Fishing With My Dad

A (Potential) Last Trip to the Boundary Waters with My All-Time Best Friend!

Fishing with my dad in the Boundary Waters has always been a source of immense joy. Something that has created a lifetime of memories for both of us. From the earliest days of my childhood to now, those moments sitting in our camp or floating in a canoe have shaped the bond I share with my dad.

I am spending this week with him and two of his buddies once again enjoying all the Boundary Waters have to offer For my dad (who is 82), it is his 40th trip I hope it’s not his last, but you never know so I want this trip to be special. I have been here with him about a dozen times and I am so happy to be accompanying him on this one.

I made my first trip here when I was seven. Since then, my dad has brought my son, my brother, a grandchild, two of my best friends, a number of his buddies and a Boy Scout group here Once you’ve been here, it gets in you and you always come back. Many of the people who made their first trip with my dad now bring their families here.

There's a certain magic to waking up at dawn. The air is still and the lake is like glass. Here, God has created perfection.

Or staying up late to gaze at the million stars twinkling above you. No lights or city noise to cause a distraction. The silence can be deafening and it is awesome!

And then there is the anticipation of shoving off in our canoe, fishing gear ready, excited to see what the day brings. It’s always filled with adventure. But beyond the thrill of catching fish, it's the companionship and connection that truly define these moments. Sometimes I don't even fish. I just paddle him around the lake so we can get closer to ‘the honey hole.’ I'm not sure who is happier, him or me. Today he pulled this beautiful Northern Pike from the lake (he released it).

And as we fish, I am reminded of the stories we have shared over the years – tales of his own fishing experiences, of near misses and triumphant catches. Each story creating a new memory. His wisdom and sense of humor passed down through anecdotes and laughter, have become an integral part of who I am.

There's a unique camaraderie that forms while waiting for the fish to bite. Time seems to slow down, allowing for heartfelt conversations that might not have taken place amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. We discuss dreams, aspirations, and even the mundane details of the day, all while watching the water's surface for any sign of movement.

The joys of fishing with my dad extend beyond the act itself – they are in the quiet moments, the shared silence punctuated only by the sounds of nature. It's the simple pleasure of witnessing a stunning sunrise or the reflection of the moon on the water at night. These are the moments that remind me of the importance of slowing down to appreciate how blessed I truly am.

And then there are the triumphs – the feeling of accomplishment when we finally reel in a fish after patiently waiting. The fist pumps and smiles exchanged, the elation of a successful catch, create memories that stay etched in my mind and heart forever. These are the moments that make the early wake-up calls and the hours of patience more than worthwhile. But it's not just about the victories.

Fishing with my dad has also taught me the value of resilience and persistence. There are days when the fish don't bite, when the weather is less than ideal, and when the challenge are real. These moments mirror life's ups and downs, teaching me to stay patient, to adapt, and to find joy in the process, regardless of the outcome.

As I reflect on the years spent fishing with my dad, I realize that it's not just about catching fish. It's about catching memories, forging a connection that has now transcended generations. The joys of fishing with my dad lie in the laughter shared, the stories exchanged, and the unspoken bond that grows stronger with each trip.

And so, whether it's the memories of my dad watching a younger me cast a line with a sense of wonder or the present, like today, with me watching him as he brought in that big fish, the moments of reflection and camaraderie of these trips to the Boundary Waters are now a cornerstone of my life. It's a reminder that the simplest pleasures can yield the most profound joys, and that the best catches aren't always found in the water, but in the memories we create and the relationships we nurture.

So, here is to creating another batch of amazing stories and memories dad This will be our best trip yet!

I love you.