Driving north through torrential downpours appeared to be blocking our route north with a wall of water but just when we needed it most the clouds separated and the spigot was shut.
Unfriendly flies
Fortunate and thankful, we bumped our way over final 17 miles or gravel and hardpack to the ramp. Once there, an expected virtual cloud of black flies greeted us like a pack of hungry wolves. Unfriendly insects are just part of the early summer northern wilderness and for the unprepared traveler, they can be brutal, painful and dangerous, to say the least.
Challenging water
Seven miles later of dodging channel markers, unseen rock shoals and floating debris later we arrived at the island, unpacked, enjoyed a dinner of venison helper and gave thanks for a safe journey. The week was a challenging set of days and evenings as far as fishing success goes.
The water levels, like Ohio’s, ranged from high to record high, covering many docks with several inches of water and washing shoreline driftwood and downed trees into drifting dangers for boaters.
Success
But, not to be denied, our group found and caught enough walleyes and pike to fill our bellies and test our tackle but nothing more.
“Nothing more” is only a measure of fish caught. There was, as always, so much more than catching fish.
Nighttime gatherings around the fireplace are special as the night sky filled with more stars than one can imagine. Shore lunches, harmless contests and afternoon conversations are filled with good fellowship and lots of kidding. It’s everything one could hope for.
