North Shore Hat

North Shore Hat

Something is in the Air

Dave D. and I took a trip down the river a couple weeks back. It has been an unusual year. Too much water, then too little water. Right now, I think you could walk down the river. We had a good day. The feelings of a Summer spent and preparation for Winter were evidenced all along the river.
The following week, my Dad and I walked out to the pond to try our luck fishing. We sat for two hours and didn't have a bite. I think maybe the last hour, we didn't even have a line in the water. This is good evidence that like many fishing trips, it wasn't about the fish. My Dad and I have finally reached a point in our lives that we can have discussions never possible 30 years ago. I remember his old fishing buddies. Most are gone, but he remembers like it was yesterday. I recounted the time he brought a big northern home. My mom had to clean out the freezer to make room till he got it to the taxidermist. It was so big that they had to wrap it around the freezer. The head was on the left side and the tail was on the right, with food packed in front of it. It's also ironic how we talk about the military. I, my Dad and brother Denny are all veterans. My other four brothers were never in the service. Denny and I have always been given an extra due from my Dad for our service. We "understand" things that the other boys don't. The irony of the discussion is that neither one of us has really told the other about our experiences and never will. The cool weather was nice that day, but it brought rain, so we headed to the house. I haven't blogged much lately. I hope to do better to finish out the year. I've been doing more reading than writing lately. Doug, Over and Out.

Camping

Yesterday, a friend stated, "We haven't been on the river all Summer." This has been a melancholy year to say the least. I haven't been fishing in Iowa yet this year and I also haven't been in a kayak. So, I've decided that this must change. It's time to set up a tent, light a fire, float the river, catch some fish, shoot some guns and find a few artifacts. It won't change the world situation, but will surely make it easier to endure. If something good happens, you all will be he first to know! Doug, Over and Out.

A Brother Remembered

We buried my brother Dan "Slick" on this day 13 years ago. His children were 3-7 years old at the time. Above is J. doing dishes on his first Boundary Waters trip a couple years ago.
This is two years ago at J's graduation J,C and T with grandpa
T and C looking at T's target at the farm
J and C spent more time talking to each other on this trip than they had for years growing up.
T shoots left handed like her Dad. She is a natural. As you can see, life goes on and kids do grow up without their Dad. He would have loved every minute of watching those kids grow up. He played ball with the boys constantly. He skipped playing golf with his buddies the last week he was alive so he could go fishing with his daughter. When you came into his house, you usually found Dan, three kids and two dogs all piled up on the sofa. He watched those kid movies over and over and over! No one loved their kids more. It's almost like he knew that time was precious. He would do a favor for anyone and never expected anything in return. He was an avid Florida State football fan and loved going to Redskin games in D.C. He of course loved everything Iowa State, too. He was a math whiz. He got his nickname because of his efficiency as a carpenter. I worked with him for a few years and I am glad that I did. Every day I drive by some house or apartment that we helped build. The place I live we built together along with another brother. My son likes all his uncles, but Dan was his favorite. They were always doing something together. This post has been self indulgent, but you all owe me one. He is what"s on my mind today. Actually about everyday, if just in passing. I still miss him. He was loved by his friends and family. They still show up all these years later for his memorial golf tournament. Kids and dogs loved him and that's about all you need to know about anyone.

Summer is Fading

This is a picture of Dave and Steve fishing on Sawbill Lake this June. I don't remember if I took this picture from camp or if Dave D and I were in the other canoe. Anyway, if you enlarge the picture you can see two guys having a good time. This years trip was special because three of my old friends became new friends with each other. It's always nice when one set of friends likes the other set. There are no enemies around the campfire. Well, no arguments that don't get settled before morning. There is an old saying that states that" Life is what happens, while you are waiting for you plans to work out." As you start to go to the weddings of people that were just kids "yesterday" , you wonder where the time went. We lived it! I remember on the occasion of my Grandpa's 90Th birthday. a reporter ask him if he had any regrets in life. He stated, " I don't regret anything I've ever done, only the things I didn't." He went on to say that when you get old, that all you have is a scrap book full of people and places. Make sure when you get to the nursing home, that you have a "big" book. Live as you go and be aware of the magic around you every day. You only get so many days to fish with your son before he is gone. Never, never tell a child that you don't have time to read a book. You will long for that chance many times in future years. I got off on a rant, but so be it. I guess my message today is to be happy, don't put things off and be aware of the special nature of each day. Doug, Over and Out.

The Stone of Beth El

BWCAW 2011

Sunset on Sawbill Lake. The pink sky is caused by the smoke from the big fire in Arizona.
Sunlight reflected right into our campsite. What these pictures can't capture is the smell of crisp pine scented air, the call of the loon, the crackle of the fire, the quietness of nature and the relaxed feeling that comes from no concern for time.
Supper is done and we are settled around the campfire for the evening. With a fine cigar and a glass of scotch whisky, we look to the West knowing that it will be light till well after 10:00PM. In the tradition of things heard around the campfire, we tell stories of college days, the military, other adventure trips, politics and business (we always solve the worlds problems). We also talk sports, Lodge in general and of course we all get up to date on every one's family. When one reminisces with friends that you have know for up to 40 years, it becomes quite apparent that life has been good.
Dave and Steve returning to camp.
An out of focus picture of Dave sitting by the fire. I put it in for the back ground and general idea of the camp. I have work to do, so I will go for now. Doug, Over and Out.