DanD

Thanks FF17 I’m still spinning from the news. I know a number of other mechanics who have been on this trip and not a bad word from anyone. So far there are three guys that I know very well that are going this year. Makes for an extra bonus having friends along. Dan.

Cuzza. All good info and can/will help others to make an informed purchase. I have a decent Sony that takes good pics but wanted waterproof. If I hurt the Sony my wife would not be a happy camper. I may still take the Sony for shots around the lodge? thanks for your input. Dan.

Thanks spincast and everyone else that chimed in. I just put an order in for the Fuji camera. All I need to do, is remember to use the thing. LOL Dan.

You guys are talking a different language then what it know. So if you guys were going out to buy a point and shoot sport camera; that could do still shots and video, what exactly would you buy? I;m no photographer, all I want is a decent pic and video capability. Sorry I don't mean for you to go shopping for me; but I'm lost as to what to get; if I need to order it, it'll need to happen soon. Water and shock resistant would be a plus; when it comes to electronics; I'm a bull in a china shop!!!! LOL Thanks for any support on this and I will post pics after this trip. Oh did I tell you guys I GOING TO BC ON A FISHING TRIP!!!! LOL. Dan.

Going on this BC fishing trip, I'm thinking a new camera. I've seen a bunch of vids here and on youtube taken with Gopro cameras but what should I buy? Can you take stills with a Gopro or only video? I would like a camera that is water proof (resistant) that can take both still and video. Any suggestion would be appreciated. Can't spend more then 3-4 hundred bucks on it; less expensive the better. It also needs to be all but point and shoot; don't want to spend the trip learning how to use it. Thanks in-advance for any ideas. Dan.

It's easy to say/feel when you're talking about a man like yourself Lew. Dan.

That's why i asked you Lew; I truly respect your opinion. If anyone else would like to chime in, on what a reasonable tip is; please do. I'm cheap but do not want to disrespect a guide and his work to get us on fish. Dan.

OK I guess I can splurge and buy a few rusty nails for myself. LOL THE RUSTY NAIL COCKTAIL Bold and brown, the Rusty Nail is the kind of cocktail your grandfather might’ve sipped before dinner while leafing through “The Saturday Evening Post.” Invented in 1937 for the British Industries Fair trade show, the two-ingredient classic highlights Drambuie, a scotch-based liqueur flavored with honey, herbs and spices, the precise combination of which remains a closely guarded secret. What we do know is that the word Drambuie is derived from Gaelic, meaning “the drink that satisfies.” The same could be said about the Rusty Nail itself.

Wish I could Wayne; it be good to have a friend with me.

Yeah; whether we fly out of London or TO everything is included. A friend that went on this trip a couple years ago; said to only take tip money for the guides and any souvenirs you may want. Meals, beverages, rain suits, safety gear, tackle you name it it's covered. Not sure about booze; but I'm not going to fog any part of this trip (not to remember it) because of it. LOL I can't believe I'm going. My wife also did the happy dance when I told her. Not sure if it were for the same reasons though??? LOL On a side note Lew; what do you think is a decent tip for a guide (that you're pleased with) at this level of lodge? I have never and could never (with the wife's permission LOL) afford this kind of trip. I want to be fair and can afford a few hundred bucks per session; but want to be informed as to what is a "normal/usual' well earned tip? Dan.

Thanks Terry

Just got the news about an hour ago. I won a spot to go fishing in British Columbia, at the Duncanby Lodge. Man am I ever pumped!!!!! Anyone that knows me; they'll tell you I don't get excited or I don't show it. When my sales rep from my main parts supplier, told me the news; I jumped up from my desk, ran over to her and gave her a big old hug. Don't know all the travel arrangements yet; other then we fly into Vancouver and then take a float plane to the lodge. We (other draw winners) leave mid June for four days. I've entered this draw for the last 6 years, (since it started) and never thought I'd actually win a spot. BUT I"M GOING TO FISH THE BC COAST!!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!! Here's a link to the lodge's website Duncanby Lodge Dan. NO HAPPY HAPPY DAN! LOL

Maybe check out the auto detailing shops? Ones that are equipped to do (and have the knowledge) to wet sand, compound and polish paint. Body shops may also be an option; they're coming into their slower times, now that the roads are not slippery. Not as many fender benders and insurance jobs. Dan.

Have a look on Amazon. Here's some that seems to meet your requirements? With a few different colour combinations. I just used "folding boat seats" in the search bar. Many also offer free shipping. Here's a link Wise company seats Dan.

Couldn't have been said better; Art!!!!! I understand that you're going South again next winter; but if by chance you're up here for whatever reason. Please do not go out with an operator ice fishing. My hut will (if things go as I hope) will be out on the ice. One phone call or PM here on the site and Ill be there. Sorry not just for you; I want/need any excuse to head back out to SImcoe and the fish hut. I have not met you yet; but that has to be remedied ASAP!!!! Dan.

Last Xmas my son in-law gave me a 26 quart "Ozark trail" cooler. Never looked up the cost; but it has to be the best coolers I have ever used. Last summer it road on the back seat of my 50 Chevy (NO air conditioning) on the way up to Elk Lake. I had it filled with different cheeses, milk, butter and whatever else and a load of ice from the ice maker from the fridge. A 7 hour drive and a couple of hours before getting to unpacking this cooler. Hardly any of the ice had melted and everything in the cooler was still nice and cold. The only thing about this cooler, is its weight; empty it weighs approx 16Lbs. From where or whatever that weight comes from, it sure is doing its job. Last winter Ice fishing we put our pop/mix in the cooler to stop the cans from freezing, LOL Dan.

Oh I know who you mean; I started going there back in the early 70s. Dick Donovan (Dan's dad) was in charge (owner) of Bear Creek Cottages then. Dan took over mid too late 80s or 90s; can't remember. He and his wife Ronda were great hosts; cottages were clean, well equipped and large enough to hold our group of 20 plus people. Huts were always preheated in the mornings; with lots of split wood to feed the stove. Bait was never an issue; Dan would stop in every couple of hours to check on us. The last time we went up, something changed; Ronda was nowhere as sociable as in the past. Dan only did what he had to; being very distant? Almost made us feel unwelcome? Was it financial problems or were they just burnt out looking after their guests? It sure was a shame to see and feel this from them; but crap happens. Hope things are well with them now. I haven't been back since the new owners took over; but from what I've read; sounds like Bear Creek Cottages are back and doing well? OP. That is a nice whitey your wife got. I'm still searching for my first. Fished less then 10 feet away from a buddy; using the same bait. He gets a decent whitey and I get a skunk? LOL Dan.

Hey guys if you haven't realized yet; getting old ain't for sissies. Do what you enjoy, don't over do the enjoyment and know when to stop and take a break, What does Spock say "live long and prosper". Your retirement house looks amazing. Thanks for taking us along on this ride of yours. Dan.

I pretty sure the new breed of truck drivers we see driving these rigs, are all "legally" licensed and "trained". It's just their interpretation of a snow storm that confuses them; you see things don't get slippery in a sand storm. Dan.

If you find a house boat; you may want to think about having a small tinny to pull behind the house. If the rest of the family wants to anchor for the night or want to sleep in in the morning; your not stuck there with them. Jump in the tinny and go fishing or exploring. If the house boat's motor gives you troubles; use the tinny to get the house back to shore for safe anchorage. On windy days; you've got your own tugboat to get you where you want to be. My brother an another couple rented a house boat, for a 2 week vacation. He said he would have gone stir crazy; without having the tag along boat. Dan.

I've had a food saver for many years and have never regretted buy it. I take the thing with us on fishing trips (as long as we have hydro) and package our take home fish with it. Partially freeze the fillets on a flat surface (dish drainer); once stiff to the touch, place them side by side in a vacuum bag and seal them. Perfect if you're stopped for an inspection; both sides of the fillet are visible. Why freeze the fillets;; so the the vacuuming doesn't squash them and the liquid in the fish doesn't get sucked into the machine. As for sealing liquids, it can be done very easily. I elevate the machine off the counter, by 4 or 5 inches; a shoe box works. Fill a bag 3/4 full, set the bag on the counter, put the open end in the machine and lock the lid. Push the vac button and just as the last bit of air is gone push the seal button. Saves a ton of room in the freezer; when you can stack the flat bags on a shelf. Other uses are almost endless; I have a complete change of cloths in the fish hut; sealed in a bag (11"X 12" X 2") oh yeah there also a bath towel in there to dry off; after that refreshing swim. LOL Potato chip bags, after taking out what you want, put the open end in the machine and push the seal button; nice air tight seal and the chips stay fresh. We don't use twist ties anymore on plastic bags; just pop the open end of any bag into the machine and reseal the bag. No more rock hard brown sugar or freezer burnt half bags of frozen vegetables. Yes the bags are not cheep to buy; but you don't have to always use the "FoodSaver" bags. Here's a place where you can get generic bags; that work just as good. Flex Pack Dan.

When we spend a night before a trip, we always go to the Carlingview Hotel. Shuttle service and free parking during your trip away. the last time we went the cost of the room's package (shuttle and parking) was equal to or less then a week's parking alone. Carlingview Dan

What a novel idea; who would of thought? A little respect and the art to gab can get you a lot farther then salt in the wine. Good for you Brian wish we all could follow along. Take a lesson readers; it really does work 75% of the time.The other 25% well lets just say their day is coming; one way or the other. Dan

When I hear an ice fishing report from you and what your opinion is on the ice conditions. That and seeing operators out; is my signal to haul big blue out there, to the perch grounds. I'm approx 2 1/2 hours away from Beverton and I kind of rely on some of the first hand reports that I get here. It's still my choice to head out on the ice, so i'm the only one to blame if I get into trouble. I Guess it's not what you listen to, it's who you listen to; that goes a long way to build my confidence; when going out for the first time of the season. Believe me I check with every operator as to when and where they have set up their huts. When I hear that they're confident pulling clients out there; I get the hut out shortly afterwards. Dan.

The bolt has two jobs; on the way down it helps to keep the lid from opening. When the funnel is on the bottom and you lift up on the retrieval line; the funnel flips upside down and the weight of the bolt helps to pull the lid open. Dan.