal Fog

SPORTS

1. Dan Powers-Appleton Post-Crescent–Driver Upended By Darren Sharper/Winfield Looks On
2. Dan Powers-Appleton Post-Crescent–Al Harris Blurs Onto The Field V. Redskins
3. Mark Hoffmann-Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel–Favre Hoists Jennings after TD 421
HM. Mark Hoffmann-Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel–Woodson dives over Moss for a fumble
HM. Dan Powers-Appleton Post-Crescent–Jahr brings Down Nadke in Banta Bowl

FEATURE MULTIPLE

1. Kristyna Wentz-Graff=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel–Crandon Shooting Aftermath
2. Evan Siegle-Green Bay Press Gazette–Colors Of Fall
3. Dan Lassiter-Janesville Gazette–Nutty For His Tree Farm

Well Done People. Now plese send your winning images.

Important things you should know before sending in your winner:

Make sure the file is a JPEG
72 dpi resolution
1000 px maximum dimension
Make sure caption information is present in file info or in the body of an e-mail
Make sure captions are written in complete sentences and checked for spelling/grammar/punctuation errors, captions are posted as-is
Submitting Via E-Mail:

WNPA Clip Contest Winning Images Only may be sent to the WNPA website administrator for posting in the monthly clip contest winners gallery also embedded in an e-mail. Send e-mails to:

scander03@yahoo.com

Submitting Via FTP:

WNPA Clip Contest Winning Images Only may be sent to the WNPA website administrator for posting in the monthly clip contest winners gallery via FTP as of April 2006. If you have a File Transfer Protocol, or, FTP, program such as Fetch, WS_FTP or Transmit, you can enter in a few login protocols and drag your winning files right onto the WNPA web server without messing with e-mail or file attachments. Here are the login protocols:

Please note login changes
Host: www.wnpaonline.com
Username: clips
Password: 07WNPAclips

Posted by jmaniaci as Webmaster's Column, Clip Contest Update at 6:48 PM EST

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We have fielded a number of questions over the status of the 2007 WNPA Monthly Clip Contest. Here is a guide showing which months have or have not been reported. If there is a YES next to the month, it has been reported and the point totals have been figured in. If the month has a NO next to it, the results do not exist yet.

2007

JANUARY - YES
FEBRUARY - YES
MARCH - YES

APRIL - YES
MAY - YES
JUNE - NO
JULY - YES
AUGUST - YES
SEPTEMBER - YES
OCTOBER - NO
NOVEMBER - NO
DECEMBER  - NO

Posted by Administrator as Clip Contest Update at 11:56 AM EST

4 Comments »

John Maniaci, WSJ 835
Kristyna Wentz-Graff, Journal Sentinel 525
Dan Lassiter, Janesville Gazette 515
Corey Wilson, Press Gazette 470
Dan Reiland, Leader-Telegram 400
Terry Mayer, The Week 360
Dan Powers, Post-Crescent 330
Gregory Shaver, Journal Times 295
Al Hoch, Janesville Gazette 280
Evan Siegle, Press-Gazette 270
Mark Hertzberg, Journal Times 255
Mark Hoffman, Journal Sentinel 250
Tom Loucks, Daily Telegram 235
Steve Kinderman, Leader-Telegram 185
Eric Young, Herald Times Reporter 170
Marc Larson, Press Gazette 165
Michelle Stocker, Capital Times 160
Kevin Poirier, Kenosha News 145
Jaslyn Gilbert, Herald Times Reporter 120
Andi Stempniak, Leader-Telegram 120
Susan Pichke, Herald Times Reporter 120
Patrick Ferron, Post-Crescent 90
Jack Orton, Journal Sentinel 80
Doug Alft–Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune 60
Sharon Cekada Post Crescent 50
Gary Klein, Sheboygan Press 40
Dan Plutchak, The Week 15

Posted by Administrator as Webmaster's Column at 11:45 AM EST

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