anchor3n1
09-28-2014, 10:02 PM
ANTICIPATION
Noelle, Alexa and I had so much fun and great memories from last year at HG5. And since then, we have connected with many FNNrs, many SWAT folks through the boards/PMs and even got to serve at a couple of public service fishing outreaches to needy children where we got to hang out with SWAT folks and FNNers. So, all of us were looking forward to HG6 and seeing face to face so many people we have met last year and meet for the first time others we have only communicated with over postings and PMing. Oh, of course the girls had to come defend their titles from last year, too:Wink:
REALITIES
Whenever you get to go on a fishing adventure or something fun outdoors you make sure you do some preparation if even the night before, right? Well I haven't been able to do much in terms of fishing in awhile lately due to work and church responsibilities that have temporarily increased. Then two weeks ago we get hit with a tremendous project at work that required me to be there everyday, nights and weekends. This lasted for two weeks and ended yesterday. Needless to say, I am coughing and rundown. I planned on making bait on friday consisting of sand crabs and side winder crabs plus picking up live lugworms. There was no time though but I did manage to get the lugworms and a friend of the family caught some sidewinders. I did the best I could the night before to get the stuff ready for the three of us ready. Certain things weren't done, lures/tackle not packed. We even forgot sunscreen:Rolls Eyes: When we left the house, our "backstop" bait (lugworms) were left in the fridge for my wife to find when she got up:Shocked:
However, we did arrive on time and were even the first in line to register. We got to the water and put our lines in...
ACTION
Today's strategy was supposed to be that the girls would make sure they catch 10 BSP (cuz we figure that would be an easy 10 points) and then pursue whatever other species we could to get the best score they could. My job was mostly to be their "bait boy/deck hand". Well it seemed like a good strategy but I guess we really weren't up for it (didn't have our live bait, didn't have the right lures, didn't have the energy). The girls managed to squeak several BSP. That was it. They saw folks catching macks, bonito, butts, leos all around us plus Bill Varney using lugworms who was pulling in the BSP left and right. But here's the great thing about it...Noelle and Alexa were fine, in fact more than fine. They called it around 11am with 2 hours more to go because they saw how tired out their dear Ol' Dad was. That was more important to them. It warmed my heart!!!
So we put all our stuff back in the car, went and got some food and hung out with the folks at the HG6 HQ.
REWARDS - "WE GET IT"
Last year (HG5) was incredible. We had a blast plus the girls did great in the derby. But frankly this year was even better. I realized so clearly (my girls did so naturally) that this is what the HG events are all about - friendship, fun, sharing - fishing is just the "point of contact" for all this to take place. Fishing and catching is awesome but friendship and camaraderie is way beyond!!!
We ate and then we began talking and meeting so many people. If you saw Noelle and Alexa's faces, you noticed huge smiles. They loved it.
everyone filled their "love tanks" up. It was so nice to see them happy.
It was great to meet so many fellow FNN folks. So many smiley faces and friendly folks. We reconnected with City Dad (Tim) and the City girls (Kelly and Lilah).
We got to see Arthur (Wingnut) whom we adore and so appreciate for his great example of always seeking to bless others and us!!!
We got to talk to Don (bachiboy)for a while who really made an impression on the girls last year and is such a great ambassador. He even shared the vision and purpose of SWAT to us.
Finally, I got to meet Robert (murietta angler) in person and give him a hug after an aborted attempt at fishing together last January.
It was great to finally get a chance to talk to Dave (PerchinDave) and watch him charm my girls.
Brad (Dawn Treader)and Bill (Which Way Out), it was great meeting both of you and chatting for awhile. I look forward to hitting up a spot or two with you in the coming season.
Lt. Bones - Mike, thanks for taking the time to share with us your stories of your family on the beach, insights and advice. You are a blessing to me. It was good to talk in person after all the PMs/posts this last year.
Ken (Skunked4life) has so often left me encouraging replies on my posts. I really wanted to speak to him in person but at least we shook hands before he had to run to his son's violin recital.
We saw Dan (SP Dan), who was the first SWAT member we met last year, who again greeted us with his encouraging smile and red SWAT hat:Smile:
And met Lucas (Mr Dunev) and several other SWAT members who were so sweet to the girls.
GRATEFULNESS
It's about an hour drive home for us. While we were on the freeway, Noelle told me how much she enjoyed herself at the derby. Alexa piped in and said, "me too!". They can't wait till next year when they get to see everyone again (and fish too). Then they told me about everyone they talked to and how nice people were. Wow, all I can say to Arthur, Mike and all the SWAT folks is a big thank you for all the planning and work you did again for this event. You truly blessed my little family (and everyone else who came I am sure):Big Grin::Big Grin::Big Grin:
All the best to all of you,
Nick
Noelle, Alexa and I had so much fun and great memories from last year at HG5. And since then, we have connected with many FNNrs, many SWAT folks through the boards/PMs and even got to serve at a couple of public service fishing outreaches to needy children where we got to hang out with SWAT folks and FNNers. So, all of us were looking forward to HG6 and seeing face to face so many people we have met last year and meet for the first time others we have only communicated with over postings and PMing. Oh, of course the girls had to come defend their titles from last year, too:Wink:
REALITIES
Whenever you get to go on a fishing adventure or something fun outdoors you make sure you do some preparation if even the night before, right? Well I haven't been able to do much in terms of fishing in awhile lately due to work and church responsibilities that have temporarily increased. Then two weeks ago we get hit with a tremendous project at work that required me to be there everyday, nights and weekends. This lasted for two weeks and ended yesterday. Needless to say, I am coughing and rundown. I planned on making bait on friday consisting of sand crabs and side winder crabs plus picking up live lugworms. There was no time though but I did manage to get the lugworms and a friend of the family caught some sidewinders. I did the best I could the night before to get the stuff ready for the three of us ready. Certain things weren't done, lures/tackle not packed. We even forgot sunscreen:Rolls Eyes: When we left the house, our "backstop" bait (lugworms) were left in the fridge for my wife to find when she got up:Shocked:
However, we did arrive on time and were even the first in line to register. We got to the water and put our lines in...
ACTION
Today's strategy was supposed to be that the girls would make sure they catch 10 BSP (cuz we figure that would be an easy 10 points) and then pursue whatever other species we could to get the best score they could. My job was mostly to be their "bait boy/deck hand". Well it seemed like a good strategy but I guess we really weren't up for it (didn't have our live bait, didn't have the right lures, didn't have the energy). The girls managed to squeak several BSP. That was it. They saw folks catching macks, bonito, butts, leos all around us plus Bill Varney using lugworms who was pulling in the BSP left and right. But here's the great thing about it...Noelle and Alexa were fine, in fact more than fine. They called it around 11am with 2 hours more to go because they saw how tired out their dear Ol' Dad was. That was more important to them. It warmed my heart!!!
So we put all our stuff back in the car, went and got some food and hung out with the folks at the HG6 HQ.
REWARDS - "WE GET IT"
Last year (HG5) was incredible. We had a blast plus the girls did great in the derby. But frankly this year was even better. I realized so clearly (my girls did so naturally) that this is what the HG events are all about - friendship, fun, sharing - fishing is just the "point of contact" for all this to take place. Fishing and catching is awesome but friendship and camaraderie is way beyond!!!
We ate and then we began talking and meeting so many people. If you saw Noelle and Alexa's faces, you noticed huge smiles. They loved it.
everyone filled their "love tanks" up. It was so nice to see them happy.
It was great to meet so many fellow FNN folks. So many smiley faces and friendly folks. We reconnected with City Dad (Tim) and the City girls (Kelly and Lilah).
We got to see Arthur (Wingnut) whom we adore and so appreciate for his great example of always seeking to bless others and us!!!
We got to talk to Don (bachiboy)for a while who really made an impression on the girls last year and is such a great ambassador. He even shared the vision and purpose of SWAT to us.
Finally, I got to meet Robert (murietta angler) in person and give him a hug after an aborted attempt at fishing together last January.
It was great to finally get a chance to talk to Dave (PerchinDave) and watch him charm my girls.
Brad (Dawn Treader)and Bill (Which Way Out), it was great meeting both of you and chatting for awhile. I look forward to hitting up a spot or two with you in the coming season.
Lt. Bones - Mike, thanks for taking the time to share with us your stories of your family on the beach, insights and advice. You are a blessing to me. It was good to talk in person after all the PMs/posts this last year.
Ken (Skunked4life) has so often left me encouraging replies on my posts. I really wanted to speak to him in person but at least we shook hands before he had to run to his son's violin recital.
We saw Dan (SP Dan), who was the first SWAT member we met last year, who again greeted us with his encouraging smile and red SWAT hat:Smile:
And met Lucas (Mr Dunev) and several other SWAT members who were so sweet to the girls.
GRATEFULNESS
It's about an hour drive home for us. While we were on the freeway, Noelle told me how much she enjoyed herself at the derby. Alexa piped in and said, "me too!". They can't wait till next year when they get to see everyone again (and fish too). Then they told me about everyone they talked to and how nice people were. Wow, all I can say to Arthur, Mike and all the SWAT folks is a big thank you for all the planning and work you did again for this event. You truly blessed my little family (and everyone else who came I am sure):Big Grin::Big Grin::Big Grin:
All the best to all of you,
Nick