Dodging The Centennial Lake Forest Fire

Just as many of us were thinking of packing for the trip, a forest fire hit the area where we were going. It started on an island just three kilometers from the Eagles Rest and quickly jumped to the mainland. We followed the forest fire in the media and some wondered about making alternate plans for our trip. Just one day before we arrived, crews had extinguished the fire! When we arrived at The Eagle's Rest, there was no smoke and the weather was perfect for the entire weekend!

We had a new fishermen and gambler on this trip. Most of us had known Richard Vien for years but not many knew is real name. The guy we know as Snoop fit it nicely with the gang.

We don't usually have much luck in the area because of the geography but this year was better than previous years. Species included smallmouth and largemouth bass, catfish, pike and lots of one-pound walleyes. Ron took home the Canette with a fish caught early on the weekend: a 3.5 pound pike caught in a bay off Centennial Lake. He also caught a 4-pound largemouth later in the day and in the same bay. At first, it was said the largemouth was caught out of season but after checking, we learned that it was the first weekend of bass season, so the fish was legal.

Alvin's wife, Melissa sent along some great mac and cheese plus again this year, some of her famous pineapple cheesecake. Thanks Melissa!

Also, continuing with his ongoing joke, Ron made bank notes with Snoop's image and Steve, the owner of the Eagle's Rest.

Again this year, it was a five-day trip, just because we have too much fun! Snoop said he had fun and said he would return. We hope so! Gamblers and fishermen on the trip included Phil Anderson, Alvin Davis, Al Heaney, Kyle Heaney, Warren Kidd, Allan Macintyre, Richard Vien and Ron Zinn. There were no clear winners of the Gamblorama but Kyle, Alvin, Phil and Snoop might have gone home with heavier cans and bags.