Gone Fishin'

Z rediscovered his love of fishing a couple of years ago, and has made a point to brainwash, uh, I mean, expose his children to the joys of fishing. A and K each have their own fishing poles, both kids like to look at the lures and the bait (especially K, who loves to flip through the Bass Pro shop catalogs of her own initiative. No, really), and K also loves to touch the fishies that daddy catches. Both kids beg to go fishing for a week after we take them out, and this week was no exception.

We do bring home and eat what is caught, but my rule is that Z has to clean it before I'll cook it. Fair enough. He has always cleaned them, and I have cooked whatever the catch of the day is in one way or another. You really can't beat truly fresh fish, whether it's bass, trout, catfish, or carp. I do have to admit I'm not the biggest fan of panfish, which seem to have more bones than meat and are a pain to eat ~ but if that's what we have, we still eat it.

There is a spot on a tributary of the Potomac not far from the house where the river is very shallow (it's maybe 3 feet deep at its deepest point there) and the current is negligible. Perfect for bringing the kids to, although I do take the precaution of floaty suits for both of them since neither can swim. Z has been going out there for a while now, but the first time we took the kids was a week ago. We've been there three times total since last Sunday! I really enjoy the beautiful scenery, the way the sun plays off the water and how the trees seem to bend over to kiss the river, and the blue heron that lazily meanders about just upriver from "our spot". I also love the architectural elements of both the oldest stone bridge in the county (built 1819) and the newer bridge built in the 1940's just beyond it.

I'll share part of our Sunday evening (yesterday) with you ~ click on the pictures for a bigger view:

Crossing the old stone bridge:


K started out with a preference of throwing rocks over fishing:


A takes a french fry break:


The Bridges of Washington County (well, two of them):


A keeps getting rocks in his shoes:


K finally decides she'd like to fish:


Gratuitous shot of Z:


Fishing with daddy:


Another view:


Going to the rock:


K is frustrated that all A seems to be catching is a weighted plastic tire:


"Mom, are you done yet?"


Apparently the water is a tad chilly:


Wishing you and yours much enjoyment of the remaining days of summer!