Today (Friday) I was trying to get somewhere and see some friends along the way.  Alas, this often translates to slab time.  It’s okay though because, in this case the, end justifies the means.  And – I wasn’t on the slab the whole time.

You may recall having seen Ned & Joan previously my blog.  They are friends of ours from fishing in Canada. I used to visit them in down in the Florida panhandle, but Ned retired and they moved to northern Alabama.  They are great people and next time through I’ll likely be spending a little more time with them.

Ned is pointing at a sticker on my helmet that says CRASHING SUCKS  I happen to have some experience, and can testify that it does.

I told you Ned & Joan are friends from our Canada fishing days, well it’s time for a fish story, but this one is true.  Ned and I fished together a lot, and I’m telling you – that guy can catch a fish!!  It’s a rainy day but the tides and the winds are right for halibut fishing, and we’re going rain or shine.  We were going to try a new spot we think might hold some flat fish.  After a 30 min boat ride we’re there. The boat hadn’t even stopped before Ned’s had his line in the water. I get the boat shut off and grab my rod and BAM Ned has a FISH ON. By the way the fish is fighting we’re both pretty sure it’s a halibut. It takes at least 15 minutes to get this monster in the boat. It ended up weighing 65 pounds and was at the very top of the limit – any bigger and you have to throw ’em back.  What a great fish!!  It’s too big to put in the fish box, so I’m working on a place we can put it on the deck and still be able to fish. I look up and Ned’s already got his line back in the water and five seconds later BAM another fish on; looks like another halibut to boot.  This one was a little bit smaller, about 55 pounds.  The halibut limit is one per license per day, so we’re done, and head back to camp – I hadn’t even wet a line. We were back so soon that folks thought something must be wrong.  I was very happy for Ned, and very happy that he let me get in the picture with him and his two slabs.

We fished that exact spot many times after this day – never got a nibble.

Back on the bike and headed for Sharpsburg.  I usually spend about a week there, but this time it’s going to be just a couple days.  I meant to stop at Buc-ee’s just east of Birmingham, but I was in the fast lane when the exit got close and I woulda had to do some fancy riding to make it over – so I just kept going.  Buc-ee’s isn’t something everyone knows about but they are expanding and it won’t be long – you will.  If you see one, and you’ve never been, stop – you’ll be amazed.

I got off the slab with enough time to end today’s ride on some of the roads I prefer to travel.  It’s been a great day and I’m really looking forward to seeing my GA Family.