.....and the final one(blessedly)....Now, where was I....Oh, yes, preparing to
get some sleep Thursday night in order to fish at dawn on Friday. As Handyman
and I were winding down, we glimpse a headlamp moving quickly from the woods to
the trailer. This was followed by a rapping on the door. Ah, a ROFFian in need
of the bathroom! No, it was Frank Reid, asking for a metal spoon and cooking
pot! He has seen a large bear attacking his cooler behind his tent. He grabs
the utensils,and heads back to the fray. Ever helpful, Mike and I remain in the
trailer.
The woodsy silence is punctuated first by metallic banging, then by the
slamming of truck doors. Horn noises and engine sounds follow. Eventually,
Frank returns, noting that all the bear did was move about 20 feet, showing
little if any fear of man. Now, despite the fact that black bears have little
aggression, and no track record of human attack, the fact that this was not
showing fear more than justified the retreat of Frank(and Wolfgang).
Examination of their camp the next morning revealed several tears in Frank's
tent(previously, the Taj Mahal of camping tents, I might add), a really
ripped-up milk carton and damaged coolers. His back pain medications were
either consumed or spread about, as well. All this commotion prevented any
morning fishing on my part, but I had done well the prior day, and was quite
satisfied.
All in all, it was a good clave. The weather was decent, the scenery
beautiful, the company wonderful. Fishing was difficult, but good. I departed
camp, leaving behind Handyman, Roger, Makela, Reid, Tim C and the returned
Bruce Fisher.
A phone report last night informed me that the Drakes had started hatching in
Millheim, so more outrageous fishing reports may ensue. I want to thank the
following for their attendance: Handyman Mike Shaw, Bruce Fisher, Mike Makela,
Gene Cyprich, Lou Teletski, Walt Winter, Monty(sp?), Tim Carter, Bill Claspy,
Jeff Miller, "Indian" Joe MacIntosh, Frank Reid, Wolfgang S., Dave Gunnett,
Joel
Axelrad, Tom Gibson, Vince Norris, John "asadi" Baker, and most especially
Roger Ohlund, who I hope finally got his big fish!
A quick addendum: discussion was held during lobster night regarding moving
the clave back a week or two to around Memorial Day. I will consult with Rudy,
the Hemlock Acres owner, to see if all cabin space can be blocked off within
this timeframe for ROFF. I will post, as soon as I know more details. Thanks
again, for all who made Penns Clave IV a great event!!!
Tom