Joey

Paul and I decided last minute to head up to Lakair to join Lew, Diane, Marvin, Rich and Patsy, and for one night Dan Bouck. We had a great time and wished we didn't have to leave. Weather was off and on, hot, rain, storms, we got it all. This was Ralphie's first time up north and he was a bit skittish at first, but loved it after that. He and Marvin made fast friends, even Digger came around to liking Ralphie in the end. We arrived about 3:30 on Saturday, a little later than we had anticipated as Paul realized as we passed Holland Marsh that he had forgotten the trolling motor. So a turn around at the Bradford turn off and back home to Richmond Hill we went. Added a bit of time to our travels When we got there we were welcomed by Leslie, then Lew and Diane and Marvin. Rich and Patsy came by after fishing and Dan arrived a bit later. Best Buddies!!! And Lakair just wouldn't be Lakair without Digger! Took Ralphie for a walk and got some wildlife shots. A very sappy tree We had a crappy Sunday with rain and storms. Woke up to thunder but headed out in the afternoon for some muskie. We only managed a few pike (didn't take any pics of them) but found Lew out pounding the water These loons did a nice little dance for us These next photos are a sequence of two osprey fighting over a fish. The first osprey caught it and was trying to land in a tree to eat it and the other was trying to steal it from him/her. It was pretty far away so I'm at full zoom and the boat was moving in the waves but I did the best I could. The original osprey managed to keep its catch and ate it. Still trying, circling! Finally he gets to eat in peace Some seagull shots The crew down on the dock!! Eventually, a few needed a nap. Marvin went to sleep in his chair with a little coaxing, Ralphie in my lap, and Paul on a rock We had a few visitors down there too We did manage a few fishing pics. I got a couple of pickerel (we went out most nights fishing for them) and got a good 20 incher for our team, and Paul got a 9.5 inch perch for the team Unfortunately, the bigger one was in the slot, so back she went, actually, we never kept any of the fish caught. Let them get bigger The deer in the headlights look Ralphie did awesome in the boat and eventually we let him run around free in it without tying him up. He is a great fishing/boat dog now. The waves and fresh air tend to tire him easily tho. See how stresed he is here : So it's back to work tomorrow, but it was a fantastic few days off with some wonderful company. Thanks to Lew, Diane, Rich and Patsy for the great company, and Dan for the short time he was there. Thanks to Marvin for teaching Ralphie how to swim, and thanks to Leslie and Kevin for the great service and accomodations. We had a super time. Joey

That's too cool. Looks like a fuzzy drowned rat kinda, but cuter

That's great B. Gonna be teaching Ralphie the same thing this week up north

Will do Lew, and thanks. He's on afternoons right now, which is why we are not leaving at the crack of dawn, he will need some sleep, although he probably won't be able to from the excitement of going

See you tomorrow Lew. We're all packed and ready, planning on arriving noonish tomorrow I'm hoping one day you and Paul can do a morning fish so I can sleep in

Looks like a little piece of heaven up there Simon. Wonderful pictures. You're a great dad, that playhouse/swingset is da bomb

Really great report and pictures, that is one fat laker. Congrats on the PB!

Yup, enjoyed both. Great reports and thanks for sharing.

All I can say is WOW!!!!

Agreed, very bad at that whenever they pull us over up there!!!!

Sounds like a great place. Great pics, especially the bear picture

He's just adorable. Congrats on your new puppy. I'm sure Rebel will be a great fishing dog

What a cutie. Looks like he really enjoyed himself

Would be nice to see you again, hope you can make it

Woohoo, great report and pics Pete

That's what I was thinking Lew. Ouch Glad you got it all fixed up Bill - been there myself a time or two

Wow, that was a really cool video Terry

Looks like a great time was had by all. Cool that Ma caught the biggest fish

Well with only 3 couples and no TJ's secret batter or deep frier, not sure there will be a pike tourney Dan!

Oh, thanks for the reminder John Still got the scar to remind me

Great photos, thanks for the report

Well I hope I'm included in those arrangements

Yep, Ralphie loves dogs and will take to Marvin as soon as he sees him Can't wait myself, looking forward to seeing all of you. We'll be in cabin 10, so we'll have the firepit to sit around at night if ya'll want

Well looks like we've had a change of plans aswell Lew. Paul, Ralphie and I will be joining you, Diane, Rich and Patsy, arriving the 16th and staying til Tues or Wednesday See you up there

Really cool video Lew, thanks