Iron sharpening Iron and the truth about walleye cheeks
by TuscaroraBorealis
There are several jutting points within eyeshot of camp and as I work my way to the eastern edge I pass by many blueberry plants – at this later stage of summer, it's hard to say if they’re typically berry producing. There’s an elevated massive granite knob in the NE corner that provides a decent overlook of the lake and affords an excellent opening from which to contemplate the sunrise. Having traveled a fair distance from camp, I also start finding some ideal firewood. After dragging that back to camp I head off in the other direction.
It’s an easy traverse under the canopy of large red pines as I make my way to the western end of the island. At the lakeshore there are a couple of granite outcroppings jutting out into the lake that would seem to be ideal for swimming from or viewing the sunsets. The ground on shore is mostly carpeted with a thick, mushy green moss that is pretty but doesn’t hold much in the way of good firewood.
Fitz takes the kids out fishing again after breakfast while Naomi, Father & I finish dishes & putting things away. Once those chores are completed, the 3 of us hop in the remaining canoe and paddle over to the fishing hole. Our plan is to head over to Curtain Falls and we ask if anyone would like to paddle over with us. Aurora & Isaiah join us while the others stay back to continue fishing.
It’s a glorious sunny day, and it feels good to be out on the lake basking in God’s grandeur and the refreshing breeze. We do a little fishing along the way and Naomi hooks into a decent bass that Father nets for her, but he swings & misses on the bites he has.
We struggle a bit to paddle up the shallow rapid before the portage trail to Curtain Falls but, eventually, we all make it up without serious incident. I pull the canoes out of the way off to the side while the rest of the gang make tracks up the trail. Of course, everyone takes time to sit in awe & wonder and behold God’s sublime scene of visionary enchantment. Ironically, while here, the 2 gentlemen we shared the tow with happen upon our group lounging near the top of the falls. We trade stories of how our trips are going & wish each other well before heading off in our own direction.
Father has been saying, “The walleyes are gonna be stacked up here below the falls” all morning. So, we’re all ripe with eager anticipation waiting to see his prophecy fulfilled. After having gone down a myriad of different spur trails to the various pools they lead to, no one adds anything to the tally board. I chuckle to myself after hearing Aurora & Isaiah astutely assess BWCA Brandon’s fishing prowess. (Referencing the gaming that their generation is known for) “It seems like instead of leveling up – he's leveling down. This is Naomi’s first trip and even SHE is catching fish!” For his part, Father claims we needed to be on the Canadian side.
Undeterred, Father now persistently badgers our teenagers to cannonball into the water near the portage landing on the downstream side. They are hesitant at first but eventually they both capitulate enjoying the cooling swim.
On the way back BWCA Brandon’s paddling technique is not a little askew as he “inadvertently” douses Naomi with water from his extended paddle stroke. Naomi, confident that God is aware she is engaging in a just war, retaliates 30, 60, a 100-fold!
While the spectacle of Curtain Falls is always a sight to behold, I am even more taken aback by how Aurora & Isaiah have connected so profoundly in just a couple of days. There is an undeniable connection, and it warms my heart beyond measure to see to my quiet daughter befriend someone so quickly. Praise God and the wonders of the wilderness!
Upon rejoining the rest of the crew back in camp, Caroline is not surprised at all by Fathers lack of fishing success and savors every minute of it. Ever the protagonist, Father makes a quip about the strange marks Caroline has on her hands. She says, “it’s henna”; to which Father retorts, “more like Ge-henna!” It seems the pattern that has now been established is that Father begins each day by razzing both Caroline & Zoe. However, they both resolutely stand their ground and give it right back. Today is perhaps the high point as Father, gesturing with his hands, begins to spin yet another yarn. In a state of obvious exacerbation, Caroline hollers, “Put those hands away!!!” Which leads to an extended period of belly laughing throughout camp. BWCA Brandon looks to totally redeem himself by then demonstrating his skill calling in some loons but, by all accounts, I suspect he may have dug his hole even deeper.
While Caroline has expended an incredible amount of energy bemoaning Father Brandon's many shortcomings, she still finds time to create an exalting tribute to her Savior. Aurora & I take an opportunity before supper to finally head out together to do some fishing. We have a nice chat, and she revels in bringing in her new personal best bass (18+ inches) as we do so.
After a late surf & turf supper (jumbo shrimp & steak) we all gather by the lakeshore again to celebrate a candlelit Mass under the stars. If there’s an experience from this trip, I wish I could share with everyone, this is definitely it. Father Brandon often speaks on how we (as a culture) have lost our sense of awe & wonder. Well, awe & wonder is occurring in spades tonight for everyone as the Holy Sacrifice takes place.
No one says as much but, we’re all still “buzzing” from the experience and sit up a little later tonight. I pull out some blueberry blonde beer from the Boathouse in Ely as a delectable nightcap for the vintage & fossil folk among us; while Naomi regals everyone with some nighttime stories.
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