Liquid Gold

Years ago Tom Dolaskie and I spent a lot of time fishing, hunting and just being outdoors together. One particular event has stayed with me for all these years. I can't recall the year, probably the early 70's the Michigan DNR stocked Clear Lake with Grayling and Rainbow trout. Clear Lake is a beautiful lake that was glaciated and is therefore very deep. It is clear water and supports a nice fishery.

Tom and I had fished Clear Lake several times over the years and had a measure of success. It was at this lake that I had scared myself while night fishing for Rainbow when I reached my hand out over the mirror like lake to check my bait and startled myself when a reflection of my arm appeared to come out from under the boat reaching toward me. I've told that story someplace.

Tom and I had noticed on a previous trip that just dusk brought hungry fish to the surface feeding on insects. The surface of the lake had come alive with circles where fish sucked in an insect and turn tail back to the depths leaving a tell tale swirl on the surface. The lake was just covered with feeding fish. We had no lures with us, and neither of us were fly fishermen. But as we discussed later on we thought perhaps if we slowly trolled a surface lure we might happen into a fish. So this day I had brought my tackle box containing some surface lures. I chose a Rapala that looked a lot like a small minnow. as we set out from shore I eased the lure in the water and Tom had his electric trolling motor that we used on the small inland lakes of Michigan.

We began a slow but steady pace, not too fast because if a Rapala loses it flutter it tends to surface of just plow across the surface losing all appearance of a minnow. We moved silently enjoying the peace of the lake and the sun setting in the west. As the sun sank low to the horizon the surface of the lake took on the surreal red, orange and violet color that reflecting water can create. It was captivating, both Tom and I just sat and watched the magnificent color unfold about us. Then it happened. A strike! We were both looking back when a large 19 inch rainbow took the lure on the surface. The water exploded with all the colors flung to the sides. Droplets arched over the water from the force of the strike and made for a small rain effect. The fish dove with its prize only to be slammed back to the surface when I set the hook.

The rest was barely describable. The fish fought on the surface, time and again he broke water flailing about and made the colors even more vivid and amazing. It was fighting in liquid gold. I almost did not want the fight to give up. But a pole, a strong line, and patience over came the fish and he came to the net. We took him and appreciated the amazing visual effect the fight had created. It was a fish we talked about for a long time and an experience that is as vivid in my mind today as then those long years ago.

A new blog

I have started a new blog. It is titled Bowel Resection Home Recovery. I have decided not to mess up this blog with medical issues that can become kind of disgusting and may have more relevance to folks going through bowel resection. I have received a number of comments ranging from Scotland to Australia concerning my Goggle of Bowel Resection Home Recovery and obviously it has meant something to somebody. So I thought I just have a dedicated blog and see if that picks up some folks how may need some help.

A Thowback Game

Packers vs. Bears, Bears vs. Packers. I cannot help but think of my Dad this time. He was a devoted Packer fan and held season tickets for years until his financial situation in the 60's forced him to give them up. I first started going to Packer games in the mid-50's when they played at old City Stadium, a wooden bleacher stadium that held about 30,000 souls. When Lambeau opened in 1958 it was like another world. Dad went to the inaugural game and ended up riding down the elevator at the Northland Hotel with Miss America who was part of the pageant.

Today the Packer's play the Bears at Soldier Field in downtown Chicago, not far from Lake Michigan. The temperature at game time is supposed to be 9 above. It is old time football at its finest. On the line is the NFC championship with a shot at the Super Bowl to the winner. Obviously I want Green Bay to win. Some experts are picking the Pack to win, however I've seen the Bears play and their defense is powerful. Green Bay is also playing stout defense and Green Bay's offense is probably one of the best in the league. Aaron Rogers is certainly playing superb ball. So my hopes are riding on the Green and Gold, but my heart will also be thinking of my Dad and how much he would've enjoyed the game today. So, c'mon Pack, win one for Vern.