A Memorable Trip

We had a very memorable trip this year.  We explored more of the lake than we every have before.  The lake holds many beautiful places to fish.  Cross Lake was one of them.  Motoring through the river was exhilarating. 

Although the fishing wasn't the greatest, we all experimented with different techniques.  Down riggers were on all boats this year, and proved to help catch fish, although the ones on the bottom were very small, much was learned.

We also found out that electronics always do not perform in the way intended.  Vince had trouble with the fish finder on the Smoker, but he was very inventive in trying to isolate the problem, and the internet came in handy for some research.  Although, he was not able to rectify the situation, the folks at Hummingbird were more than happy to accept the unit back for complete testing.

Another difference this year was the way we ate.  We fished complete different this year.  Sometimes we didn't get off the lake till 10:30!  Nobody really felt like eating a sit down dinner at this time, so we did not eat a lot of our made dishes.  This was due to the fact that several times we travel 12, 14 or 16 miles more during a single trip one way.  We ate lunch at 4 to 5 and usually we were back on the lake by 7:00. 



We have come to the conclusion that a crock pot is our best friend.  We even put meatloaf in there.  Next year we will focus more on this type of dinner. 

The boats all worked fine for the most part.  I had to clean the bowls of my Carburetors once, Carl had to send the 9.9 into the shop, and Vince needed to rewire the Smoker Craft.  After these repairs, the fleet ran well for the rest of the week.

We also learned that there is no need to drag a TV with us.  This year Ted3 brought his VIZO 37 inch Flat screen.  We only watch two flicks, both TCF films.  We spent some time in the lodge, and they have a nice TV their with a DVD, so we really don't need to bring one with us. 

We had a lot of fun with the shuffle board tournament, especially once people learned the alleys of the board.  Talk about cut throat, but it was all in good fun. 

So as another year is in the books, I would like to thank Jody for all the hard work that he puts into the trip, from the reservations at the lodge and hotel, accounting for all the funds received and expended.  Also the great meals and all of the running around that he does to make the trip successful.

John, the shirts were awesome.  It is so nice to have some new TCF clothing.  Thanks for doing all the hard work on that and even getting us a nice discount.  Vince put in his share of work this year trouble shooting the Smoker Craft, and remember if Vince didn't take his annual plunge we would of never noticed the Northern Lights.  

Greg, you did more than your share cooking and making sure we all had a good breakfast each morning.  (look out Joey)  Carl thanks for getting your boat ready on short notice, and thanks for that beast of a ford that had to do more than its share this year.   It really came through.  

Teddy(3), Thanks for the great pictures and thanks for yelling at us old guys to get off our asses, stop drinking so much, not to eat corn syrup yadda, yadda.  We know you care about us so we will let it go.  Sometimes it is good to be reminded from time to time.   Poor Jody, you rode him like a rented mule!

And Jimmy, thanks for your great sense of humor.   You have to have one to fish with the two fanatics in your boat.  I had a blast at the tournament and you kept it lively, and exciting.  It was a great time.  I still want to try that breath o lizer!

Even though this is the only picture we have from the great night of the Lights.  Ted misplaced the card somewhere up there, and we have not been able to find it.  But like he said, its only a picture, the memory will never be lost. 

Thanks Guys, it was great.


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