BC Day Party 2

Yes, it was heck of a party. Some of the group activities undertaken were swimming, fishing, dog training, target shooting and some dedicated loafing. It was the first time that I received a dozen roses for my birthday and it's something I could get used to. It made me feel very special.

I think I'll take this opportunity to hand-out a few awards:

Most Gear for Two People: Marian and John
(Although they did bring their own outboard and never ran out of beer)

Mermaid Award: Bailey, Kallie and Teneal
(Most hours spent in water)

Best Nephews: Sebastian and Harrison

Most Heavily Armed Guest: Wes
(brought his rifle, bow and a few kitchen knives)

Most Flamboyant Party Shirt: Doug
(no footnote necessary)

BC Day Party 1

Although I officially achieved "old-timer" status in May, my sisters Marian and Christine wanted to organize a 50th Birthday party for me on the BC Day Long Weekend.

So last weekend we hosted one of the biggest groups we've ever had at the Lodge. Total was 20 humans including one-year old future-guide, Will and 3 dogs.

I want to thank everyone for coming. I had great time and as the "complaint box" was empty, I can only assume "a good was had by all".

The weather was perfect as were the grits and the party organizing. Everybody contributed but special thanks to Marian, Christine, Jill and Chef Wes.

Wes brought pork ribs (which he smoked) and a cooler full of organically-raised venison. He kept us in finger-lickin' ribs, burgers and steaks all weekend.

A Holiday Romance

Helge-Mari and her friend Pål Erik from Norway came to Omineca this Spring. They were with us for a hunting trip.

Among many other things, Helge-Mari is a scent dog trainer, so she's met many dogs in her life. But when she met Lou, our black lab, it was something special. Dare I say, it was love at first sight.

They do look so happy together.

We're hoping to see them together again very soon.

If you can read Norwegian, Helge-Mari has posted photos and the story of her Canadian Adventure in Omineca.

Learning the art of the fly

Traveling around BC in her Westphalia, Susan and her golden lab, Sunshine stopped by the Lodge for a few days. Susan was determined to learn fly fishing.

lower inset:
Reviewing tackle & fly fishing basics

upper inset:
Susan in waders landing a rainbow with the help of Sunshine.

"Doc" Susan was a good student. By the time she moved on to new waters, she was a "certified" flyfisher, having caught, landed and released many trout.

In fact, we caught so many trout that we shared some with the Eagle and kept a few for the frying pan.

Oh, Two Fish Lake, Gem of Omineca

Some places are extra special and this lake is one those special places.

The water is clear, the view is idylic and the lake is full of trout.

It's a place that whispers "come back" every time you leave.

Welcome Back Boys

Jeff (left), Stan and Tom (seated) brought Doc Ken (center) along for the July Trip this season. And as usual, we had a whale of a time.

We had good wine and good fun but we were a bit lonely for the missing crew members. So here's hoping everyone can make it next: Peter, Al, Robin and maybe even Geoff.

Let's keep the tradition alive.

Lake is Summer Getaway for Many Species

Howdy y'all. The dry heat of the last few weeks broke today. And we had a really good rain.

Here's a photo Doc Ken took of a cow moose and calf during the heat wave.
Cooling off in the lake are Mrs. Moose and her calf of the spring. The little gaffer would be about two and a half months old. By the fall the calf will lose the reddish coat it sports here and gain a brown/grey colour like Ma.

The Eagles are Following Us

Yaeko-san took this shot of one of the Eagles that nest around the lake. It's a beautiful portrait of an adult in it's prime. (The strong yellow colour of the beak and feet indicate a healthy bird) When we go fishing they will often follow our boats. The Bald Eagle adults have hungry beaks to feed. The young have hatched and are eating-machines waiting with open maws back at the nest.

We always like to help out, so we'll often take a fly-caught trout and toss it out for the Eagle. Within 20 yards of the boat, the Eagle will see the fish on the water and swoop down to grab dinner for Junior. It's a real "Wow" moment to see the Eagle's speed, grace and accuracy, up close.

Bald eagles nest and raise their young here in the BC interior during "ice-off" (the six or seven months when there is no ice on the our lake and rivers). They spend their winters on the BC coast.

Old Friends Return to Omineca

Yaeko Kojima (left) and her husband, Masaharu (with camera) have been with us in Omineca so many times that we've lost count. In the last 20 years they've been here at least a dozen times. They are passionate fly-fishers, nature lovers, hikers and really fun people.
Mr. Suga (Capt. Sugar) and Taki-san (center) have joined the Kojimas on their Omineca Holidays for the last ten years.

A new adventure for them this year was a fly-out float plane trip to Indian Lake. We had some hot fishing. And we made the trip in the coolest of float planes, the Canadian-built classic, de Havilland "Beaver". We'll do a more detailed post on the famous Beaver later this summer.

We're Back (Up and Blogging ) - from the Canadian Bush

Howdy All,

Hope you're having a swell summer. Ours has been great so far. Photo is of our Canada Day (July 1st) Fireworks Campfire Party.

We've had the lodge up and running for over a month, just haven't made the time to post our adventures until now. Well, here we go.

We've hosted groups from Europe and Japan. We've done hikes, boat tours and a fly-out day trip.

Because of some good rains in May and June, everything is green and blooming. We've seen Moose all around the lake. Our neighbourhood Loon couple has hatched twin fuzzballs. The Hummingbirds have fledged their broods, so there are 6 and 8 Hummingbirds at the feeder at the same time. They're swilling sugar-water, like sailors quaffing cheap rye on shore-leave.

There's a lot going on around here.

We'll keep you posted. Cheers, Frank