Okay, so I’m ridiculous. Who doesn’t know that already?
Labor Day weekend was full of action around here. Matt and Jenna Samek rolled in on Wednesday morning. After a walkabout in the metropolis, we picked up fishing licenses and headed out to the ponderosa. A mellow day before setting out under sunny skies for a hike to the watchtower:
Incredibly, we were passed on the trail by an intrepid mountain biker, whose determination was beyond admirable:
Back home for lunch, and then out to put in at Tarkio for a float down the Clark Fork.
The river was windy again, and provided great exercise for all rowers. I was sure to keep on the sunny side, so I could get warm enough to jump in – and found the perfect boulder from which to eject myself:
However, Michael and Lance were looking for a serious adventure – to be flying squirrels, perhaps? – and after Michael completed a leap from on high, the two jumped together into the deep:
Fun!
M2 arrived that night close to midnight, and fishing ramped into full swing. First, of course, the fly tying and selection class:
Then dressing the part:
then the business of the business:
As always, so fun to just be out there. Catching fish is the icing on top!
Saturday we went for a hike along Burdette Creek, during which I finally had the time and opportunity to get to know Jenna better. What a great way to connect with nature and a wonderful woman!
A tiring day for sure. But always a spot to rest around here:
and before long, we were off again on another fishing expedition. Hiking into a secret spot:
really beautiful and picturesque, as you can see in this pic of man at work:
and Ms. Jenna saw most of the action:
but how picturesque at dusk for a backdrop:
or just on its own:
Matt and Jenna headed out Sunday morning, while my boys and I (how wonderful!!!) headed to my favorite fishing hole.
I was (almost) immediately rewarded with a 16-ish inch beauty with a sassy disposition, giving me great fight before surrendering:
One and done…Enjoyed the lovely setting and watching my sons until it came time to head home (they dropped me off) and prepare for the evening’s sleepover guests: Damian and Darcy, Chris, Kaia, Caroline and Espin.
We had a great time chatting, swinging and getting in some firing practice before dinner:
and generally carrying on:
After dinner, Lance brought out his banjo, Damian picked it up, and then I just burst out laughing from joy in the spontaneous moment. Music in the hooouuuusssee!
Does it get any better?
The bros headed out for morning fishing – in the rain – and Michael caught the whopper of the summer. Check out the look on his face:
