This October trip was short, windy rainy and temperatures were stuck in the low 40’s. Thursday, a steady downpour was trying hard to switch over to snow. We managed to get out on the boat a few times but mostly we just lounged by the fire and enjoyed catching up.

The lake was turning over for the winter and fish were busy making travel plans, but we managed to bring a few to the table. It was a Gore-Tex weekend.

I didn't know it at the time, but this would be the last recorded Hatfish. Life moves forward, things change and Strawberry Lake took an evolutionary step to become a semiannual couples retreat. With the ladies present and interests expanding, the old routine of fishing for 18 hours a day has given way to hikes and exploration of the surrounding communities.