It was another early morning, 4:45 Manitoba time, and after a breakfast of bacon and eggs, half of our group headed down to the dock for a 6 am float plane trip to Shining Falls Lodge. Our aircraft was a Turbo Otter single engine, with seating for eight plus one up front with the pilot, Johnathon.
It was a perfectly still morning, and our pilot so skillfull that we didn't feel either the take off or landing....a perfect transition from water to air and vice versa. The air was fairly hazy so not a lot of photo opportunities enroute, and we arrived at Shining Falls Lodge in about 30 minutes.
Shining Falls Lodge is located on an island in Family Lake, just upstream from the Shining Falls, which I guess makes sense. The lodge is owned by Ellen and Tobias, and Ellen is Marlene's brother's wife's niece. So part of Marlene's extended family.
Tobias, Ellen, plus sister Kelly and Mom Wendy were all there to greet us, and after unloading our gear and lodge supplies, the plane was loaded with garbage and returned to Bissett to collect the other half of our group.
While we waited we settled into our cabins, assembled the fishing rods, and checked out the banana bread in the main lodge building. It is a very quiet location, so probably no need for earplugs tonight. Being part of the first half of the group we were also able to see the second half arrive, an hour and a half later.
After orientation to the lodge, we set off fishing around 9 am, in three boats. Our boat was not the number one boat for catching fish, but we had fun (and I caught a few Walleye).
At lunchtime we headed back to the lodge for Walleye pizza, and then it was back out to catch more fish. Marlene caught her first keeper in the afternoon, and it was just under the maximum 18 inch length. Anything bigger has to be thrown back.
We had a great afternoon on the lake, fishing in a couple of spots, and we came away with enough fish for lunch tomorrow, plus some to take home.
Before dinner, there was time for a quick dip in the lake (73 degrees F), and a much needed shower. Dinner was bacon-wrapped Walleye as an appetizer, Mandarin salad, roast chicken drum sticks with rice and cabbage, and grilled angel food cake for desert. So we will not be losing any weight on this trip.
A few of the keeners went out fishing again after dinner, but for us it will be an early night, to try and make up for for the last couple of short nights.
All in all a great first day!!!
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