First thing to do was to check out the pond. Fletcher Pond, nicknamed Fetid Pond last year when initially scouted out by Sam and Max, is really quite the winner. Can you ask for more? Full catches two years in a row? Kids catching so many fish they don't get bored?
These fish (big by our Sierra stream standards) are actually pretty tasty and easily enticed by decent bait like worms. Unfortunately, this year, worms were scarce -- WalMart froze all theirs and everyone one else had empty shelves. So the fishing trip did not start too well; the fish would have none of the fake bait.
Happily, Monty and I know the great trout secret. They cannot resist grasshoppers. So while the kids fished, Monty and I grasshoppered. Our full catch was thanks to the grasshoppers we whacked with our baseball caps in the dry weeds. Here's the one of first. Karlie couldn't quite decide between the thrill or terror of the catch.
Hailey squealed quite a bit this year, but was solidly enthusiastic. She even likes cleaning them with Pops and discussed contents of guts at our all-you-can-eat trout dinner that night. Note the scenery? Now you know why it earned that moniker, Fetid Pond. Not exactly a rocky mountain high here.
Anna giving Karlie a hand getting that bobber out there.
Karlie taking a break from reeling them in. Just too cute not to post.
See? They really were pretty good sized!
THE POOL.
We had the biggest and bestest pool toys. No end of delight with these.
See that shark fin approaching?
Nice hot tub, too.
THE MOUNTAIN
We've taken the gondola up the mountain each year for a bit a picnic. How do you like our babushka girls?
Gumby came, too.
THE LAKE
We explored a new activity this year. We rented a kayak and a canoe to get out on the nearby lake. Max and Anna shared a kayak, and Monty, Katie, Hailey, and Karlie manned the canoe. The kids lasted about 30 minutes and then went on to better stuff -- the mud. I switched places with Katie while she assumed kid patrol and the four of us paddled into a quiet little arm of the lake alive with baby ducklings and coots. It was really a lot of fun. Definitely worth doing again.
Anna and Max on the lake.
Hailey, captivated by the mud. "It's so helpful!" she repeated told Monty.
And lots of evening time to look at books. A super trip. Check out Katie's blog for more pictures.
1 comment:
There is no denying that we were the envy of the pool that day, much to your embarrassment:) That is such a good shot of the girls and Anna. We all had so much fun. Thanks for throwing your responsibilities out the window to be there with us!
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