It’s 2 o’clock Thursday and I’m staring at the calendar, pondering the weekend. There are tiny holiday pictures splashed across the checkered boxes �” a joker’s mask on April 1; the IRS building on April 15; a secretary on April 23 (formerly known as Secretary’s Day). The square for April 26, though, is oddly blank and, with the hours counting down to the date, I’m still not sure what to draw there.

There are too many options and not enough space (or time) for it all. I could scribble in a tiny trout, but that wouldn’t leave much room for a walleye or pike or bass. Perhaps a morel? A backpack? A canoe? I can’t decide.

I’m certainly not the only one caught in this awesome predicament �” what to do on Opening Day, the most glorious of springtime holidays. We’re all wishing we had seven arms, three boats and the power to make Saturday’s sunrise last an eternity. But we’re forced to make a decision at some point.

Last year’s opener was spent on Long Lake in Alpena County, casting jigs over reefs for walleye. It paid off, too, and our boat went home with a bucketful of nice walleye. It’s extremely difficult to fight off the temptation of walleye, warm sun and a cold Pabst Blue Ribbon, but it’d be hard to top that day with another morning of walleye fishing.

I’m feeling a bit more adventurous this season. A morning spent knee-deep in the headwaters of the AuSable sounds evermore appealing as the hours pass; as does two days of backpacking on the root-webbed trails of the Jordan River Valley. Anyone who has done so can attest to the overwhelming tranquility of those places during this time of year.

A friend also promised a busy day of bass fishing, though he hasn’t yet disclosed his spot. He said simply, holding his hands wide apart as he smiled, “Big bass, one after another.”

See what I mean? They’re all appealing.

I’ve posed the question, “What are you doing opening day?” to coworkers, interview subjects and forum readers. A buddy will be hiking a national park in Utah; a city official will be hitting the trout stream; a blogger will be shooting in a rifle match and cutting firewood. I praise their commitment to a favorite sport or chore.

Now it’s my turn to decide. The past week’s been spent clearing the garden, raking the yard, digging the firepit and freeing up the weekend for leisure activities. All that’s left to do is choose.

I asked another coworker what I should do, and he quickly responded “boat fishing,” on the logic that a beer is better suited for lake than stream. Then again, the only bass he’s ever seen is the one on his coffee mug.

By Saturday morning I will have decided, and I’ll be donning my waders at the riverbank or threading a minnow onto a walleye jig.

One thing is certain, I won’t be holding a darn rake.

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