Sunday, June 21, 2009

Happy Harland

Stan, here is a picture of Harland in Canada at his annual fishing trip that you can put on the class blog.

THANKS and Happy Father's Day to you too!

Carolyn Hoffland

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Carolyn writes:
Harland's "second"( I think) love is his annual fishing trip to Minaki, Ontario-Canada. Harland initially started fishing in Minaki approximately 30-35 years ago, with what was then called the "Minaki" nine. They even had t-shirts made to commemorate the occasion. They always depart the second Saturday in June and fish for 7 days.

Over the years the number of fisherman have decreased, names changed but the enthusiasm and FUN is still there. Harland's brother, Joe, is included in the crew, Har's good friend, Dennis Lyngen and our son-in-law, Dennis, plus others.

Getting ready for this fishing trip is a major production. Har does his annual baking for his fishing trip and bakes the traditional "swedish toast" for coffee time.

It is like getting a little kid ready for Boy Scout camp, he is so excited each year to have that special time with the "fishermen" and to enjoy catching the "big" ones. The crew even has a traveling trophy for the fisherman who catches the largest fish.

These men do it up right. As you can see in the picture Har's smile is not lacking and the 5 lb walleye he is holding is just one of many. However, they are only allowed to bring back 2 (two) walleyes over the border, therefore, Harland buys frozen walleye in Minnesota for our annual fish fry here in New Mexico. This fish fry at our home has been a tradition for years in our family and we all look forward to that good deep fried Minnesota/Canada walleye, cheese potatoes and Canadian wild rice.

There is no one that passes up that invitation. Today, Father's Day, Harland is with our daughter and family in Sauk Rapids and will fly home tonight. I look forward to his return but also respect that this fishing trip is one of his top priorities in his life and he is so deserving of it!

Love, Carolyn Hoffland

Albuquerque, New Mexico

PS: If you want to see Harland at the 2010 class reunion, now you know what week doesn't work for him!