Shore Lunch

The fish weren't readily biting on Friday. The walleye I caught were quickly released back into the Canadian waters of Lake of the Woods. The hubs caught 3 walleye that day - enough to fill our bellies. Enough to satisfy our hunger, without being wasteful.

We enjoy fishing, and eating fish. We do not enjoy wasting - catching to fill limits, instead of catching to fill bellies.

I packed our camp stove on the boat that day, along with some batter in hopes of having a shore lunch. I had oil and a frying pan, a few plates, and napkins.

We spent the morning fishing off a small Canadian island while Kid napped on the boat. Hubs navigated toward the north side of the island, where he promised calm waters. His eyes were set on the best landing place. A place that wasn't too rocky, but wasn't thick with trees and brush. He secured the boat, we unloaded. Hubs carried the basket of fish and stove. Me, the baby and a few other supplies. He cleaned the fish as he thanked them for being our lunch (never had I heard him do that before). Kid and I played in the water, examining crayfish and throwing sticks.

We ate quietly, listening to the lake, the trees, and the birds. Seagulls arrived shortly after cleaning the first fish. Before the fish were frying, six more had arrived, and one hungry pelican. We continued to eat, watching the birds circle closer and closer, each one landing in the water and watching us eat.

We heard distant thunder and decided it was time to pack up and head back to camp. We left fish scraps for our avian friends and reloaded the boat. Pushing off the rock, we moved slowly, watching the seagulls and pelican enjoy their lunch. Three turkey vultures arrived, looking for a small meal as well. Everyone had their fill.

We secured our canopy and suited up in rain gear. Hubs flipped on the GPS; we headed for home. Our shore lunch was, indeed, a success, and a tradition I'd like to continue throughout Kid's life.

Travel Bug

Oh, you guys. August is here and with it comes a respite from travel. We have zero travel plans for the near future, which is a welcome break. I added it all up the other day - the hubs and I (and the baby) have spent 72 hours in the car.

THREE WHOLE DAYS!

While I loved every minute of our travels, it has caught up to me.

I'm feeling it...

...in the disaster that is my house. We have not been home much - just enough to unpack halfway and repack.

...in the mountains of laundry that line the floors of our bedroom and laundry room.

...in my wallet. Gas is expensive! Eating out is expensive! Traveling is SO expensive!

...in my back. Three days in a car is a lot!

...in my gut. Oh, my. I don't want to set foot in a fast food restaurant for at least a year. The smell of McDonald's makes me want to vomit!

Don't get me wrong.

I love to travel.

I love visiting new places, old friends, and seeing all the sights.

But now? Now that we are back home, we've got to get back to reality ... 

(and to lose 900 pounds!)

Already an Expert

I feel as though I can call myself an expert in traveling with un bebé.

That's right. We're traveling again (have we even been home for a week yet? (no)).

This time, we're on our way to Omaha, Nebraska. It will be the little man's first time out of the state, and I am not letting myself pack nearly as much as I did for the last trip.

Here are some things I've learned through this month of traveling with the peanut:

1. Pack a lot of clothes for the kid. They're needed. Long sleeves, short sleeves, pants, and shorts.

2. Don't pack too many clothes for the kid. They won't be used. No need for a million onesies per day. Just not necessary.

3. Bring the comfort of home. Bring the Boppy pillow. Bring the Sleep Sack. Bring the noise machine. You'll need them. Well, maybe your kid isn't as fussy / particular as mine is at this point in his life. But those comforts of home have been life saving.

4. Leave stuff at home. You don't need everything. The kid will make it with or without the super soft blanket that is always in his crib (I'm sure I'll be singing a different tune when the boy is a bit older!).

Those are my tips for traveling with the baby. Very clear and concise:

Pack a lot, but don't pack a lot at the same time!