Our Fishing Tale

Jeremy has mentioned several times over the last few years that he would love to go on a cruise. I know most of you would be jumping up and down, and yelling 'When can we leave?!" I don't know what's wrong with me, but the thought of going on a cruise scares the begeebees (yes, that's a word - 'bu-jee-bees') out of me! When I was a little girl, I loved the ocean. Now that I am older, have watched Jaws movies too many times (Poseidon was also a scary movie), the ocean scares me a bit. The water that once was playful and fun, now holds sting rays and killer jelly fish. Recent news stories of overturned cruise ships, and tidal waves doesn't help.

 Back in the fall, I bought Jeremy an all day fishing trip for two for his birthday. It was a great deal, and you got to spend all day on the bay, in the Atlantic ocean, fishing to your heart's content. I was thinking it would be perfect for him and a friend. Almost as soon as I gave him the gift, he informed me that his 'friend' would be me. What? You don't want to take one of your guy friends? For the next few weeks, I prepared myself for my adventure on the sea.

When we arrived at the dock on that chilly morning, there were other fishing duos who had chartered the boat as well. Mostly older men, who looked like they'd spent their lives fishing. And he I roll up, in a jean skirt to my knees, a pair of boots, super cute black patterned tights, and my favorite black and sparkly scarf. Okay, so maybe I was a little overdressed. :)

When I realized we couldn't see land anymore, I got a little nervous!

Once the boat started moving, I was taken in by all the beautiful scenery. It was gorgeous, and even though the mist was totally ruining my hairdo, I was optimistic that this was going to be fun. I was a little nauseous, but nothing too bad. I could tell by the look on Jeremy's face that he was in heaven. He loves fishing, and the trip out to our fishing spot was fun. We rarely get time away from the hustle and bustle of life to enjoy each other's company. It was such a blessing!

That is one good looking fisherman!

 It didn't take long once we reached 'the spot' to get our poles in the water. The older gentlemen across the boat from us caught the first fish. It happened almost immediately after we put our poles in the water! I was admiring his fish, Jeremy and I were laughing, and next thing I know, I feel a tug! I had a fish on my line!! The guy next to me didn't believe it. Yes, I may not look the part, but I was a bonafide fisher-woman!

I had never caught a fish this big before. I pulled it up to the side of the boat, Jeremy got it off the hook (I didn't really want to touch it much), and the captain's wife measured it for me. It was like 24 inches long. Definitely a keeper! I hadn't got my line back in the water but for just a minute, and I caught another one! This one was even longer, and I wish I had taken a picture of the guy's face next to me. All the sudden, he was my best friend, asking me what I was doing to catch those fish. His explanation? They must like my perfume. All I knew was that I was winning: everybody else - 1, me - 2. :)

Next fish came pretty quick after my second one, and it was on Jeremy's line! The Knutsons were fishing champions!

Right after Jeremy caught his fish, we noticed a strange looking cloud heading our way. We had never seen anything like it. As soon as it passed over top of us, everything changed.

Our fun fishing trip turned crazy! The waves were rocking the boat hard, the wind was blowing, and the captain said due to the weather it was time to head back to shore. We hadn't even made it to lunch time yet! I sought shelter from the cold wet spray inside the cabin, but figured out very quickly that being inside made my sea sickness much worse. Sweet Jeremy stuck by my side and sat out on the side of the boat with me. At this point, I needed to be close to the railing, because at any moment I might need to toss my cookies overboard... if you know what I mean. Getting back to shore was slow going, as now we were fighting against the strong waves. It took over twice as long as getting out there, and the entire time I was sick. Until the bad weather came, I really was having fun, and thoroughly enjoying spending the day with Jeremy. Even as bad as I felt, he made the whole experience memorable... in a good way. When I think back on that day, I smile, and thank God for the amazing man He has given me to spend the rest of my life with. Truly my best friend. :)

Once we returned home with our catch, Jeremy cut it up and fried it for dinner that night. Nothing better than freshly caught fish! Yum!

I'm thinking that a cruise is probably not in my foreseeable future. I might venture out on a fishing trip again, but only after making sure that the weather is going to be perfect, and taking several Dramamine! :)