Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

This was our last full day at Wollaston Lake Lodge, and we spent it on the water still searching for Big Fish. By the end of the day, Earl had caught a 44” pike and will have to be content with that, since we leave tomorrow.

It’s been a wonderful vacation – it always is up here. Still I am exhausted. My arms ache from casting for hours. My legs are knotted from bracing myself in the boat. My jeans are tight in the middle from eating too much. My hair is dull. My nails need a good manicure.

But along with these conditions – all fixable – is the feeling of exhilaration that always waves over me as we come to the end. And which is responsible for our probable return.