Pine Lake 2014 - Day #3

   Monday morning we were up bright and early to pack for our canoe trip.  Towels, sunblock, water, beer, snacks, dog treats, binoculars, and bug spray - lots of bug spray - we're gathered together and put into my bag.  Alison, Will, Patrick, and I left at 8:40 and arrived at Horina Canoe Rentals a little after 9.  Mr. Horina was extremely nice and personable, even when Ruby jumped up into the front seat to stick her head out the window! (Patrick was supposed to be watching her.)

We dropped off the truck at the unloading sight and then made our way to our drop off point, Coolwater Campground.  The canoes were really nice, fiberglass Old Town canoes. 

The trip was beautiful.  The Pine River is so pristine.  We saw four or five houses and only passed under one bridge during our 3 hour trip. We saw some bank swallows and their nest burrows in one if the rock/sand banks.  It was another bird we can add to the "Big Year" list.  Patrick also ID'd a warbler by the call, but we did not get a visual. It was also really fun to spend some time with Alison & Will.  We all agreed that canoeing is a great marriage/trust building activity.  You have to trust your partner and contribute to the well being (AKA staying upright on the water) of the relationship or you will flip and sink!  Here are some photos from the trip:

 

Patrick had the camera so most of the photos are of the back of me! Glad he got a selfie in though! See how Ruby is dry in the fist couple and then wet all of a sudden in the last one?  Yeah she jumped in.  It was a grand experience for all!

   After the trip we were totally wiped out and took a 3-hour nap. We had a scrumptious dinner of chicken enchilada casserole that Gail made.  Dessert was leftover ice cream and cake! 

Yummm!

   Since the evening was so beautiful we took the boat out of some fishing.  Patrick had a couple of bites in the reeds over by the eagle's nest. No fish made it in the boat though.

This nesting pair of eagles has been present at Pine Lake for years.  It is so majestic to see them fly across the lake.  The loons are still my favorite, but the eagles are a close second favorite. 

Pine Lake 2014 - Day #1

   We had an awesome first day of vacation! It started bright and early at 6:20am.  Ruby usually wakes us up around this time. Most weekdays it is a good time to wake up. Most weekends, we would rather sleep in! Today however, it was a perfect time to get moving and we were all so excited to get to Pine Lake ASAP! Our goal was to leave at 8.  We pulled out of our parking lot at 7:59. The morning was super relaxing because we had packed most everything the night before. I used a list and made an effort to be organized! It really does work!

   Our first pit stop was at Bass Pro Shop in Portage, IN to get bait and run Ruby a bit.  Dogs are actually allowed inside the store, which was fun for Ruby.  I am glad we made an effort to socialize her as a puppy, so she wasn't sacred or crazy inside the store.  Patrick saw a dickcissel (a bird) in the prairie grasses on the property. He hasn't seen that bird yet this year and was able to add it to his 'Big. Year' list. 

Are we there yet?  Ruby was a trooper in the car.

   We also made the traditional stop for ice cream at Jones' in Baldwin, MI. Patrick had butter pecan on a cake cone, while I chose a sugar cone with the special of the day - Oreo! Of course the ice cream was incredibly delicious. 

   Once we arrived at Pine Lake Villa, we paid for our cabin, and began the process of unpacking. It didn't take too long. I wish I would have packed some febreeze because our cabin is carpeted.  Lake water + sand + years = smelly cabin. There were plenty of spiders and a cobwebs, but they were easily felt with thanks to the paper towels and Clorox wipes I packed.

   After fixing up the cabin we chose a boat and took a spin out on the lake. It is SO BEAUTIFUL.  The motor that Grandpa Ruhl let us borrow works great and the boat does not leak. 

   We still needed groceries before we could settle down for the week. The Dublin General store is right down the road and has a selection of jerky that is famous. I was proud that we stuck to our list for our menu plan. We did splurge and get one package of jerky.

   Later that night Patrick took Ruby and I out fishing.  Ruby had a grand time jumping all around in the boat.  Surprisingly, she didn't scare all the fish away and Patrick caught a keeper bass.  

He then got a cast stuck in a tree and so he pulled us closer to shore (and to the tree to retrieve the brand weed less worm!).

Ruby took this opportunity to launch herself out of the boat!  She splashed around the shore while Patrick freed the from it's leaf entanglement.

After we got the lure back and Ruby back in the boat, Ruby and I went back to the cabin to dry off and get ready for bed.

   I am so glad with our decision to get our own cabin this year!  It is very relaxing  and great to have a quiet space to retreat to.  The price of cabins did go up this year.  We will have to be more conservative for the rest of the trip. No shopping in Manistee for me.  I think it is well worth it though!

One Year With Ruby

On April 6, 2013 we welcomed a puppy into our family - Ruby.  One year ago today we drove home from Lewisburg, KY with a 6-week-old baby Brittany pup.  We did NOT know what we were getting ourselves into!! Luckily we all made it through puppyhood (even all the furniture and shoes!) intact. Today Ruby is a great dog that we love oh so very much.  

                   Ruby 4/6/13

                     Ruby 4/6/14