This year's Canadian Fishing Trip will be remembered more for the accommodations than the fishing. Well, that's not completely true. Our two boats caught more "big" walleye (20" plus) than I can ever remember. Heck, I finally caught a walleye over 25" - a goal I have been chasing for 10 years. With all that said, the lodging defined this year's trip.
Cabin on Tug Channel - LOW.
Our group arrived Saturday afternoon at a cabin on the Tug Channel on the Lake of the Woods. No one was there to greet us or unlock the cabin. Annoyed, we didn't want to lose a day of fishing, so we decided to head out and check in later.
Several hours passed, and the cabin remained locked. No note was displayed or directions given. Nobody from the resort showed.
With nightfall quickly approaching, we could have traveled to the main lodge but it was an hour away and navigating these waters in the dark is dangerous.
Somehow, one of us found a way inside. From that moment, my trip dramatically changed. The cabin was SUPPOSED to have a TV, functioning appliances, running water, etc. None of it worked. Eventually, management sent technicians to fix the water, appliances, and other issues. But what was discovered next ruined my trip.
Mouse poop EVERYWHERE. TONS of it. Inside drawers, in the sink, on the counter, in beds...EVERYWHERE. So disgusting. I was uncomfortable, on edge, and didn't sleep that night.
Despite all that, I made the best of it. The scenery was beautiful, the food was great, and hanging out with the guys was so much fun.
In the second half of the trip, we moved camp to Redwing Lodge, the resort we stayed at last year. Unfortunately, this cabin didn't have enough beds, so I was assigned to the couch bed. At this point, I had enough. Tired, sunburned, and fed up, I didn't want to endure four more nights of this, so I threw in the towel. Jeremy was heading back to the cities, and there was my chance to get out of Dodge.
This brief taste of the 'olden days' puts into perspective what our forefathers endured and what we take for granted today. I have the utmost respect for those pioneers who lived on the prairie 100, 200, 300 years ago.
Jeremy shows us how to make and eat Walleye Ceviche. I did not participate in this!
A bear taking advantage of a berry patch. We saw this bear run and stand up.
Doesn't look like it, but this is the largest walleye of the trip. 28 incher.
The outside deck was an incredible place to hang out. Notice the garbage on the roof. With bear and raccoons in the area, the roof is the best method for disposing trash.
Lakeside campfire. Absolutely beautiful scenery.
Stunning view from our cabin at sunset.
Brian lands a 24" wally.
On Saturday, the muskie opener, Max lands this 47" gator. Incredible.
Rick with his runner-up 27" walleye.
For an unknown reason, the cabin had a creepy doll. We named it Oscar.
Our former daycare provider's daughter is about to graduate from HS this week. She had her grad party yesterday and many came out to support and celebrate with "Shell."
A Reunion
There were a few familiar faces - now much older - at the party.
Here's a flashback picture of Laura's first year at this daycare. The bottom picture is from the grad party.
As you can see, Ryan, Grace, Audrianna weren't even born at the time of the first pic and look how old they are now!
2011 - Aiden (Blue Shirt), Laura, CJ (Brown Shirt)
Over Memorial Day weekend, we had spent a few days at G&Gs house. Obviously the kids were excited to see G&G but, of course, Ryan had another motive - fishing.
Ryan received a "big boy" fishing pole and tacklebox from Great Auntie Sue and family a few weeks earlier at his birthday party. He could not wait a single minute to try it out. He begged to try it in the driveway. Unfortunately, a month earlier, with his old pole, he repeatedly aimed at the tree in the front yard and we put the kabosh on driveway fishing.
Fast forward to Memorial Day.
Ryan and Laura went to the dock and dropped their lines into the water. A few minutes later, Ryan's bobber submerged and we yelled, "You've got one! Reel it in." He slowly reeled in a small sunfish. And then another, and another. In a casual tone/voice, he said, "This is the life. Fishing."
Ryan cautiously touched the sunfish. By the end of the day, he wanted to touch its eyeball. Gross.
Then Laura caught on fire. Catching 8 fish in 20 minutes. BUT screamed every time a fish was on. "AHHHH, it's heavy!"
In that hour stretch, Ryan reeled in 9, Laura 11.
I reminded them that fishing is not always this active. Many times you sit and wait. Patience.
Next time, my goal is to teach Ryan how to 'set the hook' instead of slowly reeling in the line.
While many of us would have chosen a bedroom or bathroom as a location to read in privacy, Laura selected a leaf-less tree.
Doubling Up On Undies
This is the most astonishing occurrence of all. Ryan came home from daycare, immediately went to the bathroom and discovered - just then - he wore two sets of underwear that day.
I am willing to admit that I made a mistake. Who would have thought 14 months later we would still be dealing with Ryan's bedtime issue!
Quick rewind: December 2014, I made the decision to take down the crib and upgrade to a big boy bed. The following 4 - 5 months, Ryan refused to sleep on it, preferring the floor. Not to mention requiring someone to accompany him.
Today: Our munchkin has graduated to OUR bed. Both Mom and I sort of like having this snuggle buddy with us but the kid has grown and it's now tight quarters. For every warm snuggly moment, we have to experience:
Space. Ryan rotates, flips, twists and turns throughout the night, pinning Mom and I to the edges of the bed.
Kicking. Ryan goes to extreme measures by jackhammer kicking to create room.
If that doesn't work, he will stab you with his knife-like toes.
No Covers. I often find myself frozen with the covers down by my knees.
Sass. Unwanted commentary about the sleeping conditions. "Dad, you breathe loud and your mouth smells horrible!"
Perfect example: Last night Ryan came in at 12:50am and made his way into the middle of the bed. With my arms at my side, he placed his right leg on top of my left arm. In a serious/annoyed whisper:
Ryan: Dad, stop touching my leg!
Dad: My arms are at my side. There's no room.
Ryan: Go find room somewhere else!
I then laid down the law in a half-ass manner: "That's it. When you turn 4, no more sleeping in Mom and Dad's bed."
Nothing like kicking the can down the road to get your point across!
Laura is one of the most creative kids I have ever met. This statement comes with one major stipulation - as long as there are no directions, she does it by herself, and no one watches. She is deathly afraid of criticism.
Hockey Girl - custom skates, stick, and puck.
Every morning, I have the privilege to listen to Laura be Laura. Raw and pure! With her bedroom door shut or partly open, I can hear her build things, teach imaginary students, count money, draw pictures, organize rocks, perform plays, write letters/rewrites pages from a book, and sing songs.
Rarely will she show us her work but take a step into her bedroom and you will get a glimpse her personality. Awfully amazing!
