Cliff Lake Getaway

Saturday we headed to Cliff Lake for a night with friends (Amber, Tim, and Josie Blazina, plus Carol and Kevin Diffendaffer -- most of the Smith River crew from last June).  It was stunning scenery and just what the doctor ordered.
We took our drift boat across the skinny part of the lake and camped on the far shoreline in a  little tucked-away cove.  The boat ride over was sketchy, and Mike is a champion rower for getting us and all of our crap there safely. 

Our first stop before braving the windy, white-capping lake was a little rock climbing in life jackets. 

We did a community meal, and the Diffendaffers brought "a Taste Of Italy" for the appetizer.  Roughing it. 

Josh found a snake and proudly brought it back to show us.  Ick. 

The boys have been watching "Wicked Tuna" and were trying their hand at spearing fish (or Gaffing, as they call it). Surprise, no fish were killed. 

Luke did snag this nice rainbow Saturday night before dinner. 

This is the smile of a promised meal that he caught himself. 

This is the face after he collected downed wood with his dad. 

The boys hiked to the top of the island, they dubbed it Rocky Top Island, and staked their claim. 

The scenery was amazing. 

Friday night we decided to take a fishing trip and try trolling.  This is Josh rowing his heart out. 

And Luke giving it his all. 

Sunday morning the boys went on a shed hunt walk up the hill.  They found these treasures. 

Luke got to eat his fish for breakfast Sunday.  

After we ate, we headed out to catch more fish. Love this look, glasses over the shaggy hair!

Tim rowed Josh around all morning, and Josh caught 7 nice fish! 

Luke and daddy both caught 4 fish Sunday morning. This is Luke's biggest one, and my favorite grip. :) 

I caught three total, two on a fly!  I still hate to touch fish, so Mike took pictures of the proof in the net. 

This was my first fish of the morning, and I laughed because I thought he was just following the lure, but when I looked closely he was spinning with the lure.  Thats SMALL!

I can't remember who caught this nice one, but both guys look pretty proud!

Ruby was one happy and worn out doggy!  We had 6 adults, 4 dogs and 3 kids on the trip, so she was in great company! 

Before we knew it, it was time to go. Josh kayaked and trolled across the lake (he also kayaked on the way over...but this time he was fishing!).  Tim never misses an opportunity to make us laugh! 

He caught a fish on his kayak!  I can't believe the trolling worked out!

That was an incredible weekend!