Day 4 – Vermilion Dam Lodge
We endured another warm, sparkling day here – just a few puffy clouds, but otherwise warm and pleasant.
Yesterday, while the kids caught tiny panfish off the docks, those of us who went out in the boats found that the fish weren’t biting in the usual spots, and our net catch for the day was a disappointing zero. Today was a little better, though. Most of us had a chance to go out in the morning, and we ended up with about 17 nice-sized sunnies. It’s a start. We’ll need about 30 if we’re going to make a meal out of them. Peter taught me how to clean and filet them. I can’t believe I’ve gone this long without ever cleaning a fish – and I’m pretty sure the skill will come in handy when I am chosen as a contestant on “Survivor.”
This afternoon about a dozen kids gathered on the dock for the fishing contest – a 15-minute manic fishing spree that the parents take much more seriously, I think, than the children do. Prizes are awarded for smallest fish, most fish and biggest fish. To our surprise and delight, Clare took home the trophy for the biggest fish, a 6 3/4 –inch Bluegill. Hooray for Clare.
Tonight we celebrated Clare’s 4th birthday with cake and gifts after dinner. Last night we continued the tradition that involves me trying to execute some elaborate cake design – last year it was a horse, this year it was a castle – while the others in my family drink wine from gigantic tumblers and offer their ill-conceived advice on what to do with the lopsided layers and super-gluey icing. The cake turned out beautifully, and Clare was, of course, thrilled.
Good news in the trailer department. Ed, the owner of the resort, went to town and found us the jack we need to replace the jammed part. I am so glad we can fix it!
We endured another warm, sparkling day here – just a few puffy clouds, but otherwise warm and pleasant.
Yesterday, while the kids caught tiny panfish off the docks, those of us who went out in the boats found that the fish weren’t biting in the usual spots, and our net catch for the day was a disappointing zero. Today was a little better, though. Most of us had a chance to go out in the morning, and we ended up with about 17 nice-sized sunnies. It’s a start. We’ll need about 30 if we’re going to make a meal out of them. Peter taught me how to clean and filet them. I can’t believe I’ve gone this long without ever cleaning a fish – and I’m pretty sure the skill will come in handy when I am chosen as a contestant on “Survivor.”
This afternoon about a dozen kids gathered on the dock for the fishing contest – a 15-minute manic fishing spree that the parents take much more seriously, I think, than the children do. Prizes are awarded for smallest fish, most fish and biggest fish. To our surprise and delight, Clare took home the trophy for the biggest fish, a 6 3/4 –inch Bluegill. Hooray for Clare.
Tonight we celebrated Clare’s 4th birthday with cake and gifts after dinner. Last night we continued the tradition that involves me trying to execute some elaborate cake design – last year it was a horse, this year it was a castle – while the others in my family drink wine from gigantic tumblers and offer their ill-conceived advice on what to do with the lopsided layers and super-gluey icing. The cake turned out beautifully, and Clare was, of course, thrilled.
Good news in the trailer department. Ed, the owner of the resort, went to town and found us the jack we need to replace the jammed part. I am so glad we can fix it!
Congratulations to Clare. It looks like you are all having a great time. I'm finally IN so can keep in contact with you.
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Charlie looks bummed about losing out to his little sis.
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