The Artist

The Wabaskang is a canvas and its up to us to use our paint brushes and combination of finesse and power strokes to create our own masterpiece. Some of us are methodical and technical and choose to focus on painting one area at a time. Others are more abstract freeform and may choose to do a light touch on as much of the canvas as possible. But we are all artists up here. What color do I want to use today? Am I going to cast far, twitch, or troll today? Do I want to replicate what I did last time, or try and create something totally new today? Where do I want to paint my first strokes- in the top of the canvas at 5th lake, in the bottom left corner at Keynote, or do I start at home- somewhere in the middle? Do I paint the shore line first, or go for the deeper blues in the depths of the system? There's no right or wrong way (though everyone seems to have their opinion of the "right" way), but the point is we have to start somewhere.

The decisions we as fishermen must make are endless. We have a vision in our minds of what we want it to look like (some of you may already be having these visions for next year). But its up to us to make it a reality. With the combination of determination and some luck with all the variables that are out of our control, we can transfer that picture in our minds onto the canvas. Some may add on to the same canvas each day they are up here- adding layers and depth and details, trying to fine tune it and make minor adjustments. Others may decide to start over with a new white canvas because their previous attempt was unsatisfactory. As Bob Ross says, "Sometimes you learn more from your mistakes than you do from your masterpieces.” And maybe- just maybe- when we finish a work of art, we may feel content- that we did the best we could and are happy with the final picture.

Here's some masterpieces from our most recent artists:

The foggy fall mornings have been such a beautiful canvas to start the day...

When you've never caught a northern before, and its a 31"er, you're like "Now how do I hold this?!"

Thanks Debbie Davids for the pink lure! It worked like a charm:

And in Earl's Pic of the Week, literally, Earl worked on his one of a kind photography:

2 Guys, a Girl, and a whole bunch a perch...

The crappie went suspended again, but there was a small stretch where guests were bringing in 13 and 14 inchers:

Tim's wife, Patti Hale is a true artist and combined her talents with the witnessing of God's creation while here last year. She recently sent Tim with this piece

Speaking of art, Art joined his buddies annual fishing trip this year. He (in the red), along with Mike (taking the selfie), were the newbies on the lake this year. "Jimmy Frost" our camp poet from 2 years ago was back and these guys enjoyed laughs on the docks, a fly-in day trip, fish fries, and their tradition of Whiskey Jack dinner.

Tom and Don:

And Dylan was an artist in envisioning the perfect backdrop to propose! Dylan and fiancee Nikki got engaged outside their Eagle's Nest cabin after potluck Wednesdsay evening- we wish them years of happiness and are so glad Tall Pines will be remembered in this moment:

Some canvases are already complete and don't need us to interfere, as God is the ultimate Artist. Here's some of His brush strokes recently captured:

Warren and Bob spotted the moose on the driveway again, and Lasse seemed to always just miss it:

And a blog dedicated to the arts must include our culinary artists here at Tall Pines as well. More incredible potluck dishes were shared. The recent desserts from Jim Barber's hand crafted parfaits to Nancy's "frog-eyed salad" and Don's Door County cherry pie that literally had people coming back after we had cleaned up asking- "Is there any of that pie left?" Daimin's authentic potstickers and some chili rounded out a full menu of tastiness. Ryan's favorite was Jon's beef medallions with a white truffle sauce! His bruschetta and Angie's home-made honey butter (she has her own honey business) were mine.

We also celebrated numerous birthdays at potluck including Bob Hansens, "The Mayor of Tall Pines" turning the big 80; and Tom Whooley- one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet who was on his 6th trip up celebrated the big 70. And happy birthday to Neal, our in-house "sheriff" who helped numerous guests out this month and is always in good spirits!

Tess, our September "camp dog", stayed for over 3 weeks with Neal and Marji and encouraged all our fishermen and women:

And random photos- from the father/daughter last berry picking of the season, to Earl giving pike lessons to Warren, some yoga on the docks, project time, and another outstanding Bear's Den crew:

Finally, the leaderboards for the last couple weeks. We know that a true artist doesn't do it for the accolades or a prize- its the intrinsic reward that feels the best. And while its no different for our fishermen, we still like to have a little fun with it:

In our comparison of the artist and fisherman, the painter Bob Ross may say it best:

“…that may be the true joy of painting, when you share it with other people. I really believe that’s the true joy.” May each of you continue to be able to share these Canadian experiences with others and experience the true joy of fishing.