Another year goes by, another year older, and another successful fishing trip for the FishingPals. What did I learn from this year’s trip? I found out that it just never gets boring. No matter how many years that we do this, I still seem to get as much enjoyment as ever. The trip started out ok, but halfway to Gravenhurst, I found out that I forgot the meatballs. No problem --- we’ll pick some up in Chelmsford. By the time we unpack at the camp, we discover that the pasta was still back at Eric’s house (as well as the potato chips and chocolate bars). I was getting the impression that we weren’t supposed to have spaghetti dinner this year. Not to worry, Ed was able to give us some spare noodles that he had at his camp.

Marc was able to rejoin the boys this year after a 7 year hiatus. It was a good opportunity to fill in the missing years. Another milestone was the introduction of David to the club. It looks like he fits right in there like a dirty shirt. We’ll have to commemorate his initiation to the group as the year that we had “Fun with Flatulence”. It was fitting that the original Hula Boy passed the torch down with such grandeur. Welcome to the club David!

The fishing on Sashihaw was difficult, but we still managed to snag a few. Our trip over to Kenogaming Lake didn’t yield much better results, but it was still fun to take a day trip to a different lake. It was so warm that Pete invited me to take a swim, but I wasn’t interested. I still remember seeing our gear floating away, and thinking that I should take a picture but, my camera was in one of those bags. Then Pete was up to his waist in the lake, and I thought that would make a good picture…

Rounds of Euchre and Sequence were played so that we could avoid the mosquitoes and blackflies. When it was possible, we were able to sit around the campfire, reminisce with tall tales of our adventures, and roast hot dogs over a burning pit of fish grease. Yummy. We had the opportunity to meet Laurent, who was able to give us his perspective on the sturgeon fishing on the Groundhog River. He has invited us to visit the site on the Groundhog where the sturgeon are located. It looks like we may have plans for next year already! As well, Ed and Vic were good hosts, but they managed to keep their secrets on how to bag the fish in Sashihaw.

We were able to get all our meals completed. Ron learned how to clean a pike. We had good weather with a little bit of rain. Ed and Vic managed to put the chain back on the six-wheeler (Polaris, bike, ATV, Green Machine, etc.). We had hours of entertaining discussions while still fishing for walleye. Eric didn’t get injured. No, it doesn’t ever get boring. We’ll see y’all down the road…!!

It was great to come back on the trip after several years of absence.

A little bit older, a little bit wiser, Timmins was not that much colder and our waist lines are all wider.

Another great trip again this year! Nice to have Marc Crooks back on board, and to have a new recruit, David. It was great to meet Larry and Vic who shared stories. One thing they did not share is how they were able to catch most of the Walleye. Once again Eddie and Vic provided expert lessons on how to effectively clean pike. The new preferred deep fried fish dish is beer batter. 

I enjoyed the challenges we overcame to clear the path to the other lake. This effort did expend quite a few calories consumed with the excellent food and drink. Seeing the Bald Eagle fly by was good, plus the few Partridges or Grouse on the drive way in. 

Once again, a great relaxing trip with boys and hosts.