Saying Goodbye to a Friend

I said goodbye to a friend today as I signed off on the title to my 2003 truck to my nephew Jackson. Twelve years and have never been stranded. Granted, a few repair bills here and there but you can't ask for much more from a vehicle. I never officially gave my truck a name but it has been called "come on Bessie" a few times when the snow gets fierce (two-wheel drive). 
For 160,000+ miles, you get a feel for a vehicle. I could polish off a large Blizzard from DQ while driving with my right knee. Everywhere from Madison, Wisconsin to La Grange Park, Illinois to Kingsville, Ontario to Copper Harbor, Michigan, most of the Upper Peninsula and a couple Windy City tours, the truck has collected its fair share of bugs. I was able to have a last road trip with it last weekend for the Mother Cup. Back roads for most of the ride home. In addition to kudos for the truck, I'd also like to thank my rear view mirror fish "Gill" and bobble head (bobble body?) Pudge for the journeys as I sang to both on occasion. 
Ride on Bessie.
Trail Head

"I said goooood morning Gill" - rear view mirror hanger

Pudge is always pumped

 last road trip for Bessie - fishing poles, bicycle and golf clubs (and soda pop) - all the necessities

Mother Cup 2015 - Seadog Reign is Over (until next year)

eagle

Yep, the flag has been passed. The Sons of Liberty took honors this weekend in the annual (can't recall what number we're on; 20th?) Mother Cup on Lake Skegemog. My hat goes off to the team as there wasn't one individual carrying them; they all pitched in for the effort. I think it was a tribute to Mother Cup founding father Champ who couldn't make the trip north this year. There was legitimate focus from the Liberty team. As far as us Seadogs, I knew the mojo was going wrong when our A-players were cranking out monster fish in the pre-session outings. Those never seem to carry over to when it counts; and that seemed to be the deal this year. While I still don't understand the weigh-in process with the new five fish per boat limit as it impacts personal totals, I somehow had the second most pounds for the weekend so...hip hip hooray for the new rule! The new rule also produced the closest team competition as long as I can remember. The difference between the teams was less than a pound for the two sessions. That six inch rock bass that most of us shrug our shoulders about putting in the live well was the difference.

Non-fishing time was spent around the fire pit with multiple (read: whole lotta) guitar pluckers, well... plucking. Those of us who weren't plucking were solving the world's problems; granted we had a few beverages in us at the time but the ideas sure sound good at the time. 

Thanks, as always, to Judy and Dave for once again allowing us to enjoy their beautiful home on the water.

Trail Head

loon

Seadogs took the golf scramble Friday morning

professional photo bomber Al

 

SOL up 15-12 after first session

home base

Sunday morning

Sunday morning

final sheet - SOL's take it by less than a pound

most fish pounds for Doke

most fish pounds for Doke

big fish award for Tommy

Mother Cup 2015 - Pre-festivities

The troops are slowing showing up here in Williamsburg, Michigan. Until the festivities start Friday morning, it's time to see this beautiful part of the State. Al and Doke hit the Elk Rapids area this morning and caught their fare share while I took to the woods. The Glacier Hills Pathway is now one of my favorite north mountain biking trails (along with Arcadia Dunes). The doppler is saying the rain is going to come tonight; until then, Mother Cup on!

Trail Head

VASA Trail - east of Traverse City

Glacier Hills Pathway

VASA Trail

yep - think the umbrella is going to come out eventually

Bellaire - Shorts Brewing Company

Bellaire - Shorts Brewing Company