Readers often ask, “Roger, what’s the next adventure?” Other than Saskatchewan’s Lake Besnard in mid-June with old friends, Louisiana’s Gulf Shores will be an entirely new adventure. This whole thing started when Laurie, our oldest daughter and a Kansas City area physician, was talking to a friend about a recent vacation. Her friend had rented an oceanfront home large enough to accommodate the entire family for a week at Gulf Shores, Louisiana. Whether or not Laurie knew the area was a bucket list fishing destination of mine, I know not, but she did know I was addicted to fishing.

Laurie suggested the Gulf Shores idea her sisters, and when they determined that they could get their entire families together for a week in July, they decided to go for it if Grandma and Grandpa Roger would foot the bill for the oceanfront property. For us it was a “no brainer” as too little time had been spent with family, especially our KC granddaughters, because of the pandemic. It was pricey, but as I’ve said before, I’ve never seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul.

According to Map Quest, Gulf Shores is 20 hours or 1409 miles from Wagner, and we will drive by way of Wisconsin and pick up Lisa, our middle daughter, to assist with driving. The rest of the family will fly in to Pensacola in Florida’s panhandle, the nearest major airport to Gulf Shores. I dislike airport hassle, and I like seeing country I haven’t seen. Also, having our SUV there will save having to rent a vehicle.

Other than a glorious week with our three daughters and their families, fishing will be my primary interest. I’m sure there’s a wonderful beach, but ten minutes in a beach chair with a cold drink and I’m ready to do something – anything! There’s the 7157 acre Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge with its hiking trails. There’s also a zoo, a pier, and historic mansions, but I want to fish with my grandkids!

In perusing the internet, it lists deep sea, bottom, light tackle, and jigging as popular methods of angling, but goes on to say that deep sea and reef fishing is what Gulf Shores is all about. The area teems with artificial reefs. In looking at what’s available month by month, it appears that July is prime time for dolphin, grouper, king mackerel, and red fish, with tuna and blue marlin for deep sea adventure. Red fish and dolphin are species I’m anxious to try.

Typically, one goes out on fourhour trips in a 24-26 foot center console boat that fishes four anglers. While the internet lists numerous charters that run $350 to $500 per trip, it goes on to say the average four-hour outing runs about $536. In the past I’ve passed on some opportunities in special places because of cost, and I regret it to this day. Not this time! I’m there, and I’m going to enjoy myself without worrying about a few extra bucks. I have high anticipation for this trip, and I look forward to both the trip and reporting the adventure back to my readers.

I plan to take along some fishing tackle. I’ll need to find out exactly what I need for both pier fishing and surf casting as it’s fishing I’ve never experienced. Website photos show such activity. If any column readers can give me some advice, I’d really appreciate it.

The Saturday, April 23rd issue of The Mitchell Republic featured a story that claimed an average of seven years can be added to one’s life by having a positive attitude toward growing old. It said lamenting the trials and challenges of old age will only hasten one’s demise. I’d like to add the word “anticipation” to the article’s advice. Looking forward to something, be it ever so simple, keeps me energized.

It doesn’t have to be a fishing or hunting trip. After church last Sunday, a friend suggested that we eat out together, with our wives of course, the following Saturday night. This simple expectation kept me going all week. An evening of cards with friends could fill the bill. Of course there are biggies on my agenda including the return trip to Saskatchewan’s Lake Besnard with old friends. I recently turned 80, and I can tell you that having something to do – like writing this column – is important to me.

Fishing doesn’t get any better than when lilacs are in full bloom. Today’s column should hit lilac time dead center. Don’t let this time slip by.

See you next week.