Hungry Jack Lake

For years, we regailed in Ron's scouting adventures in northern Minnesota's boundary waters. Canoeing, fishing , just living with nature in the wilds of the 'NORTH'.

One year, we decided that northern Minnesota would be the ideal place to take the "Aunties".

Similar to their youth in northern Michigan, wild and rugged.

When we sprang it on them, they were all a twitter. We selected Hungry Jack Lake Lodge on the Gunflint Trail as our target destination. Months of planning included stops at various waterfalls and gardens in Fort William/ Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay) before moving up the two track road for about a million miles. After hours of snaking our way through lakes and high timber, we reached Valhalla, Hungry Jack Lodge. The Bunn family had owned and ran the lodge for decades. It was perfect.

The cabins were clean yet you knew you were in nature's home.

The lodge was awesome, large fireplace, log paneling and a huge dining room where they would prepare the day's catch. Mother Bunn was advanced in years, but very spry. She cooked the meals, and made sure every guest was happy and welcome. A lady I will never forget.

Every morning, we would all have breakfast then dad and I would head off out on the lake, bait perch in hand, to catch the BIG one that we knew lurked just feet below us.

Those were the best hours....just talking about anything and everything. He knew me like a book after that week, as if he didn't have a clue before.

I recall on a subsequent trip to Hungry Jack, we were joined by family friends, the Schroeders. They were the consummate fishing family. Hot tackle, huge tackle box and lots of experience. Dad and I bought our stuff from Sears catalogue, but we thought it was cool. On the second

morning, dad and I took our boat out before breakfast for a bit of fishing. We latched on to one huge rainbow trout. Upon taking it back to the dock for cleaning and prep for that evening's dinner, the Schroeder's had a hard time believing their eyes and without finishing breakfast hightailed it to their boat, while dad and I leisurely enjoyed pancakes, maple syrup and eggs.......with a big smile and a twinkle in our eyes.