Wednesday, October 15, 2008
In Memory of Colonel
In Memory of Colonel
October 13, 2008
5:15pm
I lost a part of me on Monday. My puppy Colonel was almost 15 years old and he was starting to suffer. He was beginning to have a hard time getting up. He was losing muscle tone and getting even skinner. He was eating and drinking all of the time. Last week he started to have a problem with his ears. He would jump off the couch and start to shake his head. Then he would stand there staggering, looking at me like "Please do something." The look reached inside of me and twisted my insides. Scott took him to Peotone Animal Hospital on Saturday and they couldn't find anything wrong with his ears but gave Scott some antibiotic drops anyway. The drops didn't appear to help. He would run from spot to spot trying to get it to quit itching. We tried to scratch his ears for him which gave him a little comfort for a short period of time. At this point, I had noticed that he wasn't hearing anything either. He had gone completely deaf.
We took our kayaks down the Kankakee River on Saturday and spent a lot of the trip talking about it. We both felt like it was time but didn't want to say it out loud. We both wanted it to be done on the farm - the place he loved the most and finally agreed that when Dr. Fitzpatrick came out to give the horses their shots we would take him then. We knew we only had a short time left w/ Colonel but never expected the call from my mom Sunday night. Around 8pm she called me to tell me that the vet would be out between 4:30-5:00 the next night. I could hardly say good-bye to her b/c my throat stopped working.
As I sat in my chair and bawled, Scott asked me what was wrong. Not a great way to present the fact that his "son" would be gone forever in less than 24 hours. Deep down I knew it was the right thing to do but it didn't seem to make it any easier. Standing in the hallway, I asked Scott if he was sure, then we both looked at Colonel at the same time and watched him lose his balance and stagger toward the back door. We both knew that was God's way of answering the question.
It was rough night. I could hardly look at Colonel without bursting into tears. I layed in bed and prayed. I asked God to change our mind or overrule our decision if it wasn't His will. I tried to remember the verse about nothing happening to two sparrows without God's knowledge. I asked Scott what the verse was and he said something about two dollars and a sparrow in a cage. I think he must have been half asleep. Any way I had the idea of the verse, ( Matthew 10:29, "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father?") if God takes care of even the sparrow, He will take care of Colonel. As I finally nodded off to sleep, I prayed that God would go before Colonel and I on our last day. I asked that in the morning, he might jump in bed and snuggle with me one more time (he hasn't done that in a while b/c it's too high of a jump).
Just as God provided Colonel to us in grace, he provided for us in his death. God doesn't make mistakes. It was not a mistake that this was happening at this time. God did not give us a week to suffer the anticipation but he gave me a day - an entire day off to spend with him. I don't think I've ever cried so much in a 24 hour period! It started in the morning when Scott was up getting ready and I was trying to fall back asleep around 5:30am. When he let Colonel back in the house, he came straight into the bedroom and jumped up next to me. We stayed there together until it was time for Scott to leave for work. After we said good-bye to Scott we got up and did our Bible study. (Colonel always stays in the room and listens, too!) After that I figured I had to have something for breakfast or I would be a mess all day. My stomach was in knots and nothing sounded good so I had some soup. Of course, I shared some of it with Colonel. I pulled out pieces of meat and put it in his bowl. He was very happy but didn't think that I gave him quite enough!
We lounged around together until about 2pm and then packed up and headed for the farm. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done. He knew something was up and didn't even want to get in the car which is unheard of. I think he thought I was taking him back to Peotone. He soon forgot his worries as I pulled into the Wendy's drive in. His nose led him to the cracked window as the smell of beef sifted through the air. We both had a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger - ok he had a whole one plus part of mine. I guess I don't eat fast enough! I threw out the tomato and lettuce for his last meal knowing full well he does not appreciate his veggies.
As we went down the road I tried not to let the tears fall but couldn't help remembering the daily rides out to the farm when he was a puppy. He was so small he would sit on my lap while I would drive my mustang. I would drop him off every morning on my way to school and Scott would pick him up. He would spend all day playing with his "aunt" Frisbee and "cousin" Ralph. As a matter of fact, after the second day at the farm, we never had to potty train him. He quit going to the bathroom on the basement floor and would ask to go outside. I always attributed that to Frisbee, she was such a good mom to the new dogs.
Mom met me outside at the farm and we took him for a walk at some of his favorite spots. We stopped here and there to take some pictures but mostly let him enjoy the beautiful, unseasonably warm fall day. We went to the barn, passed the field, around the pond and back to his favorite wading (frog hunting) spot, along the creek and back to the house. He was so happy to see the other dogs and enjoyed following them taking turns marking the same spots over and over. We took out some chairs and sat outside for a while waiting for Scott to arrive. It was a beautiful day but the mosquitoes were biting and the tears were falling. It was hard to just sit there and wait. We would jump up every once in a while and take another short walk. Even though he enjoyed it, he wasn't quite the same. You could tell that he as just tired.
When Scott's truck turned the corner of the lane, Colonel saw it immediately. He was interested that someone was here but didn't know who it was. When Scott got out of the car and walked toward us, Colonel began to wag his tail and trotted to meet him. Scott and Mom went to look at the grave Mom had begun to dig. Scott had to finish it so Colonel and I went for another walk as not to have to watch. I don't know how Scott did what he did, I could do it if I had to but it would be tough so I really appreciate that he stepped up and took care of these issues - another example of God's grace.
The vet was late and Scott had to be in class by 6pm. He was sweaty and dirty and smelling pretty ripe. At 5:10, the vet's truck appeared in the lane. I threw my arms around Colonel, took one last kiss from him and said good-bye. I then went to the horse barn to get the horses ready for their shots - actually to hide b/c I wanted my last memory of him to be alive. I stood in the barn and pulled cockaburs from the horses forelocks and cried. Then I prayed. I prayed that it would go smoothly, that the vet would be gentle, that it wouldn't happen if it wasn't God's timing, that Scott would have courage and be strong... It seemed like an eternity but finally the barn door started to open. I pulled myself together and started to bring Magic out of the stall. The vet was very kind and very helpful. We gave all three horses their shots and put them back out in the pasture.
When he left, I leaned against the stall and cried. Scott came back from burying Colonel and held me in his arms. I cried harder. At this point, I was just so sad. I couldn't breathe from all the crying - there was just a hole inside of me that wouldn't go away. I didn't know where to go or what to do. I went back to the chair to sit but the memories of him being there were just too fresh. I picked some mums and headed for the grave. I put them on his grave and said good-bye but couldn't hold still. I headed for the back pond when Mom showed up to be with me. Another grace provision. She had given up her entire afternoon just to be there for me. We sat on the hay rack for awhile but the mosquitoes were horrendous (even though she had brought a can of spray with her). I was dreading going home but knew I had to get it over with. Unfortunately, I'm the type that wants to face things head on and get it over with.
Scott was at class so I had to walk into the empty house alone. I asked God for strength as I entered through the sliding door. Scott had made an attempt to move some of the memories but there were just too many. His bowls sat in the kitchen - so I couldn't even bring myself in there. I took a shower thinking the bathroom was safe since he really didn't like to go in there. I remembered when he would come in the bathroom after I had gotten out of the shower and lick my wet legs a couple of times and then turn around and walk out. I sat on the edge of the tub and cried. I waited to hear his toenails on the wood floor as he would come in and stick his head under my hand to see if I was alright. He didn't come. I sat in my chair and looked at his empty chair and his empty couch. I finally turned the TV on for a distraction but the pain just wouldn't go away.
At 7:30pm, Scott called. He had gotten out of class early - yet another grace provision. I was so relieved to have someone else in the house with me. Going to bed was another whole story. I would get ready to put the garbage up and let Colonel out but I didn't have to do either one. I crawled into bed next to Scott and waited to hear Colonel make his "rounds". I listened for the click on the floor and the sound of him settling into his chair in the bedroom next to my bed, it never came. It was so sad! I couldn't stay in there, besides I was keeping Scott awake. I went out to the other room for awhile but it was just as sad. I asked God to help me and I took a deep breath and went back to bed. I basically cried myself to sleep.
The next morning I woke up and was sure I could hold it together, after all I had to go to work and my eyes were already way too puffy. I didn't want anyone to know because it was too painful to talk about. I somehow managed to get ready through the tears. As we headed to work Scott prayed and I pulled myself together. Through God's grace (and I know my Mom's prayers) I was able to hold it together all day. As soon as I walked through the doors at home it was like something was wrong. It hit me like a ton of bricks, I couldn't hold it in any more. When will the tears dry up? I have a constant headache and my eyes go from aching to stinging to being itchy and dry.
I actually held myself together during church. After church my dad came up and told me how sorry he was and that he knew it was the right thing to do. My mom talked to Scott about when it happened. Evidently, Dr. Fitzpatrick had said that he was an old dog. Scott told me that he had been so gentle and kind to Colonel and that it went smoothly. He was happy up to the last minute.
Hannah came up to me and sat next to me and snuggled. She then told me she had visited his grave and of course had an adventure story to go along with it. She visited the wrong place first and found a big piece of glass and then Nana had to show her where the grave really was. She said that the mums were still there. I asked her if she would put flowers on it once in a while for me and she said she would if she could find some.
The second night wasn't any easier. I thought it would ease up. Scott was struggling, also. We stayed up way passed the time we should have gone to bed and when we did go to bed, we talked about him, our decision and our memories. We both finally fell asleep at some point but I'm not sure when.
Colonel was my grace provision for almost 15 years. He was my constant companion. He was God's way of helping me survive Scott's cop years. He was my alarm system at night, he was a comfort to me when I was sad. I couldn't go to sleep at night until he was settled in bed next to me. I was his back scratcher, his bell boy, his concierge, his cook. I couldn't have ever had a better grace gift. I am so thankful to God for putting him in my life and letting us enjoy each other for so long. Thanks to Hannah for taking this video in August of 2006 when we were out playing at the pond.
October 13, 2008
5:15pm
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| From HargravesFall2008 |
I lost a part of me on Monday. My puppy Colonel was almost 15 years old and he was starting to suffer. He was beginning to have a hard time getting up. He was losing muscle tone and getting even skinner. He was eating and drinking all of the time. Last week he started to have a problem with his ears. He would jump off the couch and start to shake his head. Then he would stand there staggering, looking at me like "Please do something." The look reached inside of me and twisted my insides. Scott took him to Peotone Animal Hospital on Saturday and they couldn't find anything wrong with his ears but gave Scott some antibiotic drops anyway. The drops didn't appear to help. He would run from spot to spot trying to get it to quit itching. We tried to scratch his ears for him which gave him a little comfort for a short period of time. At this point, I had noticed that he wasn't hearing anything either. He had gone completely deaf.
We took our kayaks down the Kankakee River on Saturday and spent a lot of the trip talking about it. We both felt like it was time but didn't want to say it out loud. We both wanted it to be done on the farm - the place he loved the most and finally agreed that when Dr. Fitzpatrick came out to give the horses their shots we would take him then. We knew we only had a short time left w/ Colonel but never expected the call from my mom Sunday night. Around 8pm she called me to tell me that the vet would be out between 4:30-5:00 the next night. I could hardly say good-bye to her b/c my throat stopped working.
As I sat in my chair and bawled, Scott asked me what was wrong. Not a great way to present the fact that his "son" would be gone forever in less than 24 hours. Deep down I knew it was the right thing to do but it didn't seem to make it any easier. Standing in the hallway, I asked Scott if he was sure, then we both looked at Colonel at the same time and watched him lose his balance and stagger toward the back door. We both knew that was God's way of answering the question.
It was rough night. I could hardly look at Colonel without bursting into tears. I layed in bed and prayed. I asked God to change our mind or overrule our decision if it wasn't His will. I tried to remember the verse about nothing happening to two sparrows without God's knowledge. I asked Scott what the verse was and he said something about two dollars and a sparrow in a cage. I think he must have been half asleep. Any way I had the idea of the verse, ( Matthew 10:29, "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father?") if God takes care of even the sparrow, He will take care of Colonel. As I finally nodded off to sleep, I prayed that God would go before Colonel and I on our last day. I asked that in the morning, he might jump in bed and snuggle with me one more time (he hasn't done that in a while b/c it's too high of a jump).
Just as God provided Colonel to us in grace, he provided for us in his death. God doesn't make mistakes. It was not a mistake that this was happening at this time. God did not give us a week to suffer the anticipation but he gave me a day - an entire day off to spend with him. I don't think I've ever cried so much in a 24 hour period! It started in the morning when Scott was up getting ready and I was trying to fall back asleep around 5:30am. When he let Colonel back in the house, he came straight into the bedroom and jumped up next to me. We stayed there together until it was time for Scott to leave for work. After we said good-bye to Scott we got up and did our Bible study. (Colonel always stays in the room and listens, too!) After that I figured I had to have something for breakfast or I would be a mess all day. My stomach was in knots and nothing sounded good so I had some soup. Of course, I shared some of it with Colonel. I pulled out pieces of meat and put it in his bowl. He was very happy but didn't think that I gave him quite enough!
We lounged around together until about 2pm and then packed up and headed for the farm. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done. He knew something was up and didn't even want to get in the car which is unheard of. I think he thought I was taking him back to Peotone. He soon forgot his worries as I pulled into the Wendy's drive in. His nose led him to the cracked window as the smell of beef sifted through the air. We both had a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger - ok he had a whole one plus part of mine. I guess I don't eat fast enough! I threw out the tomato and lettuce for his last meal knowing full well he does not appreciate his veggies.
As we went down the road I tried not to let the tears fall but couldn't help remembering the daily rides out to the farm when he was a puppy. He was so small he would sit on my lap while I would drive my mustang. I would drop him off every morning on my way to school and Scott would pick him up. He would spend all day playing with his "aunt" Frisbee and "cousin" Ralph. As a matter of fact, after the second day at the farm, we never had to potty train him. He quit going to the bathroom on the basement floor and would ask to go outside. I always attributed that to Frisbee, she was such a good mom to the new dogs.
Mom met me outside at the farm and we took him for a walk at some of his favorite spots. We stopped here and there to take some pictures but mostly let him enjoy the beautiful, unseasonably warm fall day. We went to the barn, passed the field, around the pond and back to his favorite wading (frog hunting) spot, along the creek and back to the house. He was so happy to see the other dogs and enjoyed following them taking turns marking the same spots over and over. We took out some chairs and sat outside for a while waiting for Scott to arrive. It was a beautiful day but the mosquitoes were biting and the tears were falling. It was hard to just sit there and wait. We would jump up every once in a while and take another short walk. Even though he enjoyed it, he wasn't quite the same. You could tell that he as just tired.
When Scott's truck turned the corner of the lane, Colonel saw it immediately. He was interested that someone was here but didn't know who it was. When Scott got out of the car and walked toward us, Colonel began to wag his tail and trotted to meet him. Scott and Mom went to look at the grave Mom had begun to dig. Scott had to finish it so Colonel and I went for another walk as not to have to watch. I don't know how Scott did what he did, I could do it if I had to but it would be tough so I really appreciate that he stepped up and took care of these issues - another example of God's grace.
The vet was late and Scott had to be in class by 6pm. He was sweaty and dirty and smelling pretty ripe. At 5:10, the vet's truck appeared in the lane. I threw my arms around Colonel, took one last kiss from him and said good-bye. I then went to the horse barn to get the horses ready for their shots - actually to hide b/c I wanted my last memory of him to be alive. I stood in the barn and pulled cockaburs from the horses forelocks and cried. Then I prayed. I prayed that it would go smoothly, that the vet would be gentle, that it wouldn't happen if it wasn't God's timing, that Scott would have courage and be strong... It seemed like an eternity but finally the barn door started to open. I pulled myself together and started to bring Magic out of the stall. The vet was very kind and very helpful. We gave all three horses their shots and put them back out in the pasture.
When he left, I leaned against the stall and cried. Scott came back from burying Colonel and held me in his arms. I cried harder. At this point, I was just so sad. I couldn't breathe from all the crying - there was just a hole inside of me that wouldn't go away. I didn't know where to go or what to do. I went back to the chair to sit but the memories of him being there were just too fresh. I picked some mums and headed for the grave. I put them on his grave and said good-bye but couldn't hold still. I headed for the back pond when Mom showed up to be with me. Another grace provision. She had given up her entire afternoon just to be there for me. We sat on the hay rack for awhile but the mosquitoes were horrendous (even though she had brought a can of spray with her). I was dreading going home but knew I had to get it over with. Unfortunately, I'm the type that wants to face things head on and get it over with.
Scott was at class so I had to walk into the empty house alone. I asked God for strength as I entered through the sliding door. Scott had made an attempt to move some of the memories but there were just too many. His bowls sat in the kitchen - so I couldn't even bring myself in there. I took a shower thinking the bathroom was safe since he really didn't like to go in there. I remembered when he would come in the bathroom after I had gotten out of the shower and lick my wet legs a couple of times and then turn around and walk out. I sat on the edge of the tub and cried. I waited to hear his toenails on the wood floor as he would come in and stick his head under my hand to see if I was alright. He didn't come. I sat in my chair and looked at his empty chair and his empty couch. I finally turned the TV on for a distraction but the pain just wouldn't go away.
At 7:30pm, Scott called. He had gotten out of class early - yet another grace provision. I was so relieved to have someone else in the house with me. Going to bed was another whole story. I would get ready to put the garbage up and let Colonel out but I didn't have to do either one. I crawled into bed next to Scott and waited to hear Colonel make his "rounds". I listened for the click on the floor and the sound of him settling into his chair in the bedroom next to my bed, it never came. It was so sad! I couldn't stay in there, besides I was keeping Scott awake. I went out to the other room for awhile but it was just as sad. I asked God to help me and I took a deep breath and went back to bed. I basically cried myself to sleep.
The next morning I woke up and was sure I could hold it together, after all I had to go to work and my eyes were already way too puffy. I didn't want anyone to know because it was too painful to talk about. I somehow managed to get ready through the tears. As we headed to work Scott prayed and I pulled myself together. Through God's grace (and I know my Mom's prayers) I was able to hold it together all day. As soon as I walked through the doors at home it was like something was wrong. It hit me like a ton of bricks, I couldn't hold it in any more. When will the tears dry up? I have a constant headache and my eyes go from aching to stinging to being itchy and dry.
I actually held myself together during church. After church my dad came up and told me how sorry he was and that he knew it was the right thing to do. My mom talked to Scott about when it happened. Evidently, Dr. Fitzpatrick had said that he was an old dog. Scott told me that he had been so gentle and kind to Colonel and that it went smoothly. He was happy up to the last minute.
Hannah came up to me and sat next to me and snuggled. She then told me she had visited his grave and of course had an adventure story to go along with it. She visited the wrong place first and found a big piece of glass and then Nana had to show her where the grave really was. She said that the mums were still there. I asked her if she would put flowers on it once in a while for me and she said she would if she could find some.
The second night wasn't any easier. I thought it would ease up. Scott was struggling, also. We stayed up way passed the time we should have gone to bed and when we did go to bed, we talked about him, our decision and our memories. We both finally fell asleep at some point but I'm not sure when.
Colonel was my grace provision for almost 15 years. He was my constant companion. He was God's way of helping me survive Scott's cop years. He was my alarm system at night, he was a comfort to me when I was sad. I couldn't go to sleep at night until he was settled in bed next to me. I was his back scratcher, his bell boy, his concierge, his cook. I couldn't have ever had a better grace gift. I am so thankful to God for putting him in my life and letting us enjoy each other for so long. Thanks to Hannah for taking this video in August of 2006 when we were out playing at the pond.
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| From Family & Friends |
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
It was going to be another Wissmiller day. It was Scott’s and my last day in Canada. We had to finish the roof, kayak one more time and hopefully take a boat ride. After our Bible study, we headed out to work on the roof. Scott and Dad tar papered the one side and put 
down the 1 by 4s. Then they tore off the other side and did the same to it. While they were working Mom and I handed them supplies, moved the truck when they needed it and picked up the huge bucket of nails that they spilled. After that we cleaned the workbench and sorted all the nails. After they finished, Dad and Ron took the shingles to the Eagle River dump. Scott helped Michael put his boat away. Mom and I took a leisurely kayak trip around Paradise. We talked and enjoyed the beauty. In between everything I began to gather everything and start packing. We invited Ron and Dee over for an early dinner: fish and leftovers. Around 7pm we took off for one last boat ride. The lake was beautiful. It was how I always picture eagle lake - smooth as glass. The clouds and scenery were incredible! We saw an eagle and loons. We even got to see a beaver slap his tail just in bow of the boat. Dad and Scott started trolling around Canoe Island just west of Connaught Point. Scott would put his pole in and catch a fish. This happened 3 times and then Dad caught one. After that we went to Dad's Musky hole where I photographed a deer . We watched the sun set and even got to try out the lights on the boat. It was a beauty that only the grace of God could survive and a perfect ending to a perfect vacation!
Isaiah 40:31
To see all the pictures go to:
http://picasaweb.google.com/asj693.comcast/Canada2008?authkey=zQUGVfoNlFs
http://picasaweb.google.com/asj693.comcast/Canada2008?authkey=zQUGVfoNlFs
Friday, July 18, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
I’m the first one up (not really though I know Grandpa is in there reading his Billy Graham book that he has trouble putting down), sitting on the couch watching the reflection of the sun on Paradise Island. There is a line of big fluffy, white and 
gray clouds and it looks like there is a spot light on the island. I tried to capture it on film but I don’t know if it will do it justice! I’m sad because our time here is drawing to an end. We are having a cookout tonight and inviting a few old friends. We would like to invite more but we just don’t have room in the cabin. We can’t count on using the porch because it has been so cold here lately. 
cabin. 
Everyone left around 10:30pm. It had been a huge success and a long day! We finished cleaning up and before we crashed out I went outside and took a picture of the moon on the water. It was the first moon we had seen since we arrived.
gray clouds and it looks like there is a spot light on the island. I tried to capture it on film but I don’t know if it will do it justice! I’m sad because our time here is drawing to an end. We are having a cookout tonight and inviting a few old friends. We would like to invite more but we just don’t have room in the cabin. We can’t count on using the porch because it has been so cold here lately. It turned out to be what I fondly term a “Wissmiller Day”. We got up and did our Bible study and headed outside. Dad was mowing, Scott was tearing off the garage roof and I was the gopher. Then I took over the mowing and Dad started repairing the stairs down to the Lake. So Scott was tearing off the roof, I was mowing, Dad was repairing steps and mom was trimming trees. Dad came by after finishing two steps and told us when I ran out of gas we were going fishing. Now keep in mind it was almost noon, we hadn’t had lunch and we were having guests at 6:30pm. Scott gets toward the end of the roof and there are big holes in the plywood so at some point we are going to have to go back into Dryden and buy some plywood. Scott finishes one side of the roof, I finished mowing before it ran out of gas and helped mom carry all the trees she had trimmed to the burn pile while Dad finished up the third step. We threw together some sandwiches and snacks for lunch grabbed all of our stuff and jumped into the boat. We forgot the Hummingbird Fish Finder so we had to run back up to the cabin and get it. Then we discovered we were almost out of gas so we went to Deer Trail. Where we then realized we had forgotten our life jackets so we went back to our dock. Finally we were on our way to the walleye hole near Dog Island. We fished for quite a while but only ended up with a couple of keeper walleyes. By this time it’s about 3 pm. Mom and I took some great pictures of a loon.
On the way home we saw an 
American White Pelican. It's the first I've ever seen on Eagle Lake and it was the biggest Pelican I have ever seen!!
Back at the dock there was a common merganser sitting
on the rock. We get
everything unpacked while Dad goes off to find a saw that we can borrow from someone. He comes back and tells us he’s going to Dryden (30 minutes one way). Mom tells me to go with him to return some keys we needed to return. Dad and I head off to Dryden; Scott starts mowing in the woods and then cuts off the bad plywood on the roof. Dad and I are gone for about an hour and ten minutes, it rained our entire trip so we were worried about the uncovered roof, hoping it wasn’t raining there. When we get back around 4pm, mom has the entire cabin spotless and it starts storming; thunder, lightening and all. We have a hole in the roof, none of us had bathed and we had two hours. We obviously could do nothing about the whole with the lightning. Dad decided to let the two walleye that were in the livewell free but found them dead with no water when he got down there so he ended up having to clean them.
cabin. 
Everyone left around 10:30pm. It had been a huge success and a long day! We finished cleaning up and before we crashed out I went outside and took a picture of the moon on the water. It was the first moon we had seen since we arrived.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
This morning we were scheduled to have breakfast at Michael and Martha’s. They were thanking Dad and Scott for helping them with the boat. When we got up it looked pretty glum and it was beginning to sprinkle. Scott and I went down to the lake to take a bath once we got up. We came up and got ready to leave then sat down and did our Bible study. Around 9 am we hopped in the Dad’s truck and drove down to their cabin. We had French toast and that good Canadian bacon. The company was even better. It’s encouraging to hear other people agree with your political views. Martha also had some great book suggestions, she is an avid reader.
After breakfast it was still raining so we headed to Dryden. We got supplies for the roof and some other knickknacks, groceries, bank, boat store and some other errands. After about 3 hours we headed home. The guys took a nap. The rain
had quit and the water was fairly calm so we took the boat out a little bit west of Sunset Isle. We worked with the depth finder and did some casting. Then we went back and trolled around Tivo and Paradise. I caught two northern and a baby walleye. Scott caught a
really nice sized northern. It was about 24 inches long. When we got back I kayaked over to Kulbum’s and then back south a ways before I headed in to shore. It was really sunny then and I couldn’t see where I was going so I got hung up on one of McCarty’s rocks. It was pretty easy to get off. When I got back Scott and I took our baths and called it a night.
After breakfast it was still raining so we headed to Dryden. We got supplies for the roof and some other knickknacks, groceries, bank, boat store and some other errands. After about 3 hours we headed home. The guys took a nap. The rain
had quit and the water was fairly calm so we took the boat out a little bit west of Sunset Isle. We worked with the depth finder and did some casting. Then we went back and trolled around Tivo and Paradise. I caught two northern and a baby walleye. Scott caught a
really nice sized northern. It was about 24 inches long. When we got back I kayaked over to Kulbum’s and then back south a ways before I headed in to shore. It was really sunny then and I couldn’t see where I was going so I got hung up on one of McCarty’s rocks. It was pretty easy to get off. When I got back Scott and I took our baths and called it a night.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Dad wanted to go to Dryden but when we woke up the water was fairly smooth. We decided to haul the kayaks to Clear Lake and paddle the creek. It took awhile to get everything packed from our lunches to our fishing gear to our kayaks. We first tried to haul both kayaks but mine was taking on too much water from its hol
es. It looked like a whale spouting water from its blowhole! We then took it out of the water and put it in the boat. It actually worked out pretty slick. We still couldn’t go to fast because we were still towing Scott’s kayak behind the boat. It took some tries to get it the perfect distance behind the boat. 
path probably circled back around to the other side of the beaver dam! There must have been a lake on the other side but neither one of us wanted to take the time and get out to check it out. It was a neat sound but it had made the water in that little bay really murky. We turned around and met mom and dad; So much for the head start! It was amazing! So beautiful and clear that you could see the bottom the entire way, it was obvious that we were against the current because the grass was almost laying flat the opposite direction. Surprisingly, it was a pretty easy paddle. As we paddled we drank in the beauty surrounding us. I would look up the paths that had obviously been made by various animals coming down to the creek for a drink of water. I had my camera all ready, I wanted to see a moose or a bear so badly. We were 
surrounded by beautiful grasses and flowers, tall trees and lots of rock cliffs. It was incredible. To my surprise the only animals we saw (besides the two flies that decided to have a drag race around my head), were two turkey vultures circling in the sky. The creek went around a curve and then around another curve and then around another curve. They were one after another and the wind had picked up a little. It was becoming a small challenge to maneuver around the curves going against the wind but it was a blast! I glanced at my watch and we had been paddling for about 40 minutes and the end was nowhere in sight. I was sure we were trying to paddle uphill but Dad and Scott both insist that there were no hills. After an hour, we were still winding around turn after turn and then we took a really sharp turn and I heard Scott who was a turn or two ahead of me yell, “I think you were right! I think this is going to circle back around to that beaver dam!” 
At the same time I rounded the same bin that he had. There were two 90 degree turns which seemed like they were in the opposite direction. We laughed and continued on. The logs in the creek were incredible! There were some logs that went on forever. When those trees are down you get a totally different perspective of how tall they a really are. You would look down and see the beginning of a tree and paddle and paddle and paddle and finally you would see the end. There were a couple places where there was a little island and you could choose which direction you went around the island. Of course we chose the shortest route whenever possible. One time I missed the short cut because Scott was right next to me and it was a nice short cut. He gained a lot of distance on me.
Mom and Dad caught up with us in the big boat and Dad informed us that we were a third of the way there. It had been about an hour and twenty minutes. We were hoping that he was joking! I looked ahead and it was obvious that we were approaching Clear Lake. It was hard to get excited because it could just be that we would be making yet another turn in a completely different direction. Then we came to a spot where the beavers had started to dam up the creek, we weren’t sure if the boat would get through but saw it as an opportunity to strike ahead 
so we continued to paddle, we could hear Mom and Dad’s discussion as Dad attempted to navigate as she steered through the beaver dam. We finally reached one of the bays of Clear Lake. Dad threw in his pole as Scott and I paddled to the end, it took a total of one hour and fifty minutes. Dad caught a northern so we paddled up to check it out. After I took his picture he tried to throw the northern on my kayak and missed splashing me and 
Scott’s camera (then he felt really bad but the camera was fine). Scott and I got our poles and tried to fish in our kayaks. Fortunately, we didn’t have any luck. (I’m still not sure I want to be that close to the fish!)
Suddenly Dad said to start paddling back but Scott had had too much. His feet aren’t real comfortable in that kayak so they were starting to fall asleep. I pleaded with someone else to go with me but it was of no avail. I apprehensively started upstream by myself. 
It was a little disconcerting because every turn you take you feel more deserted. I suddenly didn’t want to see any moose or bear! I heard something in the brush and froze (which really didn’t work because I was flowing downstream). I looked up and there was a deer staring at me so I grabbed my camera and took a picture. It didn’t turn out real well because I was still too far away. He watched me for a few minutes and then turned and bounded away.
I continued on leisurely just paddling to stay straight but not having to do much work. I started breathing again when I heard their voices and the motor running behind me. I started to paddle harder because I knew it was a long way back and I was going to be very sore, I had been in the kayak for over two hours now. I came upon that shortcut again and slid right through looking back I saw them try to take the same shortcut! I didn’t think their boat could fit through it but I continued on and suddenly it got quiet again. I started to get nervous because I couldn’t hear their motor or their voices. They had been just behind me what could have happened? I finally decided to yell for Scott. I shouted his name twice with no response. The third time I shouted I heard a loud crashing in the woods just ahead of me. My heartbeat increased because that was not a single deer. Could it be a moose or a bear? I suddenly heard a louder motor and more voices. They were getting closer but now had stopped to talk to another boater that was coming from Clear Lake. Here I am stuck in this 5 foot wide shallow creek with a huge moose ready to trample me! I started to paddle back upstream not wanting to reach the source of the loud crashing. I heard Dad say, “Be careful we have another kayak paddling just upstream from us.” I heard the other boat start up and they were coming toward me at a high speed. I could only see their heads a couple of curves back. I got off to the side and treaded water. I decided that I would let them run into the moose instead of me. As they passed me I started paddling in high gear to get passed the spot. I also heard our boat behind us so I relaxed and started to enjoy the beauty again. I also figured they would be getting impatient and would make me quit once they caught up so I started paddling hard. I was making good time. I was determined at this point to make the entire trip. They did finally catch up and they could tell that I was pretty beat. Boy was I! It took everything I had but I gritted my teeth and asked how much further I had. They said we were at least 2/3 of the way through. Scott told me I should get out because I was going to be too sore. Mom told me to hold on to the boat and they would tow me but I asked if I could finish and Dad gave the ok. I pushed on and when I could see the backdrop of mainland behind Eagle I told them to go fish the bay and I would be out in a few minutes. They went ahead and I was now completely alone in the wilderness, dead tired and still in awe by the beauty that God has made. I know I’m being a little dramatic. They had stopped less than a half mile in front of me. I could hear them discussing where I could get back into the boat at. I was feeling bad at this point because I felt like everyone was waiting for me. I took another deep breath and headed for the end of the trail. I passed the beaver dam and soon reached the entrance. I had completed the entire course in 3 hours and 36 minutes. Going back had only taken an hour (50 minutes less than upstream). I paddled up to the boat which was along side of a rock that Scott had hopped out on to help me. I climbed out of my kayak and up the rock into the boat. My legs did not work very well and were very shaky. I got into the boat while my crew got my yak loaded and I sat in a daze in the front while everyone scuttled around me. I was going to be sore tonight! It was one of the fabulous and amazing things I have ever done and can’t wait to do it again! I am so appreciative of everyone taking the time out and having the patience to let me finish!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
We did our doctrine together and then Dad and Scott were off to fish. Dad hired Rich, the owner of Deer Trail Lodge, to guide them to some of the walleye fishing holes. They came back with about 5 walleye (plus supposedly Dad threw a real big one back in). It was a pretty windy day. There were some good waves.
h of the island. We headed up the southeastern side of the island because it was completely calm. We could hear the seagulls starting to arrive behind us. We saw the eagle on a dead tree but he flew away as we paddled near him. Then as we headed back I decided to see how close I could get to the loons. I didn’t do too well they started to get nervous and they ducked under the water. Then I glanced over to the seagulls and saw the eagle sitting on the rock, I motioned to Scott just as he was taking off. He flew around the entire island with a fish’s entrails in his talons and finally landed in the nest. Pretty soon he headed back and
sat on the rock for quite awhile. We tried to get in close but he took off once we got within a certain distance of him. We headed in for a nice chilling bath!
PS Check out the cute little groundhog that lives somewhere near our cabin. He stopped midchew to check me out.
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