Anne-Christine welcomes us back after a summer break with the theme of Adventure. Her invitation is here. Once a year, I have the pleasure of joining my sister and brother-in-law for a family fishing adventure at Odell Lake, at the summit of Willamette Pass in central Oregon State. We stay at a private campground adjacent to Crescent Creek, and a short drive from where we launch their boat.

The cold creek flows briskly and has a lovely screen of wildflowers lining both its banks.

I enjoy ambling along the creek where I can listen to the magic rippling water, watch butterflies flutter about, and look for interesting sights to photograph.

We get up early, drive ten minutes to Odell, launch the boat and have our lines in the water by 7:00. On good days, the lake is smooth and inviting as we set out fishing for Kokanee (landlocked Sockeye Salmon) and Mackinaw (Lake Trout).

Daisy is tucked away snoozing while we go about the handicraft of catching fish. My niece, Marie loves going after the big Lake Trout and is always thrilled when she lands one!

We are off the lake by noon to avoid the winds that almost always start around then. Large waves turn the fun of fishing into a struggle, so we reel in. Notice whitecaps above.

After lunch we clean and process the fish we have caught, then enjoy the afternoons and evenings at camp.

Thanks to Anne-Christine for this timely challenge. I enjoy this adventure with my family very much and it’s a pleasure to share it here.

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾