ALL SET UP

We got away on Monday to get everything all set up and to spend our first nite in our "Vacation from Paradise" site.  And we could not have asked for a better day.  It was windy and cool which helped keep the bugs at bay.  It was pretty easy getting the trailers in place and Ron had his tractor up there so we could level and grade the area.  There were a few low spots but we found some fill and tool care of those.  The outhouse/shed was already in place and I am proud to say that I was the first person to use the facilities.  And it worked just fine thank you.  I got a picture of our fire pit.  Someone really came up with a good idea of welding sign posts to a truck tire rim.  Someone even cut out a lid and welded a handle on it.  We have all our fires in it and cover it up at nite and in the rain to keep it nice and dry.  It is perfect.  It burns all our paper plates and burnables.  Ron got all set up in his kitchen area of his trailer.  He loves to cook so we let him and he makes great breakfasts, too.
There is also a picture of the lake that we have a great view of.  Can't wait to get in there fishing!!  Pike and pickerel and probably bass.  It is 6 miles long so there is plenty of lake to go around.
I have a feeling we will be spending a lot of time there this summer and fall.
Let the fun begin...

TOAD

While raking, I came across this toad in a pile of brush.  I actually scared him and he jumped over to a hole and proceeded to maneuver himself into it.  I think he thought that I couldn't see him.  But I did and got this action photo.  I also saw a big rabbit but by the time I got my camera, he was gone.  Really!!

BEAR INTERRUPTED

I know to keep my camera handy at all times while riding in the car especially this time of year.  I was rewarded yesterday by having this young guy present himself having lunch at the side of the road.  I yelled "stop the car" and made Rejean backup again.  He just sat there chewing on some grass and leaves and posed for my picture - not even bothered by all the attention.  I guess he was hungry.
It is always nice to see a bear - especially from inside a vehicle :op

A GREAT LOSS

A sad personal connection to the tragedy in Northern Ontario yesterday.  An ORNGE helicopter crashed on a medical emergency flight killing all 4 on board.  The pilot was Don Filliter who flew the members of the North Shore Fisheries on several fish stocking adventures for a few years.  That is him in the green jump suit in the middle of the picture.  What a nice man he was - he flirted with the girls while waiting for the tanks to be stocked.  He patiently answered any questions we had about his job and the helicopter.  He even took time out and flew over our lake with Rejean aboard - he hovered quite low so Rejean could get some pictures.  These pictures were taken in 2009 and that is a picture of the helicopter he was piloting then with the fish tanks used for stocking.

In life you meet people who leave a lasting impression - he was one of these people.

SNEAK PEAK

Our outhouse/storage building was on the move yesterday to it's new home.  Ron is busy levelling our spot for the trailers with his tractor.  Hey, we know how to do it up here.  More pictures later.

PIG PEN CHUTE

I didn't have to visit Pig Pen Chute because Rejean got some pictures the other day.  I have never seen it like this before.  Would not want to accidentally fall in - game over.

THE MIGHTY MISSISSAGI RIVER

It is one of those years where the River is very, very high and running wild.  I will get a picture of Pig Pen Chute tomorrow which I hear is just a'roaring.  There is actually no shores to fish off of.  I have never seen it so high but the locals have.  Even the streams are running so fast you can't fish them.  Too bad.  The bugs are bad which means the fishing should be very good.
It would be a great time to get the kayak out and take a trip down stream...you wouldn't even have to paddle - just steer.