Back in 2005, I shocked the majority of my gal pals with my announcement that I would be heading to Alaska to go… wait for it… salmon fishing. This crazy southern Irish gal is a bit of a weird hybrid: love pretty pedicures, but will also happily get downright muddy in the garden. I’ll rabidly watch a football game, followed by my favorite DIY show on HGTV. I am as comfortable wearing a frilly dress as I am relaxing in torn jeans and a sweatshirt. However, fishing?!
Here’s a little background: eight years ago the women in our family stomped our collective feet and demanded that we be included in the annual Alaska fishing trip. We had heard so many wonderful stories from the boys: husbands; fathers; brothers; and sons all blissfully sharing stories of beautiful Alaska. We gals wanted a shot at the glory. The push-back was in fun, but a little serious too: there would be no girly girls allowed. You had to pull your own weight, be down on the dock at o’dark thirty – no time for hair or make-up, manage your own pole, and “woman-up.” Game on/Fish on!
I’m happy to report that all these years later the gals are still going strong. Trust me, I’m the last person who thought I would actually come to appreciate and look forward to an annual fishing trip. Here’s a little secret that might explain my affection for the annual trek. Each year, on our last day out, the captain of the fishing lodge hosts a Girls Only boat. This has become one of our favorite, if not THE favorite day of the year for us. Captain Kevin has his hands full trying to manage a boat full of gals – but we sure do keep him laughing! What I’ve come to appreciate about Girls Only Day is that we really don’t care how many fish we catch, which probably contributes to our often landing the biggest catch of the day among the boats. Maybe laughter is not only the best medicine; it’s also the best fish bait!
And so, I’ve got my lucky fishin’ hat packed and ready to go. We leave the lower 48 tomorrow and head north to Sitka. Promise to check back in with ya’ll as soon as I return; you can count on me having some new “the-one-that-got-away” stories to share.
Fish on boys!!
Have you ever done anything that surprised others? Would you do it again?
Cheers,
Kimba
I hear that Alaska is beautiful. Enjoy your fishing trip.
Alaska is amazing. I grew up in Florida – a very different environment: different people, weather, and landscape. If you ever have the chance, I highly recommend a visit to our largest state.
I have no interest in fishing but anything that has a girls only boat thats promises a lot of laughter sounds like the very best time ever!! Have fun! Can't wait to hear your tales!
Kate, you would be a fine addition to our girls only boat!
I love this. I've once in a while surprised a few. I'm stepping into it more and more as I own who I am.
I can say I love mowing the lawn. I surprised an old former boyfriend with that announcement. 🙂
Michele, I think it’s safe to say that you would surprise most people with your love of mowing… really? Isn’t it really just vacuuming outside?
Okay, I admit it, I am jealous! I think your annual fishing trip sounds awesome! Of course it doesn't hurt that I love fresh samon and I've always wanted to visit Alaska, the package sounds like so much fun.
Marty, you should check out “Island View Resorts” in Sitka. Love the outfit and the people. Of course, I know where you reside and I would love to wake up every day where you live!
This is great, Kimberly~love that all of you stomped your collective feet and demanded to go on the Alaska trip! I grew up in a family of fishers and every year 3-5 times a year, there would be a trip planned somewhere in the state of California and we'd go fishing for up to a week. So many great memories. Fish on!
Fish on absolutely! What type of fishing did you do in California?
Wow. . .how amazing. I would love to go fishing in Alaska. I took my husband deep see fishing for the first time several years ago as a birthday present. I was the only lady on the boat but really enjoyed the commarade and would love to do this with my girlfriends.
Flo, Alaska is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world. SO very different from where I grew up – Florida. I love the scenery and the wildlife, but the people are what make it truly special.
That is awesome that you girls are doing that yearly.A group of my friends use to do that but it has been 6 years since we last got together. I am going to contact them and say it is time we started our yearly trips again. Thanks for sharing.
Beverly, I KNOW that your gal pals would love to get together with you! Let me know where ya’ll decide to meet up (perhaps I’ll crash your party… 😉 …)
That's really funny. Great reminder for me to laugh more with friends. Thank you and looking forward to reading more about your journey 🙂
Geri, I so love to laugh with my gal pals. They keep me honest… most of the time! 😉
I think I used to do more that surprised people – when women didn't do some things. Sometimes just doing the things needed in my life, and with a smile surprises people.
Terry, sometimes it seems that being in Club 50 brings all kinds of surprises – ESPECIALLY when you do things with a smile on your face!
Dear Kimba,
I was surprised to find out one of my best friends here in France, won the world championship carp tournament 10 years ago – she's a girl!! Something I did that surprised my boyfriend was be able to throw an american football quite reasonably!! And yes I would do it again as we had fun doing something that he didnt imagine his girlfriend would enjoy!
Lotsa love
Jennyx
A girl who can throw a spiral – we are kindred spirits!