Tootsie II

For some of us who remember 99% of that " Older Than Dirt" thread, melting down just accelerates the inevitable. With the " golden years", yah, right, we come to realize that with all that we've survived, remembering the ones that we knew who didn't make it this far, life is far too short and you should carefully pick the issues that are worth blowing a gasket over.

My handle "Tootsie II" comes from the name of my 1980 "French River" model Giesler cedar strip boat built in that shop. It's still going strong even though like any wood boat it has needed some TLC at times. These boats really ride well in rough water and can carry a heck of a load of gear. People think they are heavy, but mine weighs about the same as a compartively sized beer can. If and when Tootsie outlives her usefullness and I need to replace her, I'll probably replace her with their 18 ft. Georgian Bay model if I and they are still around.

Up there it's called Kenogamissi Lake and not Lake Kenogamissi. It's basically a man made lake created by the OPG dam at Wawaitin ( pronounced Way-way-at-in by the locals) Falls. With the exception of the area by the dam, it's about a 25 mile long narrow North-South running lake with a nasty reputation when the wind is out of the North. There are lots of cottages on it and one major camp ground on it that is accessed off Hwy 144 at a bay called The Cache ( pronounced "Cash") It's fished pretty heavy but still has a pretty good reputation for pike and pickerel (walleye). There is also another control dam with no generating capacity at the South end of the lake that controls the water of Mattagami Lake above it. They are part of the Mattagami River system that flows into Timmins. There was a recent article on that portion of the river in the Ontario Out of Doors Magazine. Knowing the area somewhat, I thought the article was kinda superfluous. There used to be one or two outfitters on Kenogamissi but I'm not sure if they're still in business. Perhaps the two other members referenced by an earlier poster can shed more light on the current fishing situation. I haven't fished it in years.

As a newer member I didn't realize this feature existed. It's nice to see that there are still a few CO's out there and that they're getting a few of those idiots who would ruin the valuable resource that our fishing locales represent. That story about the reduced numbers of CO's and their gas situation really shows how "mickey mouse" the government has become when it comes to natural resources. It's a pitty fish and other wildlife don't vote. I, for one, will be sending Ramsey ( Minister of Natural Resources) a polite but nastily worded e-mail about my thoughts on this situation. I hope others in Ontario will do the same. Only if he thinks enough people care will they do something. I used to work for a government organization and their view is that every "letter" represents the views of 10,000. people who won't bother to write. I hope many more of us will write or e-mail him so that he gets the message.

Hey, I work part-time in Sports at Wal-Mart. Sure wish we had that guy on staff. He could sure help our department sales.

I can't resist it. It gives new meaning to the term " Eat my shorts!"

Nice to see that most of us keep our priorities straight through all of this. After my first colostomy/cancer surgery in Feb. 2004, I had to stay off work for 16 weeks. During that time my cousin asked if I wanted to come up to Mattagami Lake in the late May, early June (last two weeks of my convelescence ). Heck, couldn't turn that down. My fishing partner managed to talk his wife into letting him go to. This year will be our third year there. Then went on our regular 13 day trip to Shining Tree area in late July that year. That was our 26th year there. Last year at my 1st annivesary colonoscopy check, the surgeon suggested that I get a small stomal hernia fixed before it became a problem. That was in late June. NO WAY until I got back from the 14 day July/August trip. You see we've been sneaking in an extra day every year. Yeh, our wives have noticed it. Had the hernia fixed Jan. 23rd, off work til last Saturday and I'll be fine in time for the first week in June and the 15 day trip in July. My fishing partner retires tommorow. And yes we do catch fish. I made the mistake of reminding my sister-in-law of our trips just after she had seen "Brokeback Mountain". So you can guess the remarks we've gotten. And I still owe all of this to agreeing to that original colonoscopy.

The worst part about a colonoscopy is having to take the stuff that cleans you out and staying close to the toilet for several hours. They usually give you a mild anaestetic ( I believe they use the "date rape drug" and you won't feel a thing as far as the scoping goes.

It really doesn't matter whether you use a cot or an air mattress. Either way you get cold air under you. I did by a good cot from Forest City Surplus in London. The big trick that I and my fishing partner have learn't after 25 years in the bush is to have a decent sleeping bag and keep your head warm. 25% of your body heat can escape off your head. I wrap my head in a big towel while my partner prefers a touque. Since we've discoverd this, we haven't had a cold night's sleep and we use a tent.

I have to agree with you if you're over 50. Came back from two week fishing trip near Shining Tree in 2004. Noticed a small amout of blood on the side of the stool. The resulting colonoscopey saved my life. Caught the big "C" in the early stages low down in my rectal area. I now have a permanent colostomy but that doesn't stop me from still spending at least three weeks in the bush every year. Not everyone needs the "scope" but it's something we all should discuss with our GP during our annual physical.