As the afternoon warmed and the mosquitos came out in droves, we headed by out to the water.  This time with two poles.  The wind had kicked up a bit and I wondered if the fish were even going to bite.  I started my steady rowing rhythm towards the east side.  The dog was anxiously looking over the stern to see if the fish from this morning were still there.  Confused she gave us this look as if to say "Please don't disappoint me." Within minutes it seemed I had lost a fish.  Yes it had taken the hook with it, right off the flat fish lure.  A bit of jerry rigging and we were in business once again.  Both the dog and I now looking towards John with anticipation.  




We had fish again that evening, each time getting better at the meal.  Pan fried trout and perfect nectarines replaced the meal I had originally decided upon.  Each morning we woke early to fish, spending our time on the water.  Flapping wings of birds rising into the air, the knocking of woodpeckers for their breakfast, crickets serenading us from the banks and the steady movement of oars dipping in and out of the water.  We were alone in the mornings as the others had not even risen for their morning coffee.  There was a sense of freedom, of slowness, and thoughts.  Each morning I wore my sweatshirt until I became warm from the rowing and the day.  We sat mostly still wrapped in our thoughts and dreams wondering if we could do this more than just a few days of the year, wondering if we could continue to catch almost the limit each day.  The dog had learned that fish came from the bending poles and she eagerly wanted to help bring them into the boat.  Only once did she fall overboard but that was trying to bring the fish on the stringer back into the boat. She learned quickly after that.  She is a wading dog NOT a swimming dog.  By the end of three days our schedule was set.  Wake early for coffee and cheese filled croissants, row the boat out to the lake and start our trolling path.  Place the poles in the water and fish until it warmed and the fish weren't rising.  Back to the cabin for a nap, lunch an outing and maybe back on the lake in the evening.