Took a little time off from Project Johnny last week. Ended up taking the family to Northern Minnesota for a little rest and relaxation lakeside. We have some friends that have a cabin up that way and we rent a little place across the lake from them. The wifeage was sketch on the idea two years ago, but went along because she had visions of a rustic lodge, white table cloths and images of Dirty Dancing (the movie/not with me). She was a bit let down last time as it's none of that. It's rustic at best with most of the activities involving fishing and hanging out in the lake. The kids dig it. The first picture is of me and the Mo-Mo kicking it on the dock. This is probably my most favorite activity. It is super relaxing as you get to have casual conversations with whoever is with you, take in the passing boaters (however you are so far north that there are only a few boats on the lake at any one time), and watch the occasional bald eagle soar over head.

My buddy has three kids and his oldest daughter is an avid fisherperson. This bodes well for my little boy as he loves to fish as well. We'd go out most mornings and fish for over two hours. They never wanted to come in. This picture is of Abby who caught this bass while trolling.

One evening, after the lake had died down a bit, Jackson and I went out. He caught five good sized bass within an hour. We filleted them up and had them for dinner. He was very proud of himself and his ability to catch dinner for the family.

The wifeage did manage to get us off campus for an outing. We went horseback riding. Here's a photo of the gang all "Bonanza" like. The operation was very up north casual in that it didn't matter if you had ever been on a horse before. They had the kids galloping through the woods over downed trees and through rivers. They were all cowboy when they returned.

It was a great break from reality and I must have done something right this time. The wifeage has already signed off on a repeat visit next year. I think it has more to do with the fact that the kids would kill her if she nixed the trip. Anyway, hope you are well and I'll see you out there rolling.

Johnny GoFast