Moosebunk

Day 1. THE AIR CANADA AMAZING RACE. Woke at 0431 in the morning at a friends in Ottawa. Restless sleep to say the least, when I looked to Bren she was already wide awake. “OK hun, you shower first.” I said. Our honeymoon to Costa Rica was underway. At 0530 we reached the airport to catch our scheduled 0730 flight to Toronto, which connected us to a 9:55 flight to the city of Liberia in Costa Rica. At this point we were all too excited for what lay ahead in the day, a day that turned out having the most disgusting series of events we could have ever been dealt. At 0710 an announcement was made that our 7:30 flight would be delayed due to mechanical reasons. I approached the Air Canada rep and she was quick to change us over to an 0800 flight instead. Bren and I made a mad dash from gate 17 down to 29 and were boarded at 7:30 for our new flight. While on board, at 0800 the Captain announces we will have a 10-15 minute delay to de-ice, five minutes later he follows that up with another delay of 10-15 minutes because the cargo is late getting onto the aircraft. It was at this point I pulled a small “Travelodge” notepad from my carry-on and began jotting things down. A flight attendant named Claude must have noticed me do this, as he came over to say hello. I notified him that we had a 0955 flight and he replied there were other passengers with that same connection. 0831 Captain announces one cargo door is still to close, that he has been made aware of people’s connections and he will notify us ASAP on the conditions of these flights. It’s about this point I say to Bren, we will be missing our flight to Liberia. 0838 it’s announced we will be pushing back momentarily. 0840 Claude returns to ask where we are going. “Antigua.” “No, Costa Rica” I tell him. “Ohhhh. Right” he says. 0845 and the plane finally pushes back but then just sits there for 10 minutes. The Captain announces at 0855 we will now be shuttling over to the de-icing station and then after that taking a quick tour over to runway 14 which is close by. Also, he reports he is aware of our connections and they are having their stock people work on that. Not a cloud in the sky, nary a gust of wind, the temp outside is a cool -23C. Take off finally comes at 0915... 1 hour and 15 minutes late. It was 0951 while in the air, when I reported to Claude that our Liberia flight leaves in 4 minutes. I asked about the status on that flight but he said he didn’t know. He tried reassuring us by saying that “maybe United through Miami could take us.” 1002 and the Steward came on to tell us all to “refer to the computer screens in the terminal” as to the status of our flights. He also asked that any people not connecting wait seated once we land in order for those traveling onward to exit the plane quicker. 1007 we landed. Bren and I seated in row 17 with 40 or so passengers ahead of us were awestruck to see that only 3 people remained seated. Getting off the plane finally I asked the agent at the terminal gate where the Liberia flight was departing from. She said the gate number as she pointed to the window and a far off terminal that looked to be a kilometer, if not a mile away. I asked, “Can you call the gate and tell them we’re on our way?” “No,” was her only reply. It was 1022 and Bren and I had sprinted across the airport to arrive at our terminal... of course, the plane was gone. I didn’t have the wind left in me to cuss and throw a tantrum, Bren lead us over to Air Canada International customer service at 1025 and by 1035 they had already asked the question “could you maybe chose another destination, there’s not another flight for a few days.” “I told them “NO!!!. THERE IS NO OTHER DESTINATION. GET US TO COSTA RICA.” 1100 rolled around and the new plan was just as Claude the flight attendant had predicted, United from Miami to Liberia. Bren and I met a fella name Kamy and his wife who were in the exact same boat as us, they too had chosen Air Canada Vacations to provide them with their tropical trip to paradise. The four of us sort of worked together from this point. By 1155 The Customer Service had nearly wrapped everything up when just before leaving Brenda noticed they had booked us on a flight that arrived in Miami today at 1900, but with a connection through to Liberia earlier on the same day. Nice work Air Canada. It was fixed quick though. 1200 we left Customer Service to get our luggage. On the way to carousel#1 we were first required to clear Canada Customs. Strangely we hadn’t yet left the country. It was 1220 when we arrived at the station for international baggage. No carousel#1 was there, we actually needed to get to domestic. An Air Canada rep gave us directions to get there which ended up leading us to another disgruntled and lost airport security lady whom told us to get into a customer service line and wait for assistance. Only 10 minutes went by and come 1230 we were at carousel#1, problem was, our luggage was nowhere to be seen. Bren quickly got behind the line of 28 others waiting to speak with the baggage counter while I checked other carousels. 1235 a hobo-looking-dood wished me luck. Said he’d been there 3 days searching for his treasured luggage. My honeymoon vacation coming to a suicidal bomb ending in Pearson Airport flashed before my eyes. At 1249 I looked over to see Bren had moved to number 16 in line. Number 16 was her father’s favorite number so I spared myself a gory demise and took it as a good omen. Come 1300 at the baggage counter the worker explained it would be “a minimum of 3 hours to find the needles in the haystack. I suggest you go on ahead to your final destination and your luggage will get there sometime.” Leaving the counter I told Kamy and his wife the news. They had been waiting in line just a few people back from us. Onward to U.S. Customs we went. 1315 Bren and I got into another line at U.S. Customs and after a half hour wait we were two people away from the front of the line when Kamy showed up and said, “They found our luggage. Yours is probably back at baggage.” Bren and I approached the U.S. Customs person then at 1345 and explained we had to go back for our things and pleaded there be a way to skip the line upon returning as, we needed to catch our Miami flight. Her response, “Well, I guess that will be between you and all these other people in line.” The time was 1420. Bren and I had recovered our things and actually come back to U.S. Customs to clear a shorter line. Five minutes after that I took time for some lunch and a beer. 2030 we were on the ground in Miami after a short delay on our Air Canada flight. We were quick to fall asleep a little later at the Marriott. Day 2. PLAYA CONCHAL http://www.paradisusplayaconchal.travel/ Miami airport was a zoo. It was here I think I encountered the greatest number of socially inept people employed anywhere on the continent. That being said, we cleared this Florida city rather quickly and touched down in Liberia by noon. Only 24 hours late. There to greet us were a couple locos offering a ride to our resort. After briefly getting lost we arrived at Playa Conchal, a paradise on the Pacific shores of Guanacaste Costa Rica. A garden resort embedded amongst the trees, this is the view from reception looking to the Pacific. Our room wasn't ready upon arrival so we took a walk. The Lions Paw. A Trent Jones golf course surrounds the property. Playa Conchal meaning... Conch Shell Beach. Much of the whitish sand is actually granular remains of crushed conch shells. 496 rooms on the resort. For even more privacy one can rent a nearby condo and have access to all the amenities of Playa Conchal. Finally our room is ready. Everyday as it turned out the cleaning staff would get creative with our towels. We unpacked quick so to get to the beach for a first sunset. It did not disappoint. I ate a buffet supper feast of chicken, beef, pork, marlin, mahi mahi and maybe a veggie or two that evening. A real glutton right off the start. After the meal Bren found her favorite form of evening entertainment. The Casino. I on the other hand, found some creature comforts as well. It was nice to be settled in. Bren and I had pretty much already solidified our weeks long excursion plans, and starting next day was the real fun. Day 3. TERROR ON TENORIO. Everyday at Playa Conchal had one constant, and that was the locust. These 4+ inch long grasshoppers were spotted at least once daily, and as wickedly cool as I felt they were, Bren had other thoughts about them. After an early breakfast we caught a tour bus to take us to our first full day excursion. The plan was white water rafting on the Tenorio River. On the drive there we had an excellent tour guide who passed along tonnes of interesting points about her homeland. Costa Rica has had no military since 1948. Because of this, the government puts all revenue into their universal healthcare and education plans. The result is, a country which boasts the second highest literacy rate in the world, a staggering 97%. People of Costa Rica do not pay tax. The government controls water and electricity so therefor payments made for those services are what fuels that economy. The only taxes come on alcohol and tobacco. Tourists paying the taxes on beer and spirits during vacation are actually putting Costa Rican children to school. Pineapple was the countries biggest product for exportation until the late 90's, now, it is the microchip. Technology reigns supreme as the countries largest industry with tourism falling second. That reality may change though, as this country is rapidly becoming developed. Costa Rica has 122 volcanoes, the highest being 3875 meters above sea level. Four of these volcanoes are continually active. Much of the countries electricity is harnessed from these thermal uprisings and wind is also their other environmentally friendly source. 27% of the country is protected National Park. Monte Verde is their largest, and National Geographic has a full-time base situated there. The country’s soil is so rich it is said that if you spit the seed of a fruit one year, the next year that plant will be growing there. Abundant vegetation and volcanic soils create the perfect mineral based land. San Jose is the capital city and is located mid country. I believe she mentioned that 3/4's of Costa Rica’s 4.5 million people live in that area. After the long trek into the mountains Bren and I arrived at our starting point on the Tenorio River. We were quick to meet our guides Roy and his younger brother Daniel (Rookie). After a brief “how-to” riverside seminar we put the raft in about 80 feet above our first initiating class 4 rapid. Roy asked that if we pick up any hitch-hikers (spiders) on route that we quickly get them out of the boat. We shoved off and hit the chute.... First one got the adrenaline up. Bren was a little freaked being that she has quite a fear of water and cannot swim. This river for the next 3 hours did wonders to tame that. 40-50 sets of rapids with some being real mind benders were what laid in store for us. A camera man met up with the group at two more points along the way and took some great shots. Second photographed rapid ahead.... Scouting it out... Taking the plunge... Surfing it out. About 2/3's along the way the group hit a big one. It was a big drop with an instant 90 degree dog leg right before hitting a rock, then, another big drop. Of the 5 rafts, 3 capsized. First raft and then ours got through unscathed, and just before hitting another rapid we got hung up on a big rock. That turned out OK because as the other 3 rafts came down; flipping over and spitting paddlers in every direction into the river, our raft was able to nab two people quickly before hitting the next run. The last rapid of the day was the biggest. It came in two parts but only the last part gets photographed. It was all just a total riot until this point. I GOT WATER UP MY NOSE!!! We made it. I like in this pic how Daniel (on his first Rookie day as Captain) is fooling around giving his big brother Roy a karate kick. Long story short. The rafting was definitely a trip highlight. On the way back to the resort we were pretty darned tired. Bren and I were quick to get back and eat, capture a sunset, take in a show, have some drinks and then gamble a little money. Slept like a rock. TO BE CONTINUED....

Good showing of the 07. Good luck come 08 G2R

I got nothing. Come mid January though, there might be something.

Some real beauts there LL. Happy fishing on 08 to ya.

OK... so ya fish, take pics and tell a good story. What else you got. lol.

Bear got the sled........ jeez man, next time EA best send the mags up on the "armored sled." Wayne, that sucks man... our timing is off a few days. Would have been great to grab a pint somewheres. I leave on the 3rd. Happy holidays down 'der with the Smitty Falls freaks.

I'd like to grab a second copy of the fall. Maybe I'll time it perfect next week and be able to pick up both when I get to a Chapters myself.

Dog sleds must be having a hard time pulling through the deep stuff this December. I still wait... ho hum. lol.

Good showing Ben. All the best in 08 dood.

Cliff.... you're having great success on the water too. Mike.... looking like summer 2009. But, where I'll end up isn't set in stone. Bren wants more school and the two that offer what she wants are Queen's and Lakehead. So, I could be living on Superior, I could be on Lake O. Either one has their perks. Until then the steelies will have to wait I guess.

Just what I always wanted for Xmas!!!!!!!!!! Jealousy. How'd you know Mike??? Really, you shouldn't have.

For anyone heading up to the Moose River for the holidays we currently have tonnes of ice and snow. I'm driving my truck on it and most people quit givin'-a-shart how thick it was once it surpassed about 12 inches. Presently the snow is cold, white, fluffy and accummulating on the ground at a somewhat mediumish steady pace. The winter season came this year in the winter just after the fall had ended. Temperatures are anywhere from brisk and cold to very brisk and cold, and some days the wind blows and some days the wind does not blow much at all really. Warm weather is expected down the road a ways. Today the sky was blue changing later to grey then back to blue then to grey again. Tomorrow I predict the sky will be greyish blue if not bluish grey or just blue itself, or maybe grey. Skidoo'ers are taking risks on the ice much like skidoo'ers take risks on the ice where there is ice in other parts of Canada. It is predicted at least one person will go outside and another inside, somewhere, at some time. My tee-pee agent and spiritual advisor has informed me that the earth will move, that the winter solstice will pass and a summer solstice will come, and that Groundhogs Day is February 2nd this year. I took it to mean that, shifting shadows in the darkness need not be feared, light will be soon be upon me. Remember this too, if you're out fishing and you drill a hole in the ice, you can't take it back.

As far as general posts go... I always enjoy the heated discussions most. They're always passionate, often funny, and probably the most educational. (wether learning about the topic itself or the people who post) Posters here on the board... there are a good many that I like to learn from so I often read whatever they're saying when they're saying it. Reports though, they are what fuels the engine. Everything else is opinion based... but reports tell the most honest story. There is little room for attitude; it is really only the angler and thier story. And Bull is often callled out if there is any doubt in the truth. Personally, there is a large core group of people here who's reports I try not to miss. Young (ie; Ramble) or old (ie; Lew) , varying in experience, I have come to enjoy what they offer when they do offer it. People who put up simply word reports often get overlooked. Being visual first I want to see pics... but, that said, I'll often read the first little bit and if I'm not captured by that and there are no pics, the post is doomed. I know there were alot more posts from this year that I thoroughly enjoyed... ie: the Hobbits and others (and there are a number of members here that are members elsewhere whose reports always well done) ... but here's 5 solid OFC picks that came quick to mind just this morning. Mike's first, for me, has still been his best. Too bad the pics aren't there to see now, but, after I read this and got a little more info from him, I sat down for like 3-4 hours and retraced on my mapping program at home his entire route. The whole time imagining what it must have been like. So far this year it was the report that took me on the greatest adventure. http://www.ofncommunity.com/forums/index.p...hl=albany+river A little more of a personal connection here. A great story and pictorial. Something entire off of the norm was Chris's account of his bro-in-laws first meeting with his biological family. http://www.ofncommunity.com/forums/index.p...amp;hl=kesagami I love Kesagami. The lodge and lake are amazing. It was great to see it through TJ's eyes, and enjoyable reading about how much he too appreciated the experience Kesagami has to offer. http://www.ofncommunity.com/forums/index.p...amp;hl=kesagami Past years I have looked forward to Dan's annual spring/summer trip reports. Gardiner Air with his father previous was a great recollection of quality time with his father. 2007's trip up to Vermillion and the report that followed did kind of suck though... I'm sure he'll admit. He and good fella Wayne didn't dissapoint later on this year on their muskie adventure with Marc. http://www.ofncommunity.com/forums/index.p...hl=muskie+wayne Dan really couldn't go wrong ever. If his annual august report consisted of just one pic of Nipigon brookie and this emoticon here I'd still vote it as one of my faves. I looked forward to it this past summer and he even surprised with a little spring teaser. Besides some places in Ontario's very remote fly-in North, there are few places in the province that call out to you like Nipigon. http://www.ofncommunity.com/forums/index.p...&hl=nipigon If I searched Lew and muskie I still wouldn't find this small report he did where he kind of staked out this fish for a few outings and then finally got it I think on some foggy morning. I liked that. In 2008 I hope to see young fella Ramble On throw up some great pike stuff. Dave's got the knack with both camera and word, and I firmly believe with his quick wit too he could keep many entertained. That's all I got. Keep the great reports coming. People appreciate them.

When I lived up in Attawapiskat, at freeze up, as soon as skidoos could cross the rivers and muskeg safely, people would go into Hawley Lake for a few days and catch hundreds of lake trout. The fish caught were selectively harvested in the 5-10 lb range because that size was perfect for smoking... smaller and larger going back. The odd pike and eye I imagine were caught too. I'd love to make that trip with my brother-in-law Joe. Take our Bravo's and haul sleds. Set up the prospector and stay a few days.

What Ben, Raf and Wayne said.

Great year for ya Sean. Good luck in the 08

The Dominican is garbage. Pure garbage. The cruise ships won't even stop there because their governement won't put any money into cleaning the s***-hole up. The public beach in Peurto Plata is littered with the same trash accummulated from Mardi-gras' in the 1980's. I fished there. They were pathetic. Absolutely 100% meat fisherman. Why is Dominican one of the cheapest places to go...??? (with the exception of Cuba that won't take American's, and Mexico which is is forced to compete because of sooo many resorts) ... it is because it is garbage. Didn't go to Romana, which looks a little more off the beaten path, but, did go off the beaten path outside of Peurto Plata. Garbage. If you wanna lay on a beach go to Punta Cana... although, having had that recent scare there because of a bunch of tourists picking up some unknown bug that claimed lives... have at it. Ohhhh, did I mention I didn't like the Dominican and that the fishing sucked.????? Hope you fare better.

Nymphs sink slow enough as is. You could use thinner and lighter dry fly hooks but they will not be as good as a nymph hook. Weight them with lead wire and you'll be alright.

I'm currently into a bottle of SCAPA. This single malt is by far one of the smoothest and best tasting scotches I have come across in some time. It has a likeness to maybe Oban or Aberlour. I think it's about $65 a bottle. Any scotch lover will appreciate this bottle. Another few I like could be Oban $90, Lagavulin $90, Glenmorangie $?, Longmorn $? and Aberlour $45.

For pike.... If it's DEAD let it lie, if LIVE let it fly.

Mike............. crikey man! Yer killing some of us.

Very nice Dave. Some great shots as well as words. Thanks for the report, it's actually more timely than you think seeings as how many of us are deep in our no-fishing off season depressions. Helps to escape in great reports. Now, lets see that big Kesagami Report. PACK IT FULL OF PHOTOS AND TALES.

Dave, ya freak!!! I sent ya an email reply. Anyway, guess I'll read this while I am here. lol.

Didn't all HOT girls in the 70's just go naked and put out any chance they got. This girl seemed like a tease for her time. He was better to go with the bow. Now... had she shown more skin and been more inviting.....

Mmmmmm Captain Highliner's Haddock in the english batter. Nice try Wayne... we all know you can't catch, let alone fillet a fish.