Twin Trip - Trump Lake Wisconsin

 It all started while Sharen and I were walking on our daily morning walks. We talked about what we had planned for the day. Dup was playing golf and Mike was working and we had nothing planned.

Not sure who had the idea (that happens alot) but we were soon talking about taking a vacation together. We have never been away just the two of us. We took a vacation to Myrtle Beach when we were 18, but Sharen's best friend at the time came along. We took several trip with the kids camping, but never just the 2 of us. So we both got online and started looking for a place to go north, relax, doing some hiking/walking and fish. We did take our clubs with us, but they never got out of the car. We just didn't want to go golfing.

We found a place that came with a rowboat - a cabin really close to the lake - a large dock for fishing from - and walking trails close by. 

On the way up we realized we could make a slight detour and visit Antigo, where Grandma and Grandpa Budney lived. Where our brother was born. We had to try and find it and we did. It's still standing, across the street from the fairgrounds.

Hiking....

Sharen found a hiking trail online close by in the Nicolet National Park. Off we go.

It was beautiful. 

Sharen leads the way

Walking Stick was a must

It was uphill the whole way. Luckily I found a great stick for support. About 1/2 way up we ran into a group of 5 that were on their way down and asked them how much further to the top. They recommend we not go all the way cause there was a bear up there. The said the outlook was washer away too - so we just walked till we had enough and turned around.

The next day we didn't want to get in the car so we head out down the street the cabin was on. It curved around the lake and was hilly. When we came up on a ATV trail we decided to check it out.

I'm not so good on selfies

Up and around the bend

They had some nice homes away from the lake, but we both decided if you are going to get away, ON the lake is the best.

Fishing.....

I was very excited to try fishing again. I haven't been fishing in about 13 years. Sharen goes up with Dup every year in September.

Mike bought me a new pole and a beginners tackle kit for Mother's Day, so I was all set. Or so I thought. Sharen (Dup) had a mega tackle box and she supplied me with really everything I needed.

We were very proud of ourselves - we got out on the water in the boat everyday. We just rowed out in front of our cabin and dropped anchor when the fish finder told us there was fish below.

cabin from the lake

We soon found out that we had "the fishing spot". We woke up most mornings to someone in our spot.

Morning fishing

We would wait till they moved on and loaded the boat with our life vests, poles, tackle box, net, and stadium seats, lathered up on suntan lotion and took our turn at catching fish in the spot. We didn't go too much further than right out in front of our pier. We didn't want to be too far from the potty.

Sharen casting, just like Dup told her to

I really really enjoyed going out on the water. I loved rowing. I loved bailing out the boat after the rain during the night. I loved baiting the hook. I loved watching the bobber - though it was harder when the wind picked up the waves a bit. I loved catching fish. I loved the warm weather and getting a tan. I can't say I loved climbing in and out of the boat, but I did it, not gracefully though. I mostly enjoyed spending time with Sharen.

My first bigger catch

I got a handful (our measuring tool) size pan fish from the dock and was very excited. I was happy. 

Happy Karen

Sharen finally caught something besides the damn lily pads. She was in them a lot. Mainly because she gave me the good side of the dock where there were less trouble.

Sharen's sun fish

 I told Sharen that all I wanted now was to have to use the net to bring one in. 

As I was out on the dock fishing and she was reading in the sun up by the cabin my bobber disappeared. I yanked the line and I knew I had my big one. I started yelling "Net - Net" Sharen comes running out "Are you serious?"

"I think so - it's really heavy."

Of course the net is in the boat, so she had to hurry and climb in and out to bring the net.  This was not any easy thing to do for either of us.

Anyway she did it for me. The fish was still on my line and all I could think of was Dup telling me if you catch a big one don't fight it and bring it in slow so you can get the net on it. Well, that was easier said than done. I was so excited I had a "net" fish. My heart was pounding.

Sharen brought it in

We used the net.

And here is the biggest fish I ever caught. We figured about 12-14 inches. I could lie about that, but I don't have too. I have a picture.

My prize catch

I text this picture to Bryan so he can show it to the boys and his return text was not "Wow, nice fish." or "The boys will be excited" Nooooo - I get "Is that my shirt?" Really Bryan. And yes it was one of his old shirts he left when he moved out.

We had a great time together. We each brought our own food. We took turns making dinners. We shared a pot of coffee each morning. The weather was good.

There really wasn't anything for us to argue about. We each did what we wanted and when we wanted and most of that time we were doing it together.

We both think it would be fun to do it again.

Owen started t-ball

 Owen is playing t-ball for the first time this year.

He had a game last Saturday that Mike and I went to to surprise him. He is playing in Park Ridge in a "SOX" league (I know Sox on the Northside?). He plays on the red team so I wore my red "Sox" hat. Yes, I am the cool Grandma. He was impressed.

He was very happy to see us and got the chance to show us how good he is at baseball.

No Mercy

He will shout "No Mercy" when he sees a good pitch coming.

He is one of the bigger boys on the team and can really smack that ball. He surprised us with knowing to run to cover the base instead of chasing EVERY BALL like most of the other kids. He did have a moment running out to right field when he stopped with 2 other boys who were playing in the dirt and picked up some to carry in his glove.

I loved to watch Owen play t-ball, but man the airplanes spoiled it for me. They flew over the field, very low, every 35 seconds. I know I timed them. I had a really hard time not looking up at them.

They were  so LOUD, you had to stop your conversations till they passed. I could never live in that neighborhood. I like sitting outside too much. 

Roger Dodger

 We finally got into the city to see Roger play baseball.

I was very happy to see he was carrying my number "12".

Watching from the dugout

Batters Box

He is just having a good time with his friends.

It also doesn't hurt that he plays for Culvers and there is sometimes ice cream after the game.

He is a very good hitter. He needs some work on his catching and throwing, but that's what the coaches are for - To teach.

So it was ok when the coach would call out - OK Roger! How many outs are there?

Hey Roger! Where are you going to throw the ball, if it comes to you? That's his job.

But it was always Roger this and Roger that. 

Now, we are sitting down the third base line and I'm just about to head over to the dugout and ask the damn coach why he is picking on Roger so much and not asking the other boys.

Mike turns to me and says with a smile in his voice.

I'm pretty sure he's saying Dodgers.

Roger the Dodger

OOPS...

My Roger is a Dodger and that is exactly what the coach was shouting.

I'm glad I stayed seated.