SOLSTICE STOMPING!   It’s the first day of winter, not that you could tell leading up to it but a cool down is in the works to more seasonable temperatures.  We chat solstice, full moon and more in today’s Three Things.

Featured Photo: Pheasant tracks crack the icy and crusted snow remaining on a small stretch of PLOTS near Regan, ND. Simonson Photo.

 

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today: Fri 12/21 – Late Squall – Hi 38, Lo 25, Wind S@10
Tomorrow:  Sat 12/22 – Windy – Hi 33, Lo 27, Wind NW@20, G30

 

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
8:25AM       4:57PM

Moonrise      Moonset       Overhead    Underfoot
4:25PM        6:56AM       Fol. Day       11:43AM

 

Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous (98% Full)

 

EDGE HOUR:   4:20-5:20PM. The rising, near-full moon and sunset ahead of the front will trigger a big bite in today’s Edge Hour.

DAY RATING:

THREE THINGS

FIRST DAY. With the season’s arrival, we celebrate the solstice or first day of winter which will occur at 4:23pm this afternoon.  Today boasts the longest amount of darkness and shortest amount of daylight, as the Earth’s poles reach maximum tilt away from the sun.  Add in some shooting stars and tomorrow’s full moon, and you’ve got one celestial supershow!

 

FULL UP. The December full moon hits tomorrow at midday and this month’s “Cold Moon” usually signals the last stretch of hot early-ice action in those winters where solid fishing sets up.  However, with the late formation this year, good fishing will continue into the new year before we hit mid-ice.

FINAL THOUGHTS.  If you’re looking to get a gift for a friend, hit your phone, digital camera, or file stash and find those photos of your hunting and fishing excursions (or raid their FB page!).  Put them together and print them out at one of the many online-order, pick-up in person photo processors and place in a collage-style frame and voila! Instant last-minute gift.  Glue on feathers, shells or lures for a fun trim with a personal touch.

Stay Sharp!