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02/26/2018 10:00PM |
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02/26/2018 10:23PM |
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02/27/2018 06:21AM |
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02/27/2018 06:21AM |
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02/27/2018 07:59AM |
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02/27/2018 08:34AM |
eOar: "“The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.” John Buchan"
Hoping to catch something that is attainable.....I will put you down as a 15.
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02/27/2018 08:37AM |
Basspro69: "Irons out the wrinkles in my soul !"
Kind of sounds like a 11 or it could be something completely different which is not on the list and would be classified as a 15. Not sure where to put this one.....I guess 15
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02/27/2018 08:42AM |
eOar: "“The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.” John Buchan"
So true.
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02/27/2018 08:39AM |
mgraber: "Well since it is impossible to choose, I'll let you choose. 1,2,or 5."
Not one of those is slightly above the other for you? 1,2,3,and 4 rank high on my list but number 5 rides just slightly higher than those other 4. It was a thin razor choice for sure :)
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02/27/2018 08:31AM |
Laketrout58: "Going fishing makes me happy! Marc"
I guess I will mark you down for a #14, unless you think your happiness is more closely related to a #11
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02/27/2018 04:57PM |
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02/27/2018 09:13AM |
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02/27/2018 09:09AM |
2) The beauty of the surroundings
echoing what's already been said.
fishing from a canoe compared to a boat/motor i feel more a part of the surroundings. for me the comparison is like flying over country as opposed to a road trip. Fishing from a canoe is more an of adventure and challenge; more rewarding.
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02/27/2018 09:45AM |
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02/27/2018 10:32AM |
nofish: "I fish because there is new excitement and anticipation on each and every cast. You never know when that fish will bite or when the fish of a lifetime will grace you with its presence. Doesn't matter how many casts I make in a day, week, or year, that feeling of excitement and anticipation never seems to diminish and its always hard to pry myself away at the end of the day.
"
I would say that is a 14. Thrill of it all.
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02/27/2018 12:40PM |
QueticoMike: "plexmidwest: "#1 & #2"
If you could only choose one, which would it be?"
I will choose #1
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02/27/2018 04:14PM |
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02/27/2018 04:49PM |
2. Trophy Smallmouth
3. Tons of eater Walleyes
4. The chance at a Trophy Walleye
Don't get me wrong, I like the whole wilderness experience, but I wouldn't be out there if not for the chance at a big fish.
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02/27/2018 09:20PM |
QueticoMike: "Yep 15 for sure I'm at peace in this setting .Basspro69: "Irons out the wrinkles in my soul !"
Kind of sounds like a 11 or it could be something completely different which is not on the list and would be classified as a 15. Not sure where to put this one.....I guess 15"
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02/27/2018 10:20PM |
The interesting thing is, this year I will be going to WCPP, so no smallmouth, but I am just as anxious for this trip. I would still trip if trophies weren't available, but I'm not sure I would go if there were no fish at all! Number 1 was a strong option, I love being alone on a lake!
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02/28/2018 09:03AM |
yogi59weedr: "I FISH...
THERE FOR I AM...."
Hahahaha!
#11
Fishing is a natural extension of my function of my human instincts.
Fishing in the pristine wilderness settings of the North Woods, one can truly immerse into the moment.
Fishing is the only thing that is real.
I can't think of many things that focus my attention like a solid bass 'thump' on a falling jig...
Heck, I had a DREAM about fishing just 2 hours ago!
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02/28/2018 09:20AM |
Here is what we have so far:
1- 9 - 23.6% - Solitude
2- 5 - 13.2% - Beauty
3- 0 - Pressure
4- 0 - Grand Slam
5- 4 - 10.5% - Smallmouth
6- 2 - 5.3% - Pike
7- 0 - Walleye
8- 0 - Lake Trout
9- 1 - 2.6% - Shore Lunch
10- 4 - 10.5% - Quality time
11- 1 - 2.6% - Stress relief
12- 0 - Food
13- 0 - Competition
14- 5 - 13.2% - Fun
15- 7 - 18.4% - Other
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02/28/2018 09:36AM |
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02/28/2018 11:36AM |
QueticoMike: "Cc26: "ALL OF THE ABOVE
"
So there is not ONE reason that stands slightly above the others for fishing in the Quetico or BWCA? "
Well, I guess if I had to choose it would be number 1
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02/28/2018 07:45PM |
I go because it is what is truly is.
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03/01/2018 06:04AM |
nooneuno: "#5 smallmouth, does that include other members of the carp family as well?
I go because it is what is truly is."
Is #5 your answer, or are you just calling smallmouth trash fish or both?
Your second line sounds like some sort of Bill Clinton statement.
"It depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is.
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03/03/2018 10:42AM |
I love to fish, and there are lots of places I catch more fish than the boundary waters (like upper red lake), but there is no where I'd rather fish. Beauty and solitude are definitely 1 and 2.
It would probably take a book to describe accurately all of the things I like about fishing in the boundary waters/Quetico. There's just something about sitting out there in a canoe, on a lake all by yourself, with no artificial noises, no distractions. 68 degrees, the sun going down, not a ripple on the water, dark clouds on the horizon, contrasting the beautiful green trees and blue water. A loon and beaver playing nearby. An occasional dragonfly. The sweet song of the white throated sparrow in the background. Even if the fish aren't biting, there is nothing better.
And then there is that familiar tug on the end of the line, and you bring in the trips first walleye... it's not pale white like the ones we catch on red lake, it's this dark golden, black walleye. Big thick beautiful walleye. ( I don't think the color of the walleyes made your list).
One of the things I like most about the boundary waters.... my wife's cell phone gets left behind. I can sit there in a canoe, and enjoy her company, quiet conversation, or even no conversation, with zero distractions. I can tell you within 50 yds on the Gunflint trail, where she loses cell coverage for the trip, turns it off, and sticks it under the seat. It puts a little silent smile on my brain every time.
When I go fishing on Upper Red Lake, I almost always catch dozens of fish per day, and am bored within a day and half. I never feel that way in the boundary waters. I think it has to be related to the beauty. Upper Red Lake is about as ugly a body of water as it gets. One big oval, with no islands, and lots of bog surrounding the lake. The fish aren't pretty and the area isn't pretty. I never get tired of fishing the boundary waters. I can't get enough.
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03/03/2018 01:41PM |
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03/03/2018 01:58PM |
TuscaroraBorealis: "The smiles!
Nice pictures, thanks for sharing! Probably a #10 for this answer?
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02/25/2018 01:25PM |
This isn't a combo question, this is just your top reason, I know all of the reasons are good, but do you have one that stands slightly above the others?
1) Solitude fishing
2) The beauty of the surroundings
3) Lack of fishing pressure on the lakes
4) The ability to catch the grand slam
5) Trophy smallmouth
6) Trophy pike
7) Trophy walleye
8) Trophy lake trout
9) Shore lunch in the wilderness
10) Quality time with family or friend
11) Stress relief
12) Survival skills ( food )
13) Competition with others
14) Just for fun\ the thrill of it all
15) Other ( please specify )
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02/25/2018 05:10PM |
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02/25/2018 05:19PM |
Say, Mike, did people congratulate you for your bear paw and I missed that? If so, sorry and congrats! You will love the hover canoe that Adam sent you! I hover over portages and beaver dams and waves nowadays and it's the best.
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02/25/2018 05:17PM |
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02/25/2018 07:30PM |
I am fortunate to fish all over the midwest/ country. My trips usually hit the best places at the best times and am lucky to make the most of my trips. The definition of "trophy" changes with age/ experience. I have caught some really special fish over my lifetime.
The BWCA is a great destination that I refer to a wilderness camping trip with fishing. While I have caught some wonderful fish there it is more about the experiences that I have with my trip mates. Fishing is much more difficult out of a canoe, portages and camping make the days more exhausting but the reward of solitude and beauty is unparalleled. I have been very lucky to introduce the BWCA to quite a few newbies who were afraid to plan it on their own. My oldest daughter(20) has become my new travel partner and there is nothing better than watching her catch fish from the canoe! I haven't found anywhere else in the world like it.....yet! It isn't the destination, it is the journey that makes it so special!
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02/25/2018 05:45PM |
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02/25/2018 09:25PM |
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02/25/2018 10:22PM |
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02/25/2018 10:41PM |
For me I would say number 1 is most important to me. Seeing nobody for days and having the lake all to yourself or your group is great.
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02/26/2018 01:57AM |
THERE FOR I AM....
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02/26/2018 06:08AM |
The beauty of the surroundings sets the stage..........the other aspect I like is fishing out of a canoe which is the ultimate stealth method. If the big girls don't know your there, they can be caught. Well, usually ;-)
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02/26/2018 06:54AM |
I haven't been able to figure out a reason not to yet.
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02/26/2018 08:25AM |
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02/26/2018 08:34AM |
missmolly: "15} I want my own lake. And I want a lake with cliffs and dark water that keeps secrets.
Say, Mike, did people congratulate you for your bear paw and I missed that? If so, sorry and congrats! You will love the hover canoe that Adam sent you! I hover over portages and beaver dams and waves nowadays and it's the best. "
Thanks, I have had the bear paw for awhile now. You were the first person to mention it.
Won't be long before we are all transported by self driving, solar powered hovercrafts. It will be great to get in the vehicle, go to sleep and wake up the next morning in Ely. :)
Having your own lake up there to fish is awesome.
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02/26/2018 08:37AM |
Spinning Reel: "I fish the BWCA to see the excitement of my wife when she catches a fish. Generally the whole lake knows! A side note we tried reel and pole combinations until we found one that balanced well and fit her smaller hands."
I guess this would be classified as either a 10 or 14?
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02/26/2018 08:44AM |
QueticoMike: "missmolly: "15} I want my own lake. And I want a lake with cliffs and dark water that keeps secrets.
Say, Mike, did people congratulate you for your bear paw and I missed that? If so, sorry and congrats! You will love the hover canoe that Adam sent you! I hover over portages and beaver dams and waves nowadays and it's the best. "
Thanks, I have had the bear paw for awhile now. You were the first person to mention it.
Won't be long before we are all transported by self driving, solar powered hovercrafts. It will be great to get in the vehicle, go to sleep and wake up the next morning in Ely. :)
Having your own lake up there to fish is awesome. "
Man, that's sad that no one noticed. Well, for what it's worth, which ain't much, given how tardy I am, "HAPPY BEARPAWDAY!"
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02/26/2018 08:43AM |
mastertangler: "There can be no single solitary reason IMO for fishing canoe country. They are melded together to form an overall "experience".
The beauty of the surroundings sets the stage..........the other aspect I like is fishing out of a canoe which is the ultimate stealth method. If the big girls don't know your there, they can be caught. Well, usually ;-) "
I know there can't be a single reason. I know the reasons for the most part is a combo of many of these reasons. I was just asking for the one reason that might stand slightly over the rest of the reasons for fishing up there. Do you have one of those reasons? So maybe #2 is your biggest reason?
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02/26/2018 08:47AM |
Mickeal: "15. 30 plus years and 40 plus trips ago when I made my first trip to the BW my thought was WOW. As much as I love Texas, we don't have anything like this."
That makes sense, the uniqueness of it all......
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02/26/2018 08:49AM |
missmolly: "15} I want my own lake. And I want a lake with cliffs and dark water that keeps secrets.
Say, Mike, did people congratulate you for your bear paw and I missed that? If so, sorry and congrats! You will love the hover canoe that Adam sent you! I hover over portages and beaver dams and waves nowadays and it's the best. "
I think #1 - Solitude fishing - would be the same as having your own lake
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02/26/2018 08:52AM |
Cc26: "ALL OF THE ABOVE
"
So there is not ONE reason that stands slightly above the others for fishing in the Quetico or BWCA?
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02/26/2018 08:56AM |
mutz: "Because I’m there. Personally if I couldn’t fish I wouldn’t be there."
So your number one reason above all others to fish the Boundary Waters is because there are fish in the lakes? No other reason draws you to fishing up there?
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02/26/2018 08:59AM |
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02/26/2018 09:18AM |
I suppose it would have to be the beauty of the surroundings. I mean, I can catch piles of fish in other places but isn't it the beauty of canoe country which makes it all so special?
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02/26/2018 09:40AM |
mastertangler: "I suppose it would have to be the beauty of the surroundings. I mean, I can catch piles of fish in other places but isn't it the beauty of canoe country which makes it all so special? "
Pretty good answer there!
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02/26/2018 09:48AM |
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02/26/2018 10:10AM |
walllee: "Beauty and the challenge "
I'll put you down as a #2 :)
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02/26/2018 10:11AM |
missmolly: "QueticoMike: "missmolly: "15} I want my own lake. And I want a lake with cliffs and dark water that keeps secrets.
Say, Mike, did people congratulate you for your bear paw and I missed that? If so, sorry and congrats! You will love the hover canoe that Adam sent you! I hover over portages and beaver dams and waves nowadays and it's the best. "
Thanks, I have had the bear paw for awhile now. You were the first person to mention it.
Won't be long before we are all transported by self driving, solar powered hovercrafts. It will be great to get in the vehicle, go to sleep and wake up the next morning in Ely. :)
Having your own lake up there to fish is awesome. "
Man, that's sad that no one noticed. Well, for what it's worth, which ain't much, given how tardy I am, "HAPPY BEARPAWDAY!""
Thanks Miss Molly! ( also thanks for playing along..... just trying to learn the reason above all others for the reason why people fish up there )
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02/26/2018 10:13AM |
ParkerMag: "mastertangler: "I suppose it would have to be the beauty of the surroundings. I mean, I can catch piles of fish in other places but isn't it the beauty of canoe country which makes it all so special? "
Pretty good answer there!"
So I am guessing you are a number 2 person as well?
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02/26/2018 10:18AM |
QueticoMike: "So I am guessing you are a number 2 person as well?"
Yes, put me down officially as a #2.
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02/26/2018 10:23AM |
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02/26/2018 10:59AM |
plexmidwest: "#1 & #2"
If you could only choose one, which would it be?
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02/26/2018 11:26AM |
One big reason I go is the uniqueness of the whole experience. From nothing being motorized to the months of planning and discussing the trip with my trip partners. To the hopefulness and expectation of having that trip where trophy fish are jumping in the canoe. I've found if you haven't been there you can't really appreciate how special the BW and the trips up there are. When I tell a lot of friends and family about it they think the whole experience sounds terrible.
I say all that to say it's really close between 1 & 2. But I can find solitude in other places and what separates the BW is the beauty.
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02/26/2018 12:29PM |
#5 through #8 are a great bonus though
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02/26/2018 12:44PM |
Life is busy. My fishing style is not, no cell phone service even better. Every tap tap or bobber down recharges my batteries a little more for the grind of normal life and work.
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02/26/2018 12:54PM |
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02/26/2018 01:01PM |
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02/26/2018 01:25PM |
CityFisher74: "Seeing my wife/first timers catch a fish and also the thrill of catching from a canoe. Being so close to the water and all the effort that goes into it up there just makes the catch feel that much better."
I assume this is a #10?
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02/26/2018 02:32PM |
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02/26/2018 02:56PM |
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02/26/2018 03:49PM |
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02/26/2018 04:03PM |
Every cast, every fish, and everything in between is special to me; that is why I fish the Boundary Waters.
This is a fantastic online community, one that has allowed me to learn and virtually experience much more of the Boundary Waters than I otherwise would be able to, so I thank you for that!
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02/26/2018 04:47PM |
QueticoMike: "I don’t know mike, if there were no fish there I would be somewhere else where the fish are...walllee: "Beauty and the challenge "
I'll put you down as a #2 :)"
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02/26/2018 04:51PM |
walllee: "QueticoMike: "I don’t know mike, if there were no fish there I would be somewhere else where the fish are..."walllee: "Beauty and the challenge "
I'll put you down as a #2 :)"
I wouldn't go there if there were no fish.
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02/26/2018 04:53PM |
MichiganJohn: "1&2 with certainty. Very few places offer one the ability to completely set the demands of everyday life aside and become completely immersed in nature the way it was intended to be. From the first dip of the paddle in a smooth as glass lake, to the last cast before trips end; The Boundary Waters offers anyone willing to make the journey a truly deep emotional experience. Removing the constant bombardment of today's 24/7 media charged devices, job pressures/responsibilities, social issues, and just the daily routine in general allows me to rediscover myself and what is truly important in my life. I love what the Boundary Waters gives me, and in return only asks that I respect the land I'm blessed to be visiting.
Every cast, every fish, and everything in between is special to me; that is why I fish the Boundary Waters.
This is a fantastic online community, one that has allowed me to learn and virtually experience much more of the Boundary Waters than I otherwise would be able to, so I thank you for that!"
Welcome to the forum!
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02/26/2018 05:23PM |
Number 9 number 9 number 9.....
And it's something to do while i'm out there.
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02/26/2018 05:48PM |
I have not found anywhere else in the lower 48 where one can catch pike like you see in Basswood & Crooked lakes.
While I love the scenery, the smallmouth, the wilderness, and many other features from the list, I'm only 490 miles from Algonquin Park in Ontario where I can find all of these things...... except for the massive 45" and larger pike. It's the big pike that have kept me coming back year after year for our annual Ohio to Minnesota summer vacations.
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02/26/2018 05:56PM |
HighnDry: "Good list!
Number 9 number 9 number 9.....
And it's something to do while i'm out there."
Whenever #9 comes up in the real world I always say the same thing. I get some weird looks at times, but sometimes you just get a smile and you know those people get what you are saying. The Beatles White Album is one of my favs.......
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02/26/2018 06:00PM |
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02/26/2018 06:27PM |
QueticoMike: "HighnDry: "Good list!
Number 9 number 9 number 9.....
And it's something to do while i'm out there."
Whenever #9 comes up in the real world I always say the same thing. I get some weird looks at times, but sometimes you just get a smile and you know those people get what you are saying. The Beatles White Album is one of my favs......."
It's just the way the mind works, I guess :)
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02/26/2018 06:37PM |