6/23/71 Off for Porters Inlet full of anticipation. Bah! We had to really scratch to get 6 WE and a 4# jackfish for lunch. A happy group, nevertheless. Home by 7:30. A great cocktail hour, joined by the Switzers and Foxes who stayed too long. Our charcoal fire almost went out waiting for them to leave. Finally to table by 9:30. Much blabbering by everyone but Jim. We later learned why. He was collecting his thots for what later turned out to be quite a speech. It took some time for the rest of us to realize he was dead serious but we got in the mood soon. He talked about the value of new friends (and of the difficulty of making them). He made us all feel that we were members of a very select group and made us feel we had much to hold on to in one another. Very impressive, and it made me feel very proud to be counted in.
6/24/71 A long sit at the table, and altho not stimulated by John Barleycorn like last nite, the conversation sparkled at times. I doubt if better repartee ever sounded thru the dining room in the 25 years of operation of NWI. Jim wanted to interview Layna and me to gather material for a possible future story. We, the Kimballs and Johnsons, got together for about an hour in our cabin. It will be interesting to see what comes out of it. On to town by 2:30. We came right home, pooped. Too much stimulation, physical and mental for old people - what a great party it was!
6/25/71 We had a great day with the Clarks. No bass but we came home with 22 WE, 4 fair jax and 3 perch. It threatened to rain off and on all morning but I never saw a more beautiful p.m. Had dinner at Promesbergers at 7 p.m. and home by 9:00. It used to be a day trip up there. Clarks very appreciative. I like Ricky - oh, hell, I like them all. We had a “pee stop” in Trout River. Tied the boat to the same stump as held the Mando in ’46 and ’47. Many ghosts along that area for me. Not any great pains, however. I am not living in the past.
6/27/71 Shot 20 rounds of trap apiece and I got 16 - possibly the best I ever did. Those damned clay birds have always been tough for me. To Les Cleveland’s for dinner at 5:00. Berenbrinkers, Marie, Stew Sheldon and the Newharts there. No great argument put on by Les & Marie but a good time nevertheless.
6/28/71 I try not to be moody around Layna but have a hard time hiding fact that I am quite concerned with my hernia. I know damned well that a repair job is in order. I read my diaries of 1962 and 1964 describing my sessions in the hospital at those times. It does not cheer me up altho I survived those two. Another one shouldn’t be too bad. I hate to miss any of this island living!
6/29/71 Layna called at 4:00 to say that Jane had arrived at Dale’s. I went to dock to meet them. What a load of stuff - and people! Martha along too. All hands at island early enough so Jane & Martha could take both boats and clear them into Canada. A good visit before turning in. Our grandchildren growing up - and for the better.
6/30/71 The usual disorganized hubbub getting Jane, Martha and kids in boats. Off for their island by 10:30. I hauled stuff, and Sheila, in our Larson. I helped them carry stuff up the hill, lit the Fridge and stove and took off. Jane here about 2:30 and off for town leaving Etta here. The Byrne Johnsons are working on an Ecumenical deal for a new “social concept” which Etta says I will be “with” in less than 10 years. I can hardly wait! I have been wearing one of Layna’s girdles for the past few days which seems to help my gut. Today Jane brot one from Sears that is much better. I even tell myself maybe I don’t need surgery. Bull! Johnny, Sue and Bernice here in evening. We had a very, very pleasant time. Bernice full of talk about all her activities. I could not help but compare it with her lack of activity when she was being paid here.
7/1/71 Sally and Jim due about 3 p.m. so Layna and I in early after lunch to weed our “garden”. Everything growing great. Back to landing to wait until 4 p.m. Kids seemed happy to be here and full of fishing talk. We will take them to Red Gut tomorrow. Jane and brood here about 7:30. Much family talk. Said Jane “I am on vacation and just don’t want to have to think.” She learned that want to or not, she had to when she ran out of gas about 300 yards from our island on way home!
7/2/71 A few problems in logistics to be solved before take off but we were away from NWI by 10:30. Seven of us - 5 Jernbergs, Layna and I. Stopped at Crawford’s where we saw Flo Davidson and on to Spike’s for minnows. On to Windy Island where we had six lines in water most of time - never caught propeller once! Little Johns caught 3 WE before anyone else got a bite. Jimmy finally got 2 and Jim 5. All good fish. Enough for a good feed which we were after. The kids behaved fine. It was a fun day. Home for a drink, a nap and dinner at 7. Our fish were good. Karen and Robin here by 8 p.m. The clan is gathering and we are happy to be in a position to take care of them.
7/3/71 Jane called from Ranier to say her 35 Evinrude had gone flooey. About time, sez I. We went in and brought her and Mary home. They then borrowed our Larson to go get rest of clan. We ended up with about 22 men, women and children, including Gene Monahan and Ah-li. The Texas Caldwells, too. A slow start at getting started singing but Mary began on guitar and a fine time followed. The Edwards girls put on a great show. Fun! Ah-li came barefooted and in very ragged blue jeans. I try to be objective but it is very difficult. My final conclusion - “She can wear anything or nothing when she is at her own shack but by God, when she comes as our guest she should show enough respect to tidy up just a little.”
7/4/71 Picked up paper to see that Kimball’s article on Don & Layna Johnson already finished. Some interesting reactions. Ruth McLinn called, excited as all get out, proud to even know such great people as we. Said Jane “He gave you an extra acre on the island. I thot it was only 7 and he said 8!” and that was it. The Keyes made a special trip over to tell us they had seen it. Margaret’s comment, “I would sue him for publishing such an awful picture of you!” (to Layna). Well, we thot it pretty great.
7/5/71. Karen and Robin left for Duluth after steak feed. Rest of us to Buck’s at 7:30. A real song fest developed. All of Edwards plus Dorothy Halvorson, Avis, the Ihrigs, Bernice, Johnny & Sue. Party broke up at 12 midnight. To ease pressure, we took Brad & Tara home with us. I was in bed - 1 p.m. when Sally came down with a howling Tara. I took her home. DAMN!
7/7/71 My gut giving me enough trouble so I could remember well my worries of 1962 and 1964. Decided to do something about it. To see Dr. Walter who said “When do you want it done?” “Soon” said I. I am scheduled for surgery Monday. Many letters coming in concerning Kimball article. Good!
7/9/71 I suppose I have had poorer fishing in my life but fortunately I can’t remember when. George Williams and I trolled and cast a total of about 8 hours and caught 1 keeper WE. A few small jax kept our interest up but we did not see a single bass. This kind of fishing will make it easier for me to go to the hospital on Sunday. George had just announced his coming wedding, in August. Karen, Robin and the Bensons here at 9 p.m. By bed time I had the feeling that each group resented the other. We love them all!
7/11/71 We called the Kimballs at 8 a.m. Told them how much we enjoyed the article and gave thanks. They said “We will get together in Arizona next March.” Jane came with Etta at 12:30, we had a bite to eat and off for Falls. Checked in at 2 p.m. Blood test, x-ray, blood pressure taken, enema, talked to anesthetist - looks like we are committed. Etta in next room awaiting surgery for a pionital cyst. We visited back and forth until bedtime. A sensible kid. Read from Hornblower and it helped pass the time. One little twinge of worry. Said I to Mrs. Peterson (anesthetist), “I have much confidence in Dr. Walter.” She answered “He is a fine man.” I wish she had said “doctor.”
