Trout Fishing Fun over the Long Weekend

Please indulge me for a short "what I did on my long weekend" report.

Took the whole dang family to Pine Creek Cabins northeast of Decorah, where we met up with our friends from Ames, Gail and Josh Bauer and their son Ethan. We arrived Friday night in darkness, but awakened Saturday morning to a remarkable view of the Upper Iowa River valley. I highly recommend the place.

The weekend's main objective was doing some trout fishing. Josh and I managed to squeeze in some some casts in during a few miraculous rain-free hours on Saturday, when I caught the second and third trout of my life. I think that was about the time my friends at Kinnick Stadium were scurrying for third quarter cover.

On Sunday, the whole Bauer-Dorman party of seven headed for Bear Creek near Highlandville, where we left considerable disposable income at the really great old general store. I was a little, OK very, unsure how the expedition would unfold. I knew a crying, whining fish-free fiasco was possible.

But other than a few tense moments carrying somewhat frightened children across one particularly rocky, rushing stream crossing, it turned out great. Fondly memorable, even.

I think one reason is that the generous fishing gods decided to let Ella, 6, catch the first fish of the day, and quickly. She was using a small, purple and pink plastic "Bratz" rod and reel, that clearly says "this is a TOY not intended for sport."

So much for that. Note the Bratz rod, ladybug boots and first trout of the day:

There were two distinct responses to Ella's unlikely catch. First, of course, we  heartily congratulated Ella. Second, we needed to console Tess, who railed at the unfairness of her little  sister's good fortune, and how it was now crystal clear that she would never, ever catch a fish of her own. "Let's be happy for Ella," I said. "Humph," Tess retorted from under her "Fisher Girl" hat.

Patience, I urged. And eventually, after our expert guide Josh led us to a trout hot spot, it paid off.

Tess' mood improved, ever so slightly. Barely detectable to the naked eye:

All three kids caught multiple fish by day's end, and they lasted nearly five hours with very little complaint. There was some momentary remorse for the captured trout. And Ella tried to save a worm from the bait carton she named "Sparkle." A little huger, some cold feet, moments of fish-envy, but generally an astounding day of bad-drama-free family fun.

On Sunday night, we ate a mountain of fried fish, thanks to Josh's fish-cleaning skills. I sat nearby drinking beer, which I'm pretty sure was a big help. We had enough leftover that Josh carried some to our cabin neighbors.

And on a crisp and clear Monday, we awoke to one more great view. It was tough to leave.