3 SEASONS TRIP REPORT JULY 16-JULY 22

[CaptainCrappie]

   First, I must apologize for not attaching pictures. I've spent 4 hours trying to do just that.  Same computer as before. Resized pics as per instructions but no dice. Something just won't work! Darn it! 

       It has been 3 years since posting my last Kipawa 3 Seasons trip report. Please Let me explain. This may take a while to read but it is what it is. Some of you may feel that this report includes non related material and should not be considered to be included in a fishing report but hey, it's my report.
       The last week of June of 2020 my dear wife Faye suffered a stroke. I thank God that it was considered mild. She did not lose her speech but it did affect her balance. After several rounds of therapy, she is able to get around with a walker and on good days, with a cane. A cat scan revealed that she had a prior stroke but it is not possible to determine when that occurred.
        A few months went by and I noticed that she was becoming more forgetful. Things like leaving the water on, or not turning the stove off. I told the doctor and after some testing, my fears proved to be true. She was diagnosed with onset dementia and is taking medication which can not cure but may slow the progress. It does seem to be helping. My family has rallied around Faye’s care which helps me more than I can explain. I have since realized how much I have taken Faye for granted. It is my turn to take care of her.
         2021 arrived and Grandson Brennan (he graduated from high school and also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout during the year),   along with son-in-law Mark, were scheduled to return to Kipawa. Covid and the border closing put the kibosh to that.  The trip was put on hold till the powers that be figured out what to do. Some of you already know this….Brennan’s accomplishments are remarkable in that he was born with autism. With the support of our entire family through intense training and understanding he has been able to overcome most obstacles associated with that dreaded situation. He loves to fish and his dad and myself have seen to it that he can experience the joy of doing just that.
         Also in 2021, during a routine EKG at our cardiologist, Faye’s existing heart murmer caused the doc to schedule an echogram to see if the murmer was getting worse.  The echogram led to a heart cath which found Faye to have blockages in 4 arteries. One artery was 85% blocked!  Faye underwent that procedure to correct the blockages, with no problems and 4 stints were inserted.  It was also discovered that her heart valve was not functioning properly and that would have to be addressed in a month or two. October of 2021 a TAVR (Trans Aortic Valve Replacement) was scheduled.
          During that procedure, the doc suddenly appeared from the operating room to tell me that he thought Faye had experienced another stroke (on the table) and that the TAVR was cancelled! This is another feeling I cannot put into words. The sheer panic I felt, my brain was stuck in slow motion. Why God?  I was permitted to stay with Faye as a team of doctors analyzed the situation. Another cat scan showed that she did not have another stroke. Thank God!  It was determined that the cause of Faye’s distress was a violent reaction to the sedative used. I learned that with some dementia patients, that can happen.  After her blood pressure became stable, she was released and was home 3 hours later!  The heart valve had to wait for another time.
   Last Dec. the doc said the valve had to be replaced but this time we were being referred to the Cleveland Clinic. The Clinic is rated as being the top heart hospital in the US.  The Cleveland Clinic is all business. They do not mess around and do not deviate with their methods. They do not accept testing from other entities, even though other entities may be associated with them. They run their own tests and scans. It was in April that a visit to the Clinic was finally scheduled. Covid has put a severe strain on their business as well. We spent an entire day there going from station to station for them to do their thing. That place is huge!  70,000 employees and they have their own zip code and police. I was concerned in that they should know what happened during Faye’s previous TAVR attempt.  It was like they were blowing me off. That wasn’t it at all. They have seen it all before and already knew and know.
         A successful TAVR was performed this past May 2.  Faye’s follow ups have been terrific!  Her blood pressure and heart rate has lowered and she now has “the heart of teenager.”  That may be a stretch, but I’ll take it!
         That 2021 trip was rescheduled for this July 16, 2022.  Son-in-law Mark had a work issue which means he could not go.  This trip was supposed to be Brennan’s graduation gift last year but we already know how that turned out.  Brennan and I had a wonderful time in July 2019…. Might want to check out that trip report. I was able to post pics with that report. The family would be caring for Faye during our stay at 3 Seasons which soothed my mind. 
         I had spoken to the new 3 Seasons owner (John Petrik) several times setting up the trip. 3 Seasons is in good hands and the legacy will continue. Since my fishing days are very few these days my anticipation was off the charts!  Brennan and I during family get togethers, would plan our strategies, while others would talk about other non important things. I tied another hundred or so worm harnesses… Why?  I just don’t know.  I bought a few more lures… Why?  I just don’t know. I could not wait till I received my battery operated re-chargable swim baits. One for me and one for Brennan. Hey, I’ve been hornswoggled before! Like you guys haven’t been hornswoggled before!  I filled up the kitchen sink and watched as the swim baits came to life. Man oh man!  If I was a pike, I’d smash them! The food was discussed and we decided that what was good on the last trip would be good for this trip.  Nothing wrong with TV dinners, burgers, hot dogs, brats, mac and cheese, home made spaghetti, frozen taters, a canned veggie or two, sandwich stuff, snacks, coffee for me, Gator Aid for Brennan, and fresh small mouth and walleye to get us through the week… and keep the colon active as well! Can’t forget the fish fry seasonings!
   Remembering a trip about 20years ago, I made sure that underwear would be the first thing packed. Ever experience a wet non underweared butt? Dumb question…. Highly rhetorical… You all have! Making lists is always recommended but even with them I always get the feeling that something is missing. More often than not, I’m right.  Usually not a big deal but why is that true?  Now where is that bilge pump?  Oh yeah!  I have it this time!  What about a net? Got it!  I’m so prepared! After all these years I have reached genius statis!  My age, IQ, and sperm count are all the same!  75!
   After a restless pre blast off night I rose in a somewhat incoherent state. I knew the coolers had to be packed and before I remembered to put pants on, I started toward the fridge to gather the stuff. Uh, about 3 nanoseconds into that chore my screaming prostate reminded me to better pee first! OK, two minutes later, with a semi-partially empty bladder, it’s back to the task at hand. With coolers filled I opened the garage to door to finish loading and Bawwang!  Yeah, still no pants and where are my freekin shoes?! Oh God! I hope the neighbor isn’t looking. Being known as a pervert would not be good for the reputation, but then, it might not hurt. Getting dressed added fuel to the fire.  Once again I was attacked by that shirt reversing critter which manages to magically turn your shirt around so it’s on backwards!  If I had a nickle for…. I may have to rethink the genius thing.
         I woke Faye and we had some breakfast.  Loading her things and weekly medication we left home. Faye would be dropped off at daughter Ramona’s with last minute instructions on feeding my outside pond goldfish, feeding my inside aquarium fish, watering the plants, and feeding a couple of stray neighborhood cats. I was off to fill up the trusty 2010 Dodge Dakota.  Since when does about 10 gallons of gas cost 50 bucks? The old fuel budget will be taking a direct hit this year! Isn’t the price of things governed mostly through supply and demand?  Anybody see any gas stations with no gas to sell? No shortages there!  We’re getting hosed people.
        It’s now about 9:30 AM on Friday the 15th.   Brennan was ready. After packing his things and saying another round of goodbyes we were off!  We planned to be at the Peace Bridge at about 2:30 PM. Made good time to the Angola rest stop in New York.  The usual potty break and getting something to eat at inflated prices are a priority there.  A couple of footlongs at Sub Way and another fill up and now it’s on to the border! Well at least to the Duty Free. On the way about 10 miles later I saw a dark column of smoke rising. I also noticed that there was no traffic in the oncoming lanes. Over a slight ridge there was a horrifying sight. A car was overturned and totally engulfed in flames! A fire truck was on hand spraying water, police cars and an ambulance were on the scene. Traffic also slowed in our lanes as everyone was looking at that car, while driving by. I silently said a prayer and hoped that what appeared to be wasn’t.
        It was quiet to the Duty Free and money was exchanged without problems.  That currency is something else. I wonder if anyone has ever counterfeited that stuff. The border crossing was the longest, aggravating time spent in line ever!  4 lines were open and all had 20 cars or so in each one!  All lines were moving at a snail’s pace. It was taking at least 5-6 minutes for each car! After a while I turned off the truck to save some gas between movements. About 6 cars to go and there was a shift change. Guards were leaving their booths and others took their place. For some unknown reason the lines sped up to about 3 minutes each. It’s about time!  Did the previous guards have bugs up their butts? Were they maybe testing for covid and waiting for results? Who Knows! Our covid records and pass ports were in order. Thank God!  The female border guard asked Brennan to remove his sunglasses and after the usual questions she told us to have a good time. She also added that being that Brennan is twenty, he is now legal to drink in Canada, which brought a big grin to his face. I always feel relieved when we are finally, actually, in Canada.  Another goal has been reached.
       Here goes another aggravation.  Worst traffic ever on the QEW! Traffic would speed up, slow, stop slow, speed up, stop, bumper to bumper all the way to the 407 and again when we got off the 407!  It was bumper to bumper clear beyond Orillia! This old guy was a nervous wreck!  Vehicles swerving in and out and around me, missing me by a foot or so raises my blood pressure, drops my IQ, and drops my sperm count!  And sometimes all at the same time! I mean good God!  It’s only one car length people!  And another aggravating traffic issue…  Above North Bay, clear to about Temiscaming a giant resurfacing effort is taking place. Going up, there were many 300-400 yard areas where traffic was reduced to one lane which meant those mobile red lights had to be delt with. Being it was getting dark then totally dark, I took my time. Some of those road stretches only had a cone maybe every 50 ft.  Couple that with no center lines or guard rails, and it was almost like you could fall off a cliff at any time!
        We made it to the Pro Nature parking lot about 10:30 PM. We had leeches reserved there and they open at 8:AM so it’s time for some shut eye.  Yeah right. For about the last 2 hours I couldn’t wait to get there. My sleepy mode had kicked in, and was tired, and I was counting those kilometers. Brennan had been asleep for an hour or so. Put the seat back and closed my eyes…. And suddenly a giant burst of adrenaline coursed through my veins. Where did that come from, I’ll never know!  I tossed and turned, listened to WTAM (Cleveland) on the radio and cat napped till daylight. We had listened to the Cleveland Indians, Woops! I mean Cleveland Guardians come from behind and beat those Motor City Kitties from Detroit earlier.  Sometimes the reception is better up north than in the States. There is a small store next to Pro Nature that opens about 7:00 AM.  They sell coffee and muffins and other stuff. A friendly fellow arrives at Pro Nature about 15 minutes early. Opens retrieves our leeches sells us 2 licenses and we’re off to Taggert Bay for pick up.  It’s not really Taggert Bay the real name is something like Deep Bay.  They just call it Taggert Bay because Taggert Bay Lodge is there.
        We were there, for maybe 5 minutes and two car loads of vehicles towing trailers arrived as well. While unloading our gear (2) 3 Season boats appear. We found out that that armada of fisherman was bound for 3 Seasons Camp too and were to be in cabins to the right and left of us. We made small talk (they spoke both French and English. We barely speak English…. After greeting our hosts, we took turns loading each other’s gear into John’s boats. Many helpers make loading go quickly. Our boat to camp included 5 of their group.  Anticipation is always running amuck at that time.   We arrived at cabin (6) dock and are greeted by many of John’s family where a bunch of them eagerly unloaded the camp boat and carried our stuff to our cabin. Thank you!   Stowing food and gear, getting the boats ready, always seems to be going in slow motion. Entering the cabin on the kitchen table was a “welcome” sign. There was also a covered plate and under the cover was 2 dozen wonderful chocolate chip cookies! Homemade by Mary!  (John’s wife)  Very nice touch!  Reggie never did that. Hear that Reggie? The camp looked good and a new huge, screened pagoda has been erected for everyone's benefit.
        OK, now it’s time to set up our rods.  Rigging for slip floats, rods for trolling, maybe a heavier one set up for pike or lakers. A rod or two for smallmouth crank baits or for jigging.  I brought 6 rods Brennan brought 2 rods. “Hey Brennan did you see my rod case?”  “No grandpa.”  “Did you see the rod case at the dock?” No grandpa, but grandpa, when you got to my house your truck cap was open.  What!!!!!!!!  Yeah, my dad said he hoped nothing fell out when you went to the house to pee. The window was open?!!  Oh God!  Say it isn’t so!  My rod case had to have fell out of the truck on the way to your house?!!!! The rod case was the last thing that I had put into the truck’s bed. It must have shifted back and smacked against that cap window and fell out. That cap window was used on 2 other trucks.  The lock mechanism would not actually lock anymore. OH MY GOD! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!! Brennan says “at least we have 2 rods.” (His rods) Words cannot express my agony, of what I was thinking.  My initial anger of how or why this could happen. My thoughts….Why God?  You know how much I was looking forward to this trip… Are you punishing me for something?  Is this some kind of a test?   
         Well, we checked in at the Camp office to make sure our week was paid for and after that matter was answered.  I asked if there may be any rods for sale.  My reels were in a tote, the reels were removed from the rods so the rods would fit in the case. Mary said “Yes”, there were two.  Both ultralight spinning outfits.  I bit the bullet and bought one. The Ugly Stik outfit. (OUCH)  OK 3 rods are better than 2!
         Arrival day Saturday was hot.  That evening was hot as well. We set out to our favorite spot. Our excitement was through the roof. “Snoopy.”  A lot of you know Snoopy. To our surprise, 3 neighbor’s boats were already there, trolling. We anchored and slip bobbered with leeches for about 90 minutes. Nothing!  We moved to Rockman. Same tactic. Nothing!  Just for the heck of it, stopped at Flag #3.  Nothing.  Disappointing but it’s only Saturday Evening. Sunday morning, naturally coolest part of the day. We headed out and each caught a fish Brennan a smallmouth and me a walleye.  Very slow fishing… but it’s hot. Sunday evening 3 more small mouth. We put back 2 of them.  Monday, still hot but we’re starting to catch more fish. Made more moves but very slow. We caught 4 nice walleyes trolling in front of where the blue barrel used to be.
          The week before the trip I checked out the 10 day weather forecast for the week to come.  I printed out 3 consecutive days worth of forecasts and checked them against the actual weather that was being reported.  Ready for this….. All I can say is to pay no attention to those forecasts. Every day those 10 days changed and sometimes drastically.  Like storms to sunny, or sunny to scattered storms.  But….  I also printed out the lunar fishing table and was stunned to see that the lunar table was pretty darn close to what we experienced.  Our week 7/16-7/22 was listed at being the poorest of the month of July. That did not discourage us as we always claim to be smarter than the fish. We “claim” to be but it is not always the case.
           Tuesday, we caught nice fish, both smallies and walleyes. Throughout the week, the mornings were always better for us than the evenings even though Brennan caught a 23” pike on Tuesday evening in Smith Bay. First pike for him in 9 years so it was special to him. It remained hot till about noon on Wednesday. That was a strange day. It would cloud up, the sky would darken, then out would come the sun. It did that over and over.  Finally in the late afternoon, it started raining and actually stormed, complete with thunder. We thought it was best to stay in that evening and not tempt fate as we did in 2019. 
           Thursday morning would be our last trip out.  We always take it easy the night before departure day.  We leisurely pack, eat a good supper and try to get a good nights sleep.  Thursday morning 4 nice walleyes and the biggest small mouth,  4.37 lbs. was boated. Biggest walleye 3.98 lbs. Those smallmouths have taken over the lake. The last 4-5 trips have been dominated by smallmouths. Up to 6.25 lbs . for me. A replica is hanging on my wall. I'm positive that there are much much bigger ones swimming around.  This trip, I had a giant launch itself 5 ft. in the air, 4 ft. from the boat and it come off! That one was bigger than that 6.25 pounder. With an ultralight!  2-3 pounders are many and fun to catch.  We buried our anchor at our last fishing spot so we tied a buoy to the rope so John could retrieve it later. This time even more meaning. We took the time to go most everywhere we’ve fished before on this trip. The spots mentioned before, a new one, as well as The Sanctuary, clear up to the Mosquito Inn.  Very little current flowing up there. Caught smallmouths there with a float and leech set at 3 ft.  Brennan was Captain Smallmouth this trip.  He caught nice ones right off of the dock while I took my afternoon nap, which really shocked the neighbors.
            Going in on the last fishing day is a slow ride on purpose, I soak it all in. I look at everything, remember past trips, snap a picture or two, and am usually thinking of returning next year. However, as we all know, time can be a sobering thing. I had a heck of a time just getting around this trip.  My arthritis is now in my spine and all they can do for me is pain management which means drugs. I will not become addicted to those awful drugs which end up with people killing themselves by overdosing.  So, they tell me to take stuff like Alleve. Up to 6 times a day!  That’s (2) 600 mg tablets 6 freekin times a day! That’s (6) twelve hour dosages! Last count I think there are 24 hours in a day, not 72.   Read the bottle and it says DON”T DO THAT! If I listened to the docs I’d probably be dead already.
           So fellas, as of now, my last Kipawa trip is history.  The lake itself, the people I’ve met, the experience of everything, it’s all good.  22 trips in 25 years.  Easily makes it on my highlights of my life list. Brennan and his dad hopefully will be back. Probably 2024. I have already planted the seed that will grow in time. This is what I did. Sort of a sneeky, grandpa, emotional thing….
            After eating fish during the week, we needed 5 walleyes Thursday morning to fill our take home limit. We caught 4 walleyes and then as mentioned before got our anchor stuck. We were slip bobbering.  Not wanting to start trolling and have to re-rig the rods for the umpteenth time. I said to Brennan.  Brennan you know this will be my last trip.  You tell your dad this….  Grandpa left one walleye here for you (Brennan) to catch to fill his last walleye Kipawa limit, and he wants me (Brennan) to do it.  Yeah, both our eyes teared up after that. All in all, we did good and this trip has meant a lot to me. We caught most walleyes trolling with a purple Northland Butterfly blade with pink beads. (hand tied by me if I must say). I know Brennan will remember this trip forever.  One disturbing thing for me was that most of the smallmouth we caught (slip bobbering with a leech) had the circle hook deep in it's mouth. Why, I don't know.  Usually the circle hook gets em in the corner of the mouth. Oh, and by the way, that battery operated rechargeable swim bait never left the package.... I was afraid to use it because of not having a heavy enough of a rod.  Yeah, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
          The trip home was far quicker than the trip up.  About half of the road repair was done.  Very impressive you Canadians. In America and specifically in Ohio, a 400 yard stretch of road would take 2 months because before one job is completed another two is started somewhere else.  That way 3 communities are taking detours which doubles the travel time and gas usage.
            Not to get too melancholy here, but guys, things can change in a heartbeat.  You old timers can vouch for that. You just never know what today will bring. The important things in life, like loved ones, or their health, or your health, can be gone or change in the blink of an eye. Count your blessings while you can still count, and plan those Kipawa trips while you can still plan.  Take care everybody!

C.C.

[puckster_guy]

 Brilliant story Cap't. You spin a tale well. Congrats on a great trip. That's what Kip is all about. A good time with family and friends with some great fish dinners. See ya soon, Bro.

[rsobotka]

Great trip report, Very much appreciate you giving so much detail and insight on your life. My father planted the seed into me and now my son's (9-12) are both getting the same treatment as I did when I was their age. We are headed up August 6th. This will be our third trip together and I'm grateful for each and every day we spend up there in Kipawa . Not sure what it is about that place , but it's something you have to experience hard to explain really and if not all most of you on this forum know exactly what I mean.

Thanks for the report. Cheers! 

[RHYBAK]

Very nice report Bob.
I am so glad to hear that you did make it up one last time and that things worked out for you and Brennan.
One trip that he will never forget.

Like you said in your closing statement.
Things can change in a heartbeat.
You MAY get another chance .

Regardless. Please keep posting here, even if it's just to update us with your wife.

[limacharley]

Fantastic trip report Capt. Crappie
Maybe send the photos to one of the Mods??
No need to apologize for the non fishing stuff. That's what gives the stories character in my book. Hope Faye is doing well.

If you could find a younger guy to do most of the driving and planning...you just being a passenger...then I see a future Kipawa trip for ya.

Don't sweat the rod situation. I think we've all done that. Good luck to Brennan.

[Jay Thomas]

Hi Bob,

Really enjoyed catching up via your trip report. While sorry to hear about Faye's health issues, I was pleased to read about how procedures have improved her situation. Too bad Mark could not make the trip. I was happy to read that you got to do another Kipawa trip and visit your favourite fishing locations. Thanks for your report.

Jay

[TBIRD]

Hello Captain:

Thank You for the Report - I tried to send a reply earlier (not a computer whiz) - I found your insight into the Kipawa experience and life in general, Spot On; as was Rhybak's comment re: your Closing statement & Limacharley's suggestion. Keep positive - thoughts & prayers for you, Faye and your family.

Ray.

[CaptainCrappie]

Thanks for your comments, guys.  General Rhybak, Admiral Jay, and Puckster, I've met you guys and know of your character and passion for fishing. Although we have not face to face, you others fit that same mold and I enjoy your association on the Kipawa web site. I appreciate your kind words. Sincerely,

C.C.

[Greg]

Great report Capt!   Glad to hear your wife is managing through it, keep your spirts up and very glad you got to visit Kipawa this year.

Pictures...yes... ughhh, it has been a difficult thing for years.  One day, I will get time to look into it.

Cheers,
Greg

[wvmedic]

CaptainCrappie, excellent report. Very touching, thank you for sharing your story. Cleveland Clinic is massive, I transported Patients there a couple a week from WV, getting around on that campus is a lot different than our local hospitals. I'm happy that you had another memorable trip, as has been said. If you leave the heavy stuff, driving, loading unloading and the like to the younger crew, you might be able to continue to enjoy Kipawa. I understand that there might be more involved than that, things at home and such. I lost my Wife in 2016, it was tough having time for anything other than spending time with her and making sure she was comfortable.  This year is my first trip to Kipawa, we will be staying at Kipawa Lodge starting the 14th of next month. I have fished the Zech since 2014, only missed 2 years. I'm looking forward to fishing Kipawa.
I
I wish you the best, Jeff

[ziggy6]

Thank you for the report... one of the best reports I've had the pleasure to read.   Keep the faith and hoping things work out with Faye's health and you get a chance to return to Kipawa. Maybe your son and grandson will be the ones doing the planning and driving? 

[Hodgey1]

Captain, I’m still wiping my eyes………….

I can relate to every word you wrote. I truly hope you get back to Kipawa at least one more time.

[TBIRD]

Hi Captain (and All)

I just reread your post (4th time) & Ditto Hodgey 1's post earlier this AM - As an "Old Fart" 79 in November; I can also relate to every word. I'll be heading to Miwapanee's Main Lodge this Thursday (only a 4 night trip - but I'll take it  - I'm going with my Best 1st mate (actually Captain), my wife of 60 years - it's been a 6 year drought for her. I'll be thinking about you Captain and will Toast You with my 1st Coors Light.
Cheers! Ray

[Hodgey1]

I'm going with my Best 1st mate (actually Captain), my wife of 60 years

60 years, that is an accomplishment, congratulations!

[TBIRD]

Thanks Hodgey

61 in December - I find it sorta like fishing in Kipawa - good days/not so good days! - but like Kipawa the Good Days by far outnumber the Bad