Aug 21-27, 2011

Psalm 85

We left early yesterday and headed for Britt. The GPS had us going to Buffalo instead of our usual route of Detroit. We figured the GPS knew the shortest route. So we headed to Buffalo. We arrived here late lastso night and discovered it is about 80 miles longer to go through Buffalo.
So we will be going home through Detroit regardless of the GPS.

Driving was uneventful but long. We arrived here last evening after comeing through some rain at 8:00. By the time we were all settled in, it was dark. OMG. Going out and seeing the sky filled with stars is so awesome. It was so clear and the stars were so bright, that you could see the cloud of the Milky Way stretching all the way across the sky. It was so beautiful.

WE are both looking for a great day of fishing.

Thank you God,
For safe travel, good company and companionship, and the beauty of creation.
Amen.

August 22, 2011
Psalm 86

It took us forever to get to fishing yesterday. Where we usually buy our fishing license no longer sell them so we had to drive 9 miles north to get them. I poured down rain on us but we finally got out on the water around 12:30pm. No pike. We did catch fish but no keepers. Dad caught 10 fish and I caught 3. My first fish was a borderline keeper but I opted to give dad a chance. All ten of Dad's fish were not as big as my first. His smallest was about 2 inches long. I don't even see how it got its mouth around the hook. The good news is that while we had no fish for dinner, we had a great time even in the rain.

Today we are supposed to have a little better weather. I am hoping so. I also hope the fishing is better. We are hoping to get out to Cunningham's Island. A great place to fish if the winds will let you get there.

God,
Thank you for a day of worship and fellowship. thank you for the relationships you give us. Amen.

August 23, 2011
Psalm 87

Yesterday was a beautiful day. I got up around 6:30 a.m. and sat out on a front porch of the cabin and let the sun hit me. It was great. Dad was sleeping in so I walked the 1/2 mile into town and then walked back.
We took the boat to Cunninghams and within one complete I had caught the first fish, a bass, and we each had a nice pike. Mine was the biggest so I still have all three bets in hand. We stopped over at Cunninghams Island for a pit stop and low and behold they were there. Turns out the owners are from Ohio. They purchased the property back in 48 and passed it down from generation to generation. We had a nice visit with them as they showed off the island and we each shared our many stories of this place.

After lunch we had a scare. we were trolling and all of the sudden the engine quit. The gas tank had over 1/2 take but we could not keep the engine going. Thankfully we had another gastank. We attached it and all worked well. However, that shook me so bad that I wanted to get back to land. We have enough fish for yesterday and today so we may just catch and release today.

Thank you God for a safe return home and for fish. Thankyou also for the hospitality of the Cunningham family.
Amen.

August 24, 2011
Psalm 88

What a beautiful morning it is in Canada. The sky is gray and with wind is up somewhat. It is raining but it has cast just enough fog on the river as to make it very beautiful. Beautiful for looking at, not for fishing. Hopefully it will end soon we can get out for what we came here for.

Yesterday, Dad caught 2 nice pike. Both were smaller than the 2 we caught the day before but still keepers. Because we still had plenty of fish to prepare back at the cabin, we released these to be caught again some other day. But that means Dad hold the edge for the most fish at 3 to 2. Hopefully, I will have the opportunity to catch up and even go ahead.

Because of the wind yesterday, we stayed inland. We traveled down some narrow feords to some connecting areas. We finally got to one area I had never been to before. Yes, I know I say it a lot but it's true. It was beautiful. Thousands of years ago, this land was scoured by the glacier. There are deep grooves cut into the granite rock. Over the years some areas have built up enough top soil to grow trees and brush but much it is remains untouched since the glacier scoured them clean.
On our way back we had to go out into the big bay. IT was not to bad at first but one wave did scare me. As we slid down the back side of one wave, we hit the front of the next and it almost came into the boat. Had it done so, it would have swamped us. Thankfully, it did not and we bid a hasty retreat back to our river home where the water was much calmer although just as windy. The GPS said we traveled 25 miles yesterday.

I am reminded of a scripture from the First Testment: "Create in me a clean heart, Oh God, and renew a right spirit within me. As I am still one week out from ending my Sabbatical, I thank you God for this opportunity to renewing my spirit. Continue to create in me a clean heart. Amen.

August 25-27, 2011
Psalm 89-91

So much has happened the last several days. Dad and I went out fishing the last two days and he caught 2 but I caught 3 including a 5.5 pound pike. So, I did indeed win the three bets for first, biggest, and most. On Wednesday evening a big thunder storm came up complete with a tornado watch. After the rain stopped the sun came out and produced a beautiful double rainbow. We were in the right place to see the whole bow from one end to the other. I hope my pictures turn out. Thursday, we went out to Cunningham's island and I caught another pike and on the way out I caught a 1.5 lb. small mouth. Boy do they put up a fight. Because we still had fish in the fridge from the first night, we let both go to be caught at another time.

Friday was a travel day as we spent all day traveling back to Ohio arriving safely inspite of twice being cut off by other cars. Once I even had to go into the grass to keep from being hit and this was just .5 miles from my home. I am glad to be home.

Today is my anniversary and I am planning to spend it with my wife of 34 years. She truly is the love of my life. We will see what the day brings.

God that you that indeed we do rest in your presence. That you for the beauty of the trip, our safe return, and for life partners to share this existance with. Amen.