Magic Moment–#13 Fishing

Not a skilled fisherwoman, I am amazed when I can actually reel in a nice fish.  The hubby enjoys fishing for the “big ones”; so this sport for us is usually focused on salmon, steelhead and sturgeon.  This year he is trying his luck with halibut (short season starts next week). 

We have friends (guys and gals) involved in bass clubs/tournaments and they can pull ‘em out one after another.  Others can fly fish in the smallest of streams and catch trout.  Some will sit for hours by a lazy river and hook onto a decent sized catfish.  I am in awe of their skill.

My so-called skill involves second-by-second instruction from my fishing partner, yelling at me to set the hook and how to reel it in.  If I actually get it in the boat or on shore,  it is exciting! and I am all smiles.  [Picture above in the Columbia River, recent picture on the right is out of Port Angeles with a friend, and below a few fish I have caught through the years.]

But, when we get home and cook the freshest fish ever, the real magic begins.   Fresh never has the “fishy” smell you seem to get at the store or the mushiness.  Nice firm meat with that explosion of flavor when you take a bite--whether it is barbequed, steamed, baked or fried with spices or just salt and pepper.  Pair it with in season vegetables and our favorite wine and life does not get much better.

Painting for Mom

Mom’s kitchen lacks a window, so I created one for her.  Finished painting this floral today and will ship to her for Mother’s Day. 

Hope she likes it!

Magic Moment–#12 Fast Water

The roar of the fast river rapids on the Idaho Salmon River is not something I will forget.  A two-day river rafting trip through the parched hills with pine trees growing between baked rock outcroppings on the swift river water was just (I know I am overusing the word…) magic.  Our trip was taken 20 years ago in July during hot 90 degree weather, but welcome warmth because the splash through the cool rapids made sure you were always wet. 

Our trip included rafts and inflatable kayaks provided by a professional rafting company.  Anyone one game could opt to paddle the kayak through the rapids and meet up with the raft with all the supplies.  Theoretically, you take turns in the kayaks, but I was having so much fun; I really was unwilling to give up my kayak!  Love, love kayaking.  What a rush!

Our trip included just one night camped on a sandy beach, our rafting company hosts provided a fire-cooked meal and slushy drinks.  Yeah, I could not believe it when they revved up a generator for a blender mixing margaritas.  Excellent. 

Our little pup tent helped keep out the dive-bombing bats through the night, yet the opening big enough to view a cloudless star-filled sky.  Morning was bright and early with bacon and eggs.  A quick finish to the meal and we are back in the rafts.  The day ended at the Snake River and the drive back to home.

Always wanted to buy river kayaks after that but it never seemed practical.  Although we lived on the Columbia River and it has a strong current, it does not provide the rapids required that make river kayaking so exciting.  So, unfortunately that was a sport passed.  But what a great, great experience.