The low drone of the prop engines filled my thoughts as I peered out the window of our tiny plane that would connect us from Winnipeg to Thompson in the northern reaches of Manitoba. "Low and slow is the way I like to go," said a woman seated right across from me, "I don't like riding those big ol' planes."

Still captivated by the scenery below, I didn't turn my head, just gave an acknowledging "um-huh" nod. How could I do otherwise? Passing below me were spruce and fir forests cluttered with lakes and streams in a vastness that stretched out farther than the horizon in every direction. It was like none I'd ever seen before. And the bright blue sky shimmered off of each body of water as we went. I could only wonder with excitement of what might lay ahead.

It would be the end of a long two-day's journey that started in El Campo, Tx., and trekked to Lynn Lake, Manitoba, where the road to the north stops. There would begin my first ever bear hunt, black bear that is, something I'd always wanted to do as a hunter. Until Argentina, this was the longest trip I'd ever been on.

Above the 32 Parallel

Once in at Lynn Lake, we found the one and only place for lodging, which happened to be an old boarding house that is now open to the public and primarily used by smoke-jumpers during the forest fire season. There I met Dan and we went on the last thirty miles to the bear camp.

To make a long story short, I ended up arrowing a nice 250 black bear on the 3rd day of my hunt. Although a vital hit, the bear escaped and was never to be found in the dense forest. That's hard to face for someone who went a long way and spent a lot of money to go after his first bear. As far as how long it takes to get over something like that, well I'll let you know when it happens. That's why this story is going to be about fishing.

Fortunately, another one of my dreams was to catch some walleye on a canadian lake. And there's no shortage of those in Manitoba let me tell you. Just like I'd always pictured it.

On day two of my hunt, our guide Tony, my dad and I piled into one of the boats and struck out from camp through a maze of inlets and narrow lakes until we got out into one of the bigger bodies of water.

I sat in amazement at how anyone could know how to get around in this place because everything looked the same and we crossed at least 20 passes. Tony said it had taken him about 5 years before he felt comfortable going out alone. Once in the big lake, Tony swung around a long peninsula and idled to a stop up wind. I looked in amazement as he casually dipped a mug into the water and then drank down a big swig.

'That's something you don't see everyday,' I though. 'I gotta try that.' Yes, the water up there is pure and clean enough to drink. It tasted cool and sweet.

Tony quickly baited me up and Dad & I dropped our jigs right over the side as we drifted about 5 feet of water. Instantly, my line was hit and I snagged my first ever walleye. A great sign. When I got him near the side, Tony netted him and strung him and I was back in the water after he slipped another minnow on my hook. Now this was the way to start I thought. Fifteen minutes later, I had five fish in the boat and dad was beginning to get concerned since he hadn't had even a nibble yet, and I didn't have to tell him about it either. He knew.

As we headed back to camp for lunch and then an afternoon bear hunt, I felt another accomplishment go by as did the beautiful pristine surroundings. I'd always wanted to make a trip this far in a chair to know that it could be done. Now I knew.

Left - Dad took some time off from fighting his monster walleye to hold up a couple of nice fish for the camera.

It was a perfect day in northern Manitoba, a perfect day to fish anyway.

In all, we caught about 30 walleye and 3 big northern pike, stringing just enough for supper that night. There's nothing like fresh walleye in the skillet.

That's right about the time that he hung the biggest walleye of the day. It's a good thing I had him on quantity, because he was into a really big fish. He hauled it in and was suddenly acting like Earnest Hemingway. It was a good fish, I'll give him that, (he got lucky), and we went on to catch about 30 fish before heading back.

Later on, after we finished walleye fishing, Tony tied on a spoon for me so I could try for some northern pike.

As it turned out, that didn't take too long either. I hooked up with a 30 incher in this shallow cove. After fighting it for a few minutes, it took me under the boat and cut me off.

Not to worry though, there were plenty more fish in the lake.

Right - Tony holds up my pike on a cool afternoon on Lynn Lake.

You wouldn't believe how much of a maze it is going in and out of all these lakes.

I was glad Tony knew because if it was up to me, I'd still be up there looking for my way back home.

My next trip I vow to bring back my bear. Stay tuned.