Thursday, November 1, 2012

Year 3 - Week 1 - We're Back




Was it only 82 days ago that I was bidding “adieu” to the Outpost and anticipating the summer ahead....and now here I sit, August 20th, in the co-pilot seat of the helicopter flying back in and wondering what the next 9 months and 2 weeks ( Mike always like to emphasis the 2 weeks) will have in store for us as we start our 3rd season of living at Port Louis, which we now refer to as home.





There were many familiar faces and a couple of new ones that made up the summer crew this season and I looked forward to sitting down with everyone to hear what they had been up to over the course of the past year or how they came to be a part of the West Coast Fishing Club adventure.

High spirits prevailed as the last of the guests waved good-bye and the realization that the pre-dawn alarm clock settings, endless loads of sheets and towels, stacks of dirty pots, pans, plates and platters, literally tons of fish caught, cleaned, bagged and boxed were over.

What better way to rejoice than to take a flying leap.





After a fabulous dinner, thanks Jordan and Natasha, the games began and you know what I'm talking about....KRUD. My goodness they take this game seriously and you better know what your doing when you play this bunch. I, myself have always bowed out citing I have to take pictures, which I do, but I'm thinking that maybe this year Mike and I will hone our skills and see if maybe we can add a few new moves.

Cat and Jordan battle to the end.
 



A day of play is the reward for a season well done and like every year since Mike and I have been coming here the gang all wants to go out fishing!!!
Outfitted in their jackets and pants and boots, toting coolers of snacks and beverages :) they sped out of the bay with hopes of catching their trophy.... meanwhile back at the lodge Mike and I take the opportunity for some “hot tub” time.






At the end of the day their efforts paid off.





The next 5 days are spent sorting, counting, cleaning, taking apart, packing and making lists lists lists for next year, but there are moments of relaxation and of course a bit of fun at the end of the day.






Just because it's a fishing lodge doesn't mean you can't dress up for the evening.




A favourite spot to chill out after a day's work.



Did someone say Tonga party?






There was a first at the Outpost in the form of a impromptu wedding reception and the lucky couple was Mike and I. I watched Justine set a lovely table complete with champagne flutes, flowers and wrapped gifts and I complemented all the ladies dressed more for a night on the town than dinner at the OP but I chalked it up to someone celebrating a birthday. When Ken formally addressed us than our “wedding dinner” awaited we knew what was afoot. A speech as only Ken can write, for he is very witty, proceeded a wonderful meal ( onion free, thank you Jordan) a fabulous cake which I think Hannah was responsible for and Justine who made sure that everyone's glass was kept topped up.





If your wondering what's up with the tropical attire, we have just returned from 2 glorious weeks in Barbados soaking up all the sun we could to last us throughout the year.


The day has come for everyone to pack up their bags and say 'good-bye'.





A VERY early morning start, 6 am, had some people less enthused than others.





And their off...back to civilization, friends, family, girlfriends, boyfriends....life.





We stand on the heli-pad watching until they are gone from view and it is only now that the Outpost is truly ours to call home.




 Till next week,
Heather and Mike

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