Spare Tires

The Backwoods---Literally

It's not like we live in the Alaskan bush, the wilds of Alberta, or the plains of South Dakota.  To some it may seem so, but as far as remote, we are  truly only somewhat part of that gang.  Let's just say that it's far enough out to make you think ahead a bit more, but close enough that you don't have your own accent.  You make a longer mental grocery list (I never remember to bring the paper ones anyway), you get gas before your gas light comes on (hopefully way before), you think a bit differently about medical services (as in don't get hurt bad enough that you have to take a ride in a helicopter), and you generally have a back up to the back up plan.  Most activities fall under this umbrella of self preservation---- think a little harder now, suffer a little less later.

Stress Relief in Natural Form

Fishing is not exempt from mishaps it turns out... but before I get to that--first some true fishing lore.  Fishing opened up in our local lakes in the end of April.  It brought with it an influx of campers to some of our favorite secluded sites.  It's been interesting to watch the flow of "Coasties" (a not so endearing term used by locals for those deriving from the WEST SIDE).  I've noticed two times of the year when traffic around here increases.. modern/rifle hunting season and the beginning of fishing season.  It does put a bit of a kink in our plans, but it's hard to blame the travelers when you see the surroundings.

We too have taken to the lakes... three of them already this year to be exact!  All four of us packed in a small aluminum boat, 4 rods, lots of snacks, and excessive fishing JUJU--- not sure how you could get more American than that.  The kids have really stepped up their fishing game this year.  Both got new rods courtesy of Dad, and have learned how to operate them independently.  I told the kids about connecting with their inner fishing master (like their mother frequently does) and letting out the good vibes... aka JUJU; needless to say....Kendyl will tell you all about the JUJU of her line each and every time she lets it out.  Our first trip out was epic.. the kids caught fish after fish, to the point of not wanting to put this story in print for fear of increasing the traffic.  It was a classic childhood moment in it's most pure form.  AND THEN.............................................................

Mother Nature's Gym

The battery runs dead on the trolling motor.... and we are about 3/4ths of the way to the boat launch..... in the middle of the lake...... with two kids, a hungry dad, and a mom with a lot on her schedule.  Spare tire time!  Luckily Cam thought ahead and purchased oars for the little boat, last fishing season.  The moral of this story is, as I mentioned, think ahead --- and you don't have to swim (but you may still end up with sore arms).

Our other outings have been quite successful, we have a new battery, and seem to be cruising along nicely.  We even caught our first kokanee, which are essentially land locked sockeye salmon (nice red meat and all).  Talk about a gift from the lake!  Thank GOD for JUJU.

The Man

Besides fishing our days away, we have actually been quite busy (hence the break in blogging).  I am on the 20 day countdown to graduation, and have been up to my ears in work.  I'm not sure I have wrapped my mind around the fact I am nearly done with school, but I have to tell you it feels pretty darn good.  Cam has been busy with furniture building as well as stair/second story construction.  Unfortunately the farming has been slow with me preoccupied, although we "borrowed," a local boy-goat to hopefully help the baby goat situation.  The kids quickly named him Thunder!  Despite the reputation of billy goats, I really like this guy, and am going to be sorry to see him go.  He's a little stinky, and a little ornery, but man he is funny!  And will hopefully bring us fall babies and some milk.  Life on the farm teaches many valuable lessons, including where baby goats come from... Ask Kendyl, she'll tell you "Mom, so Thunder will just get smaller and smaller and then we'll have baby goats?"  ***Insert ideal parenting comment here*** 

"There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm"- Willa Cather

We had an epic FAIL of a getaway to the big city in Wenatchee last week.  We thought we'd get out of the hills for a night, celebrate my possible gainful employment at the local hospital, and take some time to enjoy eachother... Well, it was a nice thought!  We were forgotten at the restaurant we went to eat, Kendyl ended up quite sick, and in the middle of the night our hotel room ceiling started leaking water and a couple of the tiles fell down.  Needless to say, I didn't get any sleep, Kendyl was miserable, and we left early in the AM to get home.  Another score for the mountain ponderosa---and a good laugh at the best made plans.





The world around us is warming up, the wildflowers and greenery are helping us forget the summer of destruction, and lake swimming is right around the corner.  Although it often feels like survival mode around here, there are moments of perfection... perfect peace in watching the kids reel in a fish, hike a new mountain, visit a ghost town, or enjoy the view from our own, soon to be front porch.  Those are the moments that make the work, the stress, the sleepless nights, all worth it.  For every other moment, there's a spare tire.