Vacation #2

Yes, we are crazy, planning a trip with each side of the family within the same month.  The second trip was with the Schaetzle side of the family, so of course, it was a fishing trip.  We headed to Cedarwild Resort in Deer River, MN for a week of fishing, eating fish, sleeping, fishing, eating, sleeping, fishing, fishing etc. with a couple of times of swimming thrown in to. Don't be fooled by the name resort, although I must say, this place was much nicer than others we have used.  Rustic cabins with 2 bedrooms, a tiny bathroom, a kitchen/eating area, and a screen porch.  However this is definitely a family place.  The owners are kind and helpful and maintain an inground pool, small playground, and game room with puzzles, games, books, etc. for us to use.  The best feature was two lakes, named Moose and Little Moose, on either side of the resort for boating and fishing.

Hunter, Shelby, and cousin Hannah posing at the entrance sign.

Our cabin which we shared with Scott's parents.  If It looks like those trees are broken or falling, they are.  They had a massive storm causing major tree-to-property damage about a week and a half before we got there. Thankfully everyone was safe although they will probably be cleaning up trees for weeks to come.

Shelby's first morning out, definitely not sure about this whole thing and hanging on tight  to Grandma.

Hunter bringing in a big blue gill.  He had a stellar first day fishing bringing in each fish as soon as someone could remove the last one and help rebait his line (which means Mom brought in NOTHING!)

Hunter with yet another gill; He was having a great time and improved to baiting his own hook and even  removing some of the easier catches.  He was up at 5:30 every morning to fish with the guys and even helped with the cleaning process.

By the second or third day, I finally got a line in the water and  this was my nicest perch.

Shelby, ready for action!  It only took a day or so for her to really  adjust to hats, life jackets, the boat, etc.

On Wednesday, I had a hot streak, helping pull in so many fish we lost count.  Among them were 45 rock bass, one of which I'm holding up.  Scott and his dad cleaned fish for two hours that afternoon!

Shelby enjoying a nap in the boat.

I pulled in a massive blue gill on Wednesday.  The resort keeps a running record of the summer's big catches. My bluegill weighed in at 12 oz. and measured about 10 and 3/4 in. so I made their board.  My brother-in-law Chad set a new record with a large mouth bass the next day.

The kids enjoying the swingset.

Hunter building a sandcastle in the sandbox.

Enjoying some down time playing Candyland with Grandpa.

So I know there are no pictures of Scott, the serious fisherman.  That is for two reasons. First either Hunter or I manned the camera all of the time, and second, while bringing in a good amount of fish, Scott's one big beauty was a 21 inch walleye which he brought in at 6:30 am when fishing with Hunter and Grandpa and had to release due to lake rules. He still had a great time and was thrilled to pack and bring home almost 150 fish for our freezer. I have a feeling, we will be going back to Cedarwild for years to come!