Reservation 2008 - Labor Day - Salmon Fishing

Fishing on the Rez. It was that time of year again. On Labor Day we drive up to the reservation and fish (and camp out when there aren't that many fish).

David is Jewish and he is a member of the Yurok Tribe. What a powerful combination.

We enjoy seeing everyone at these reunions but the scenery is also breathtaking. No electricity, no phone service - very pristine, as it should be. Just take a look at this country and you will know what I mean.

David saw water (his favorite past time in life) and wanted to go to the river right away. Summer and the little man got their feet a little wet. (You can see one of the nets in the picture below - to the right of the picture.) We saw bears around there again this year and otters (both are going after the salmon).

Mr. Smiley face was very much at home by the river - water, stones to through, camp fires, and being a very social man - lots of people to watch and play with.
Lee (Summer's dad), Summer, and David take a moment to take a drink after a long hot day.

Lee accompanied the little man down to the river. (Notice the Stanford cap he is wearing - just a coincidence I am sure.)
David wanted to go into the water any chance he got.

Lee knew that David loved water - so off we went - down river in the motor boat. It was cool. Fast across the cross tides.
David didn't mind the wind too much - just enjoyed taking it all in. Beautiful blue skies too.

Then we hit something - probably a rock that got caught in the intake or something - who knows but it got our attention. Lee checked it out and made a few repairs. Then we were back on board, returning to the base camp.

Back at the camp site, David quickly made friends again - this time with the small folks.


Summer got to see Georgina (her language teacher), while we were up there.


Oh yes - we were up there to fish. Here is one of the salmon (ok two of them). It was not a big haul this time but not bad either.


You can see Denis and Junior cutting up the salmon for us.


Of course, David figured that was grown up work and watched for a little while but then returned to his spot by the river - so he could throw stones in the river and watch the other kids swimming.

Now that is one cool fish head. The kids played with all the "left over" pieces - very creative.
The days were filled with activity and excitement - sometimes a bit overstimulating for little David. So he would have his down time.
We all headed to the tent for a nap (in part for him and in large part for us).

The trip ended all too soon - and David did not want to go. He sat in his favorite spot by the river right to the end. See you for now.

Connecticut Trip - Middle David's Bar Mitzvah

Middle David's Bar Mitzvah. This family reunion revolved around middle David's Bar Mitzvah. He did a great job (and was not particularly nervous either). He even took time to try and entertain little David when we were up on the bemah together (finishing my alehah). What a nice guy!

Little David and I wondered around before and after middle David's reading of the Torah. He found a toy Torah and hugged it. Very cute and unexpectedly appropriate.

There is limited photography at a Bar Mitzvah, so the rest of the shots focus on the retreat Summer found for us while we were visiting. The pond behind the cottage was beautiful. David even found a swing.

Bubbie and David bonded on the deck in back of the cottage right by the water.

This is a view of the water. I told you it was beautiful. (Did I mention David loves water. This was big time fun for him.)

First we tested the water. A toe at a time. We found fish jumping up to nibble at the little man's toes - it was funny. Later we fed them bread. They almost jumped out of the water to get the tiny pieces of bread.

Bubbie and David discussed the safety standards associated with dock behavior. The rules: for him - hold on to us and for us - keep your eyes on him at every moment. (Its not that David lacks judgment or anything - its just the idea of jumping off the dock and into the water at any moment is something that kind of pops into his head without any notice or warning at all.)
After coming to an understanding about the "rules" (rules right), we just enjoyed the scenery.

Bubbie relaxed and enjoyed David as he explored every inch of the deck, the stairs, and of course the water.
Oh yes, the reason for being back in Connecticut, middle David's Bar Mitzvah. We enjoyed the party after the Bar Mitzvah - the photographer had some great shots. We also enjoyed the brunch the next day. Below you can see the three David's together - an historic moment transcending the generations.
As long as we were there, we took a few family shots. David, little David, Mom, Judy, and Vita. Bubbie is always smiling right? Yes - but this was an all out laughable moment. One of the waiters was jumping up and down, making faces to get David to smile for the photographer. It cracked us all up.
More family shots: Mom, Judy, Kirk, Max, David, Robyn, David, baby David, Vita, and Richard.
Later that evening, we found a great place for dinner. The Singapore's Grill and Sushi Bar. Robyn, Max, and Kirk picked some great sushi. I think it was the Singapore Roll.
Judy and David enjoyed the Roti Canai - no peanuts, just a curry sauce.
Little David saw it as an opportunity to practice with the chop sticks. Like usual, even the small things were a thrill for this little man. We had a great family time.