Wednesday - July 30

Bob: Got my first Canadian haircut today. Not too bad. Rained a couple of times today and weather still in the 60s. Went fishing by myself this afternoon while Bonnie was doing the wash. I believe she wants a day off without fishing. Decided to go to Mountain Lake as the wind wasn't blowing much. Stopped about a half mile short of the lake and began to troll. That's when the rain clouds decided to dump their water. Tried to sit through it without putting on rain pants, but finally broke down and put them on. Wasn't too wet except for my left leg which was soaked. After the rain stopped I began casting into the weed beds in Mountain Lake. Didn't get any hits so I started trolling down the lake. Tried different lures and worms without success. Finally put on the lure that Mia caught her pike on. After a short while I landed a walleye. Went a little farther and got a pike. The pike almost completely swallowed the lure. Once I got the lure out the pike seemed dead. Tried to revive it by moving it back and forth in the water. This is supposed to force water through the gills. Anyway he didn't make it and he slipped out of my hands and out of reach. Went to start the motor to get him and the motor would not start. Tried several times, but it would not turn over. By this time I was almost clear to the south end of the lake. Camp is about 2 miles from the north end of the lake and the lake is about 2 miles long. Started for camp using the electric motor. Half way up the lake I told another boater to stop and pull me in if he passed me on his way in. I was just about out of Mountain Lake when I checked the fuel line connection on the gas can. The fitting has already failed once before. It appeared to be fine this time. Went to check the other end of the line that hooks to the motor and it was unhooked. Somehow the line had come off the motor and no gas was going to the motor. Hooked the line up and primed the motor. Started the first time. Headed home as I didn't want to press my luck.

Bonnie:  I spent the day doing wash and cooking a special West Virginia dinner for Bob--beans and cornbread.  I usually use the Jiffy cornbread mixes but I can't find them here, so I tried a recipe off of the internet.  It turned out ok. (It was good!-Bob) A day washing clothes and cooking. Hmm, some things never change!