The return to the new normal… August 2021

The Russell’s return to 1092 after almost a 2 year long hiatus due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. On August 9, the Canadian borders opened to vaccinated US citizens with proof of a negative PCR test. Char and Paul also braved the 1000 Islands border to arrive at Wolfe Island on Monday morning August 9th. The Russell’s arrived at 1092 on Wednesday, August 11th and the cabin and island are amazingly in GREAT shape !

Wasting no time a crew was dispatched, and Debbie & Ed reeled in a fish dinner the next night of all shapes and sizes, 1 bass, 2 walleye, and a pike! Not to be outdone, PJ & Debbie caught a Lake Trout on Friday.

Abby Robb & Mazie Grace arrived late Friday evening, August 13th after her 2 day trek from SC and battling St. Catherine’s, Toronto, and Barrie traffic otherwise an uneventful trip. And so grateful to be back on the island! PJ, Buster, Ed & Deb along with Irene & Gertie greeted them upon their arrival with dinner. The Drenth’s & Gertie are doing well, and also tired of the Covid-19 restrictions.

Sunday, Aug 15th Ed and PJ taxi Irene & Gertie out to the Mine Road. Irene’s minister’s family and another family were here for 1 week. A juvenile Eagle is frequenting the island; boldly sitting in the pine trees waiting for our return with fish.

August 28th

Sadly Bee & Mazie pulled out this AM. Five of us remain. We still stay approx 2 more weeks. No “big” fish, but plenty to eat_ more later…

September 11th

We are closing up today & tomorrow to leave on Monday. Of note: The Gebler’s left early due to Sammy’s terrible struggle with “the ronas”. At this point she is home from the hospital where she stayed for 3 days. Char has joined her in Knoxville until she is back on her feet.

The big fish of the trip was a 10# pike caught by Ed in the S.W. arm. The water temp has gone from 78 degrees to the now 65 degrees. The weather has turned cooler with great expanses of clouds. Not much rain, but wind from all directions constantly_ very unsettled. The high in August was 90°, low near 50°.

This is the year of “chaga” mushroom. The Rabbit is on a constant hunt for the delicacy, even PJ and Buster. Ed Fishes. We have finally seen a lawyer in New Liskard about passing 1092 down to the 3rd generation. So the long process has begun. The camp receives teh game table set that Ed made, save 1 chair that broke apart as Ed fell on it. It was not designed to hold that weight in that fashion.

PJ catches 3.5# bass at Sharp Rock Inlet, near Lady Evelyn Hotel site. As I write Canadians are all masked up & doing well fighting the pandemic. Still the US Government will not let them across our border_go figure!

And so it goes_ hopefully to return next year. Who knows? Not us_

Day trip to Lady Sharp Rock Inlet and Lady Evelyn Hotel site for lunch.