The Reward . . .

The Great Circumnavigation Adventure!

OMG! Who knew we were playing a Reward Challenge today!?

If you watch "Survivor" you know exactly what I am talking about. If you don't just know that my reference comes from the long running reality show called "Survivor". In Reward Challenges, the contestants compete for luxuries that are not essential for survival but make their lives easier and/or more enjoyable. Examples of rewards have included food, flint, matches, rain gear, and even short trips away from camp.

Our *reward* came in the form of a very unexpected, very exciting visit from Sturgeon Bay Charters Capt. Meade Gable -sent on a mission by David and Paula Bardsley of the DeTour Reef Lighthouse Preservation Society.

His task? To locate our camp, pick us up and whisk us off to the Light for our reward - which was to include a private tour, use of the modern *facilities* and a glass of wine to be sipped leisurely at the top of this impressive beacon.

To say we were GEEKED would be an understatement!

Not only were we treated to an amazing ride out to the Light BUT Capt. Meade had a cell phone fully charged and I was able to share this experience with my husband Barry! A conversation that did not have to be limited in its length for battery conservation. That, in and of itself, was a HUGE reward for me.

If you have never been to the Light PLEASE put it on your shortlist of *Must Dos*. Each time I go out I am overwhelmed. Majestically rising above the waters of the Saint Mary's the Light is an architectual wonder.

My previous trips have all been as a volunteer - either cleaning or serving cookies to visitors. Today we are the visitors being treated. Do you see the grin on my face that I can't wipe off?!

Rising 83' above water with its 63' tall Classic-Revival-style architecture, this Lighthouse has been a fixture in Michigan's Upper Peninsula since 1931. In January 1998, civic leaders from DeTour Village and Drummond Island, Michigan, met to form the DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society (DRLPS), a non-profit volunteer (501C3) organization. In 2003-2004 the Society restored the Light to its 1931 appearance and now offer day tours along with weekend stays. 

We sip our wine. Goof for pictures - "Where have your Keens been"? And marvel at the Light in its present restored state. All too soon our reward comes to a close.

And we head back to our campsite - restored, renewed and REWARDED!

Back at camp I relax in my jammies on the beach to reflect on the events of the day. Settling in for the evening. Settling down from the events of the day.

"Happiness is excitement that has

found a settling down place.

But there is always a little corner that

keeps flapping around". 

~E.L. Konigsburg

Want to learn more about the DeTour Reef Lighthouse?

Simply go to their website found at http://www.drlps.com/

A Fishing Prayer . . .

Dear lord please let me catch a fish

A ten pound bass is my wish

My special lure just let him bite

And I will reel him with all my might

The weather is right and the water is clear

Please send some big fish over here

I know there's fish, some fit to keep

Way down in your waters deep

Lord please let me stay afloat

and guide my little fishing boat

oh just send me the big ole one

some time before this day is done!!

NOTE: While this is a BASS Fishing Prayer you might want to alter it a wee bit and start using it now because the spring fishing season is in full swing! The Perch are running early this year in the waters surrounding Drummond Island - on Easter Sunday one lucky angler brought home a mess of 40! Prime should be this weekend coming up - April 10th. Watch the Drummond Island Facebook page for daily updates as the reports come in.

Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens)

Common names - are yellow bellies, lake perch. Larger fish are called jumbo perch.

The season is open year round, with daily limits of 50 fish with a minimum length of 7 inches. They are green to golden yellow on the back with 5 to 7 dark bars from back to almost its belly and bright orange fins. Fish average 8 to 10 inches with some reaching 12 to 15 inches.

Yellow Perch are schooling fish that spend most of their time in deep water. When spring water temperatures reach 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit huge schools, migrate to shallow bays and rivers to spawn with anglers soon to follow. Still fishing near bottom with worms or minnows is the most preferred method. Perch sometimes strike lightly and floats or bobbers will aid in detecting bites.

Favorite areas are the Potagannissing River to Harbor Island as well as Whitney Bay to name a few. At this time, it is common to catch 15 to 30 fish per angler per day. Classified as pan fish perch are excellent eating. During the summer months check out deeper waters in the 30 to 70 foot range and expect early morning and dusk to be the best times to fish.

Fishing on Hard Water . . .

Starting in late December, the waters around Drummond Island ice up and enthusiasts take to the frozen playgrounds on snowmobiles and pickup trucks in search of fish. Basing their operations out of small shacks, the fishermen walk around the frozen landscape periodically, checking tip-ups, breaking up ice buildups and drilling new holes. These men and women (yes, the girls Up North take to the ice too) approach their fishing responsibilities seriously - not even sub-zero winters can bar them from enjoying the great white outdoors.

Ice Fishing

by W.J. Mallory

As a fisherman I'm not dumb;

But fishing at 10 below makes me numb;

Not to say it isn't nice;

Many fish from chalets on ice;

My experience has left me thinking;

Most guys out there are just drinking;

To Little Bay De Noc;

The ice fishermen do flock;

For whitefish and walleye they stay;

Sometimes a pickup sinks into the bay;

This winter has been balmy;

We should be watching for a tsunami;

35 degrees yesterday afternoon;

Noodle rod and waders will come out soon;

40 today, at last;

I'll be in the lake real fast;

Over the ice and into the lake;

As agile and lithe as a cold snake;

Finally fishing among the floes;

Bouncing from cube to cube my lure goes;

45 minutes before the cold sets in;

Zero caught, but at least I was fishin'

Sturgeon Bay Charters owner Meade Gable has been out on the ice surrounding Drummond Island just about every day this winter. His Fishing Reports are as entertaining as they are informative. To read a few for yourself head on over to his Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/manage/#!/pages/Drummond-Island-Sturgeon-Bay-Charters/309123188202