Off to Canada- and Walleye Fishing

[Wally15]

Leaving in a few hours for the 1500 mile drive to central Ontario. Will spend a week on a fly-in lake with 7 other geriatric reprobates, most of whom are retired former co-workers. This is my 9th consecutive year at this lake. Incredible fishery. 27-30" walleye are not that unusual, and Northerns up to 36". No Smallmouth, darn it.
I got a cortisone shot yesterday, and my right arm and shoulder are feeling much better. Fortunately, very little casting will be required. Got designated drivers for most of the trip up and back.
Will get an MRI when I get back to S GA and hopefully get a complete fix.
Will check back in around 7/19
Tight lines,
Mike Pate

[Lunker Larry]

You might find water levels a bit lower this year. The province has been going through a heat wave and drought. Just saw on the morning news a heat warning through Toronto and areas. I live in Ottawa and we're seeing a drop even on the mighty Ottawa.
Have a safe trip and good fishing.

[mizmo67]

Just be careful when you are reeling in, don't over crank that shoulder.

Have fun!

[Keta]

Have fun.

[Aiala]

Good luck, Mike! Have a terrific time, (but save some of that pulling power for our December trip.) 

~A~

[alantani]

Wish I could go with you. 

[RiverAngler]

I wish I could, too. Hook 'em up, Mike!

Ralph

[Wally15]

I am finally home from my Canada fishing trip. When the float plane flew us back to the lodge Sunday morning (17th) after a week of fishing, I had a message to call home. I called my wife and she informed me my 90 yo mother had had a heart attack the previous evening and was in CCU. I packed up and drove the 1200 miles to Durham, NC in 23 hours, with help driving from a old military buddy and fellow fisherman on the trip.
Mom has recovered and was moved to a rehab center today, hopefully for only a week or so to get her strength back. So she should be around for her 91st birthday next month.
Other than that, Mrs Lincoln, how was the play?
The fishing was great this year. I caught a 28" walleye (the largest one landed, 8 fishermen-pics to follow after I download them), and we caught a lot of healthy 17-18" fish. That must have been a great class year. The 8 of us caught and released over 1000 Walleye, and didn't hardly fish one day due to wind and rain.
36" was the largest Northern caught (not by me, darn it).
Saw a couple of moose, a black bear with 2 cubs, lots of bald eagles, beavers, loons, and the biggest snowshoe rabbit you can imagine was hanging around the cabin. Plus I had a mama groundhog (correction, WOODCHUCK) eat a hot dog out of my hand. I thought they were herbivores.
The temps were 70-90 Sunday thru Wednesday, then a series of strong thunderstorms rolled through Thursday. The low was 47 on Friday and 44 on Saturday morning. That sleeping bag felt GOOD!
You're not in S. GA anymore, Toto.
My arm did OK on the trip. Only took an Oxy at bedtime. If I don't look up or to the right, the arm doesn't bother me very much.
Very eventful 2 weeks! Got home about 5 PM today. Now to see if I can get my MRI moved up from September to something more reasonable, like tomorrow.
Mike

[RiverAngler]

So sorry to hear about your Mother. Wishing her and your family all of the best.

Sounds like you had a great fishing trip! I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures.

[David Hall]

Get that MRI and go see that neurosurgeon.

[Wally15]

Pics from the trip to Rice Lake, Ontario. This was my 9th straight year. The flora, fauna, and scenery is amazing.
http://airivanhoe.com/

Mike Pate

[Wally15]

More fish pics, the scenic drive along the Mississagi River, The Gang of Eight,

[Keta]

I'm glad your mother is OK Mike....and you had a good trip too.

[joel8080]

X 2

Joel8080

[alantani]

looks like a great trip, glad everything is working out!