Splake Hunter Champions 2015

(Left to Right) Strider, Fast Eddie, Jake the Snake, Dr.O, Tight Line, Brent Giant and Grumpy Santa.

Yes, Tight Line is the winner again this year, Congratulations! We had an interesting trip battling the elements (1.5 hr paddle up the lake against wind and wave), and it was in the end, all worth it.

See you next year!

Gift

Brent Giant's son gave him a gift to carry on the trip into the wild... Thanks son!

Voices in his head

He was giggling to himself alot on this trip... kinda unsettling.

LICE

Seriously, they should have been under quarantine.

Bog site people

There was an eerie quiet when we landed on the Bog site...what have these guys been up too?

Mosquito

Here, Jake the Snake is wondering about the protein content a mosquito might have...times are tough at the Bog site.

Yeah!...Supper time

Fast Eddie and Strider watch Wrong Way prepare supper. Good thing the thunder box is close by.

Camp Humour

Strider enjoying the antics around camp. First time we had 'posters' on the trees...

Taste test

With trembling hands, Fast Eddie tentatively tastes his brew... I guess he'll not leave his mug unattended ever again.

Tightline that's NOT Belgium chocolate!

Okay, so enough clues have been given as to what exactly happened to Dr. O

Dr. O has issued a warning

Fast Eddie better sleep lightly.

Waiting for the hammer to drop

Yes indeed, after what he did to Dr. O, Fast Eddie has a huge target on his back. I think he'll get Strider to taste his food first for now on.

It's a matter of survival

When you get abandoned and left to starve, you take measures to make it through to the next day... Lucky for us we had a skilled Splake Hunter at our camp to provide much needed protein.

What happens at camp, stays at camp!

What Fast Eddie did to Dr.O will forever be whispered about around the camp fire late at night for generations to come... let's just say, Dr.O earned his horns!

Then he got an idea. An awful idea. Fast Eddie got a wonderful, *awful* idea!

Sing along:

You're a mean one, Fast Eddie
You really are a heel,
You're as cuddly as a cactus, you're as charming as an eel, Fast Eddddddie,
You're a bad banana... with a greasy black peel!

Larry's Point Site

Situated to have a commanding view of the lake, this site is a 10 out of 10 for obvious reasons: three sheltered docking areas for childishly easy landing and launching; three newly renovated kitchens and a fish filleting area; two conveniently located fire pits; two thunder boxes, one of which is brand new; open, sunny and warm this site also boasts plenty of space for larger groups and a plethora of wood to burn.

Gloom

The bog fire pit was an endless source of thick smoke.

Cough cough

So this is why the Bog site is a 3 out of 10... even though it has plenty of room, none of that space is even or rock/root free; it is too sheltered, the bugs and as you can see here, the smoke just lingers and there is very little sunlight to dry clothes or keep you warm.

Bubble Bubble, boiling trouble...

Mad chucking was heard coming from the Bog site kitchen.

Meanwhile, back at the Bog site...

Wrong Way forgot to bring the first meal of the trip and in true ninja style, things got heated.

Working the Honey Hole

Traffic to this area was heavy this year so our efforts were largely fruitless; however, the sheltered calm of this part of the lake was very enjoyable.

Peaceful end to a blustery day

Tightline has a plan to win the trophy once again and he is calm in the knowledge of how to "git' er done!" Larry's point campsite had plenty of wood and a commanding view of the lake... a perfect place to regroup after a windy ride in.

Hurricane Force winds

Fierce winds separated the Splake Hunters on the paddle in. Some made it to Larry's point while the others were blown down the lake to be trapped in the Bog site. The high winds would hamper our hunting efforts for most of our stay.