Wow, you did all the magic Shawn. Thanks for creating this thread. It's impressive what you can do as admin of this site.
These pictures you shared look so fun to me! It's so good to be out at and on the water. My favorite is being in the water though - always loved diving and will share some pics of me diving, soon.
I also got good memories when I went fishing with my host dad on Lake Michigan.
To me it was all about being on the lake early in the morning to watch the sun rise and breath in the fresh air of the new day. I think I've never felt more alive than during my time as an exchange student. I was 17 years old, went to high school in Ludington, Michigan, had a Walmart and meijer not so far away (except a TARGET, which was a 50 minute drive), but the pegs were LOADED with figures at meijer back in 2010.
Let me tell ya, I was a happy camper back then!
I wasn't allowed to fish on Lake Michigan myself. Rules are very strict here in Germany, too, but you can't buy your fishing license here for $13 at Walmart.
My host dad took me fishing and I just enjoyed the atmosphere. Still, 3 salmons were allowed to fish per person on board. We also caught some trouts, which were equally delicious.
By now I'm vegan and my only regret is that I didn't become vegan a decade earlier.
My host dad knows all kinds to prepare salmon: grill, fry, smoke - it was the very best salmon I've eaten all my life. Good times.
Can't believe this is 11 years ago already!