Departed Joe's 12:50pm. Wisconsin line 2:10. Traffic jams began between Janesville and Madison. Lost 5 minutes first slowdown. Madison at 3:00. Intermittent jams until almost the 90/94 split. Heaviest traffic ever for this portion of the drive. Still arrived at Eau Claire, with standard dinner stop in Black River Falls, at 7:00 (6 hours out). Duluth at 10:00; border at 1:00am.
This is where the traffic pattern completely reverses. No one ahead of us at Canadian immigration. In spite of driving through an intense thunderstorm from Fort Frances to Dryden (power was out when we entered Dryden, but back on as we exited), our arrival is on time at 4:00; followed by Sioux Lookout at 5:00 and Rusty Myers at 6:30. Get this - we did not see a vehicle on the road the last 75 miles of the trip! That also has never happened before.
As we cruised in to the float plane base, we are greeted with the salutation "Hurry, hurry. Big storm coming. If we don't go now, you're not getting in for awhile." Fastest loading of the plane ever. In camp by 7:00, but with only half our gear. Had to make a rushed triage of what could fit (weight-wise) with us on the Beaver. Left behind food, clothing, etc., enough to make it tough to fish much beyond the close reach of camp. It did rain some, but no "big storm". So we are stuck, basically, until the second load is delivered. We are likely NOT a priority now.
First Day Fishing is Fine
Rain abates and boats head out. Hit usual spots. Some fish caught. Just enough to take off the edge. Mike and Andy catch fish at Matt's Gateway, David's Den and Dave's Shore. Bill’s now famous meatloaf for lunch - delicious.
While the group was out fishing, the rest of the gear and food is delivered, with the exception of Bill's NA beer and iced tea. Separately delivered, with a direct handoff to Bill. Something new.
After a quick nap, back out on the water - overcast and windy. Mike and Andy have no luck at Bill's Bay and M&M Isle, but that changes when they head to the creek inlet at Big Bay. Four 17" walleye and several others caught. Similar result for Bill and Joe working the islands behind Piccolo Point, including an 18" walleye - also 4 on the stringer.
Considering the weather, not too bad a first day.
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