Clear Lake

So even though the kids and I mostly really like it out here in Keenesburg, it's been sort of a drag for Aaron who is only happy when he is surrounded by trees, water, and fresh mountain air (if he is not flying an airplane, that is). The plains to him, are just, well, plain. So Tuesday we all loaded up in the Landcruiser and drove two hours to Georgetown. Just above this cute little town with old homes and a very main street-y Main Street is Clear Lake.

Gorgeous ain't it?

It's not so much a spot for swimming as it is for fishing, which is what we sort of set out to do. Now, keep in mind, The Sallee's aren't a fishing family. Not by a long shot. We have poles, sure. We even have tackle. Have we ever caught a fish? No. Would we be able to cook or eat said fish should we catch it? No. Nevermind the fact that Aaron is horribly allergic to fish. So, despite the fact that we have nothing to do with a fish should we catch one, nor do any of us have the patience necessary to sit longer than an hour to try to do so...we came here, to this beautiful spot, to try to catch a fish.

Owen was just SO excited! I remember Bradley's first fishing trip. His face looked much the same as this. All bright eyed and bushy-tailed. Until we actually caught the fish. Then he was TERRIFIED! Don't worry, Ow, there are NO experienced fishermen on this excursion.

Brooke just wants a nibble. She thinks every bubble or a ripple is a juicy fish and is SO impatient to reel it in! Mostly, her job is to look cute. Mission accomplished!

Call this one: Smart Alec Dad with Teenager. "Lookit me!" he says, "I am having oh so much fun today!" Sarah had finally stopped boobing about walking around in the wetlands and getting soaked and was finally enjoying herself.

The grownups in this scenario do not have fishing licenses (not a fishing family...keep this in mind). So dad can bait and cast, but the kids actually doing the fishing. This leaves mom to wander around, taking in the flora and fauna and the landscape.

After a few of these trips, we figured out that we have FOUR big reasons we never catch any fish. So Dad and Brad decided to take off on their own to find a quiet, shady little area...

My handsome fishermen

While the "men" are away, Sarah and I are left to clean up a bit of mess that Bradley left behind. While on a nature walk, big brother Brad took Owen and Brooke through knee high water in pursuit of frogs, grasshoppers and fish. Now, when I say knee high water, it was knee high for Brad, making it waist high for Brooke, and neck high for Owen.

Wet and Cranky!

Overall it was a fun day! The fish of Clear Lake, despite many nibbles and frantic reeling, swim away to fight another day. The sun was kind and mostly stayed behind the clouds to keep the fair skinned Sallees from burning to a crisp, but warm enough to dry the half-drowned rugrats.