Official Beer, Bags and BBQ Posters

As you know from our July 7th blog article, we are hosting a Beer, Bags and Barbeque outing August 10th in the Peoria, Illinois area at Ravina on the Lakes. At that time, I promised to show you the official posters for the event including the Central Illinois Cruisers car Cruise In that we are hosting there. Here they are :

There have been some minor changes since our last posting so I included the rest of July 7th article with the changes highlighted in yellow.


Here's what has been planned:

Date: Saturday, August 10, 2013
Place: Ravina on the Lakes 

Activities: 

         Food 5pm-8pm, 

         Bags Tournament 3pm-9pm,

         Classic Car Cruisin' 4pm-8pm, 

         Family Fishing 4pm-8pm (Bring your own tackle, bait  
         will be provided),

         Music by Southern Cross 7pm-9:30pm

Meal Serving Time: 5:00-8:00

Meal Cost: 

         $25 per person, 

         $12.50 for children 5-12, 

          Children under 4 free
Meal: 

         Hickory Smoked Pulled Pork,

         Corn on the Cob, 

         Cole Slaw, 

         Chips, 

         Fresh Cantaloupe, 

         Watermelon, 

         Cookies, 

         Iced Tea and Lemonade 

Cash Bar: 4:00-10:00 

Bags Tournament (Recreational):
         Registration starts from 3pm to 3:45
         Reading of rules starts at 3:45
         Competition starts at 4pm goes til 9pm
         Double elimination

         $40 per team (2 person teams)
         Prize Money:

             1st  -  $250
             2nd - $150
             3rd  -   $75
             4th  -   $25 

Bag Toss Drawing For Prizes: 
        Eight Bags for $10 

        Three prizes in the drawing valued at $100 each
        Each bag in the hole gets into the drawing
        You must be present to win 

Music by The Southern Cross 7:00-9:30

To Register: www.BeerBagsBBQ.com  Or Call: 309-688-5450 
The web site should be avail by Tuesday 7/9.

We are still in need of volunteers to help with the event. If you are interested in helping out, here is the list of positions that need filled. If one of these interest you, call 309-688-5450.

Volunteer positions available and number of volunteers needed:

        Bags Tournament Registration - 2 people 
        Master of Ceremonies - 1 person
        Set-Up - 4 people
        Reporting Table -  2 people
        Bag Toss - 4 people
        Preparation on Friday, shuck sweetcorn - 4 people
        Car Parking - 4 people
        Meal ticket purchase - 2 people
        Ice Cream Stand - 3 people
        Family Fishing -  2 people + Chuck Gabbert 

        General - 6 people

Sign up..Register..Come out..Hope to see you there

******************************************************************

To get there: 
The address is 5326 W Charter Oak Rd. Take War Memorial Drive (Route 150) west to where it intersects with Charter Oak Road and Allen Road and turn left onto Charter Oak Road. Follow Charter Oak Rd and go under the Interstate 6 overpass and it should be coming up on the left.  

Caregiving: The guilt was killing me!

Yet another fine article written by Monica Vest Wheeler, and originally posted on her blog. She has given me permission to reproduce it here on this blog. Monica's blog is titled "Turning empathy into action" and can be reached using this link:  http://monicavestwheeler.blogspot.com/  

She mostly writes about many different types of brain injuries and diseases, such as Alzheimer's, and occasionally writes one about stroke. She has published numerous books. According to her blog heading, Monica "...explores how we can lift ourselves and others by turning empathy into action … and the importance of the art of compassion in dealing with Alzheimer's, stroke, brain injuries and other life challenges." Monica is best known for her work on the Help ME Cope & Survive book series: http://www.monicavestwheeler.com/

Monica is also a very active volunteer for Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp and arguably our best camp photographer. 

I hope you enjoy her writing and visit her blog. And be sure to browse her archived articles, too.
--------------------------------------------------------------------

by Monica Vest Wheeler

Guilt is one of those power words that brings down governments and sends children into hiding.

No, I didn't commit a capital crime or break something. I just felt this overwhelming guilt for deciding to leave town for a couple of days to see family and friends and interview stroke survivors and caregivers. I felt guilty for being away from my dad-in-law for more than a day.

I've been with Pepaw almost every day for two months since we brought him here to live in Peoria so we could take care of him. I did take Monday and Wednesday off this week, and yet Thursday, as I picked him up from bowling and attended the Alzheimer's support group meeting with him, guilt began to sweep me for not being here for him this weekend.

Caregiver guilt: it's a killer.

I gave myself the same pep talk I give other caregivers when I speak to groups: you've got to take time for yourself or you're of no use to anyone.

The caregiver inside me shouted: what a crock of you-know-what! Shame on you for ABANDONING your father-in-law! Tsk tsk tsk!

I know I'm a Gemini, but these two voices were about to deafen me.

Here's the first debate:

• My husband will reassure me that NOBODY can take care of his dad as well as me. What a smart, smart man I married.

• But I have to let someone else fill in and learn the ropes of the everyday stuff. This is the weekend my son needs to have some one-on-one time with his grandpa so that Pepaw doesn't forget who he is.

Here's the second debate:

• I need to make sure he's out doing stuff HE wants to do every day.

• Hey, Pepaw is probably trying to find a polite way to say, "Hey, I need a vacation. I want to watch TV all day."

And there are a dozen more arguments that are trying to hold me captive.

I now realize the source of and solution to my guilt: love.

In two months, I've truly fallen in love with this man. I'm closer now to him than at any other time in the 36 years we've known each other, including the last 31 as his daughter-in-law. Sure, I'd given him hugs when we'd see each other after long separations and when it was time to say goodbye. Now I give him a hug every day I see him because he's become very special to me, more than just my dad-in-law.

I tell him every time I see him that I love him. And he tells me the same.

I care about his everyday life and want to be sure he eats properly and gets his medication. I've endured uncomfortable nights in a rocker-recliner so I could be close by during his first nights in new places, so that he wouldn't be confused or lost or unable to find his way to the bathroom at 3 a.m. I've helped him shower and made sure he had clean clothes. I've taken him to doctors' appointments and tried to ask all the right questions so he gets the best care. I've sat in bowling alleys and bought him cigarettes.

And just like every caring caregiver I've ever met, I do it because I love him. I want him to be happy, healthy, comfortable and pain-free. This is what we do for our loved ones. Hence, the name.

My guilt is now eased by the knowledge that I will come back after a few days away refreshed and more alert to meet his ongoing needs. That is how I will become a better caregiver by giving myself some care.

And by golly, I'm worth it! Pepaw tells me so!

Written by Monica Vest Wheeler

Monica Vest Wheeler www.alzhelpbook.com
Blog http://monicavestwheeler.blogspot.com/
Turning Empathy into Action
Find me now on Facebook
And on Twitter http://twitter.com/alzheimersbook
Phone 1-309-682-8851
Phone toll-free 1-877-267-4640
Fax toll-free 1-877-636-0634
info@copeandsurvive.com
P.O. Box 276
Peoria, IL 61650-0276

Heather, Lily and Hope

This weeks article might seem a bit out of place for a Stroke blog since it deals with cancer but, really, when you think about it, a caregiver is a caregiver is a caregiver regardless of why. The patience, work, hopes and devotion required are the same. 

Here is a letter I received recently from a man named Cameron. He wanted to share his experiences with us and I wholeheartedly welcome them. I feel certain you will, too.  

Here's his letter, followed by his story:Hi,

I came across your blog and really identified with a lot of your writing. My name is Cameron Von St. James and I was thrown into the role of caregiver when my wife, Heather was diagnosed with a very rare and deadly cancer called mesothelioma, just three months after the birth of our only child. We were initially told that she could have less than 15 months to live, but she was able to defy the odds and eventually beat the cancer. During her treatment, I had to learn quickly to be an effective caregiver, and there were many times when I became overwhelmed by the role, but we managed to fight through it together.

I was wondering if you would allow me to write an article about my caregiving experience for your blog? I know that this cancer isn't necessarily the focus of your blog, but I think that caregivers for any sort of illness often face many of the same challenges. A positive, uplifting story about overcoming illness of any kind can be a huge help to caregivers when they're facing a challenge! I'd love to share this message with your readers who might take something away from it. Please let me know if you’d be interested in seeing and sharing an article about our story.

Thanks so much for your help!

Cameron
*****************
Here is Cameron's and Heather's story:

On November 21, 2005, my wife Heather and I had our entire lives shook to their very foundation because, on that day, she was diagnosed with malignantpleural mesothelioma, a very serious form of cancer.  It's also the day I took on the role of caregiver, a role I never thought I'd have to assume, and a role I was in no way prepared for. Just three months prior to this devastating news, we'd been celebrating the birth of our only child, our precious daughter Lily. We were heading into the holiday season, and joyfully anticipating Lily's first Christmas, when everything started falling apart.

The realization of what I could expect as a caregiver began to set in even as we were leaving the doctor's office right after he broke the news to us. He advised us to seek the advice of a specialist, and gave us numerous options in that regard; the local university hospital, a regional hospital with a great reputation, but lacking a mesothelioma program, or a mesothelioma specialist in Boston called Dr. Sugarbaker. We quickly picked option three, and could only pray that this specialist would save her.

The next two months passed in a chaotic blur. Prior to Heather's diagnosis, we both had jobs and set schedules, that was now a thing of the past.  Heather was unable to work at all, and I was only able to manage part-time hours. Between doctor appointments, traveling to Boston and caring for Lily, I gradually began to feel overwhelmed and helpless.  Anxiety that I would end up a penniless widower raising Lily alone began to creep in and over-take my thoughts. There were times when I would curl up on the floor and cry like a baby.  But never, ever, when Heather could hear or see.  I had to be strong for Heather.  That was my mission.  That was my purpose.  This sense of responsibility got me through these rough moments, and I resolved to be there for her no matter what.

Our saving grace was love and support from family, friends, and even strangers. The best bit of advice I can offer to anyone in our same situation is that if someone offers you any kind of help - take it. Don't be shy or too proud. It's one more thing off your very full plate. It will also serve as a much needed reminder that you and your loved one are not alone. You have family and friends who care about you and are willing to lend a helping hand if you ask them.  Don't be afraid to ask them.  You'll probably be surprised how eager people will be to pitch in - even if all you need is to vent for a few minutes. Learn to say yes to help without feeling ashamed.  Asking for help in times of distress is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Being a caregiver for someone who is seriously ill is a tough job. There's no point trying to sugar-coat it. It's very hard to deal with that kind of stress, uncertainty and anxiety on a daily basis. The fact is, this could be the hardest challenge you ever face in your entire life. You're going to experience times where it's very hard to resist being swept away by emotions like fear and anger.  It's extremely tempting to wonder, "Why me?" It's also very easy to ruminate on the unfairness of life, and to ponder how others walk around totally healthy while your loved one suffers. Don't beat yourself up for this, but don't let these emotions take you over. Its important to stay hopeful no matter what – hope is the most powerful weapon against despair.

It took years for Heather and I to return to a normal life, but we did. After mesotheliomasurgery, radiation and chemotherapy, she beat mesothelioma and is celebrating seven years cancer free.

Being a caregiver taught me many valuable lessons during my wife's journey. I found that accepting help from those around you should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but as the ability to accept love from those around you. Being a caregiver for a loved one taught me to advocate for a loved one in ways I'd never thought were possible for me previously, which also led to me learning how to manage my time and stress levels more constructively. When Heather's health improved, I returned to college, earning a degree which would have been much more difficult previously, as I lacked the necessary skills that being a caregiver provided me.  Most importantly, I learned the incredible healing power of hope.  Never give up hope, and you may find that you and your loved one are capable of accomplishing more than you ever imagined was possible.

************************************************************************************

Thanks for sharing that Cameron. One of the most important things a caregiver can learn is that they are not alone. There are others going through the same things and if we can connect somehow the road can get a little easier. 

One of the many things we do during our weekend Stroke camps is set aside time for caregivers to meet with each other and share their experiences and the ways they cope. Separately, the stroke survivors get together, too, and share their experiences as best as they can.  

*************************************************************************************

Beer, Bags and Barbeque August 10, 2013

Good news, everyone! We are hosting a Beer, Bags and Barbeque outing August 10th in the Peoria, Illinois area at Ravina on the Lakes. In a couple weeks, I'll display on this blog, the official posters for the event and the car Cruise In. 

To get there: 
The address is 5326 W Charter Oak Rd. Take War Memorial Drive (Route 150) west to where it intersects with Charter Oak Road and Allen Road and turn onto Charter Oak Road. If you're heading toward the new mall it's a left turn. If your heading from the new mall it's a right turn. Follow Charter Oak Rd and go under the Interstate 6 overpass and it should be coming up on the left.  

Here's what has been planned so far:

Date: Saturday, August 10, 2013
Place: Ravina on the Lakes 

Activities: 

         Food, 

         Bags Tournament

         Classic Car Cruisin' 4pm-8pm, 

         Family Fishing 4pm-8pm (Bring your own tackle, bait  
         will be provided) 

         Music by Southern Cross 

Meal Serving Time: 5:00-8:00

Meal Cost: 

         $25 per person, 

         $12.50 for children 5-12, 

          Children under 4 free
Meal: 

         Hickory Smoked Pulled Pork,

         Corn on the Cob, 

         Cole Slaw, 

         Chips, 

         Fresh Cantaloupe, 

         Watermelon, 

         Cookies, 

         Iced Tea and Lemonade 

Cash Bar: 4:00-10:00 

Bags Tournament (Recreational):
         Registration starts from 3pm to 3:45
         Reading of rules starts at 3:45
         Competition starts at 4pm goes til 9pm
         Double elimination

         $40 per team (2 person teams)
         Prize Money:

             1st  -  $250
             2nd - $150
             3rd  -   $75
             4th  -   $25 

Bag Toss Drawing For Prizes: 
        Eight Bags for $10 

        Three prizes in the drawing valued at $100 each
        Each bag in the hole gets into the drawing
        You must be present to win 

To Register: www.BeerBagsBBQ.com  Or Call: 309-688-5450 
The web site should be avail by Tuesday 7/9.

We are still in need of volunteers to help with the event. If you are interested in helping out, here is the list of positions that need filled. If one of these interest you, call 309-688-5450.

Volunteer positions available and number of volunteers needed:

        Bags Tournament Registration - 2 people 
        Master of Ceremonies - 1 person
        Set-Up - 4 people
        Reporting Table -  2 people
        Bag Toss - 4 people
        Preparation on Friday, shuck sweetcorn - 4 people
        Car Parking - 4 people
        Meal ticket purchase - 2 people
        Ice Cream Stand - 3 people
        Family Fishing -  2 people + Chuck Gabbert 

        General - 6 people

Sign up..Register..Come out..Hope to see you there

******************************************************************

They Want a Sentence and No More

The following article was written by professional writer, noted author and speaker, Monica Vest Wheeler, and originally posted on her blog. She has given me permission to reproduce it here on this blog. Monica's blog is titled "Turning empathy into action" and can be reached using this link:  http://monicavestwheeler.blogspot.com/  

She mostly writes about many different types of brain injuries and diseases, such as Alzheimer's, and occasionally writes one about stroke. She has published numerous books. According to her blog heading, Monica "...explores how we can lift ourselves and others by turning empathy into action … and the importance of the art of compassion in dealing with Alzheimer's, stroke, brain injuries and other life challenges." Monica is best known for her work on the Help ME Cope & Survive book series: http://www.monicavestwheeler.com/

Monica is also a very active volunteer for Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp and arguably our best camp photographer. 

I hope you enjoy her writing and visit her blog. And be sure to browse her archived articles, too.

by Monica Vest Wheeler

Stroke: “They want a sentence and no more”
In recent weeks, I've immersed myself in the heavy editing stage of my new book on coping with strokes. I can hear the voices of all the survivors and caregivers with whom I've interacted. I can see their expressive eyes revealing the tragedy of this brutal brain attack, and the joy of conquering challenges that the rest of us take for granted. I keep reading certain passages as I relive those moments when their hearts overflowed with sorrow or their souls wept with pain at how stroke has decimated their world.

I'll always remember the wife who spoke for her husband, who sat in silence next to her. He fully understood every word she confessed, though he could not convey them himself because of severe aphasia that had robbed him of his ability to speak more than a few words or engage in plain old conversations. I had asked her what she wanted the world to know about strokes. And she told it like it is:

“I want people to be more understanding. I have girlfriends, we don’t have couples. They think you can just pick up and go, but you can’t. I also find, too, that they don’t want me to talk about it. They’ll ask, ’How’s Al?’ They want a sentence and no more. That hurts so much. I’ll listen to what they have to say, but they don’t want to hear what I have to say. I’ve gotten to the point where, ’He’s fine.’ ”

My heart aches every time I revisit those words. It's a cry for one of the most basic human interactions, the act of being heard. We need to talk. We need to listen. It's a continuous circle of communication that educates and engages us in everyday life.

So many individuals have taught me the beauty of the art of listening. It takes patience and time, but it is worth every second because it enriches your mind and soul. If we truly want to be heard, we must take our turn at listening. How else will we know what to ask and answer?

If you're going to ask somebody, "How are you doing?" then say it like you mean it, and be prepared to hear their response. I've met the most fascinating strangers that way, and now they're my friends. When I ask, I mean it because I know the answer will enlighten, educate and/or entertain me.

All stroke survivors and caregivers ask is that you give them the precious gift of a few minutes to find out how they're REALLY doing. You might be the one who transforms their day in a positive way and lifts your own at the same time.

I'll end with the famous welcoming words of TV's Frasier Crane, "Hello, I'm listening …"

Monica Vest Wheeler www.alzhelpbook.com
Blog http://monicavestwheeler.blogspot.com/
Turning Empathy into Action
Find me now on Facebook
And on Twitter http://twitter.com/alzheimersbook
Phone 1-309-682-8851
Phone toll-free 1-877-267-4640
Fax toll-free 1-877-636-0634
info@copeandsurvive.com
P.O. Box 276
Peoria, IL 61650-0276

Billings Gazette - Camp to help stroke survivors

Cindy Uken

The following article was written by Cindy Uken of the Billings Gazette newspaper, Billings, Montana, and published June 16, 2013. The article has been edited slightly by your blog moderator and made to fit the blog's format.

http://billingsgazette.com/

Camp to help stroke survivors cope with lingering disabilities

                                                                                     Photo by LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff

LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff

Sharon Overcast, right, sings with Women of Praise at Faith Evangelical Church. Overcast joins Shereen Bushing, Susanne Collum, Carol Ruff, Joan Carr, LaVern Woosley, Cordelia Borth and Eileen Toews in the group

(Copies of the above photo available through the newspaper using this link: Buy Photo.)

Overcast suffered a debilitating stroke in 2002.

As a registered nurse, Sharon Overcast spent 30 years caring for stroke patients.

In December 2002, at age 62, she unwittingly became the patient after suffering a debilitating stroke. It was the end of life as she knew it.

Her left arm and hand were rendered useless. Her left leg and ankle were remnants of what they once were.

“It’s altogether different when it happens to you,” Overcast said. “I didn’t think I’d walk again.”

But she did — with a little help.

She now volunteers her time visiting other stroke survivors and their families, helping them comprehend that not everyone will recover the same and that some stroke-related disabilities will be more severe than others.

“It’s a real change of life,” she said. “But you meet what happens to you and go on.”

Overcast, 72, plans to help others “go on” at a three-day Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp that will be held Sept. 27 through 29 in Red Lodge.

St. Vincent Healthcare (http://www.svh-mt.org/), a certified Primary Stroke Hospital, is sponsoring the camp for patients and caregivers.

The specialty camp, which will be staffed by St. Vincent Healthcare stroke therapists, occupational and physical therapists, nurses and volunteers, is designed to help re-engage stroke survivors, showing them the things they can do as opposed to what they cannot.

Participants will have the opportunity to fly fish and participate in other outdoor activities at Rock Creek Resort while spending time with others who understand their unique situation.

Caregivers also will have the opportunity to relax as they enjoy healthy meals, participate in camp activities, receive support and learn new care-giving skills.

St. Vincent Healthcare is contracting with the Illinois-based Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp to put on the three-day event.

The nonprofit organization, founded in 2004, has conducted more than 70 stroke retreats across the country. This marks the first time for Montana.

Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp was founded by Marylee Nunley of Peoria, Illinois after her husband, John, had a stroke at age 55.

John Nunley

Marylee Nunley

“Hospitals do a wonderful job of saving lives,” Nunley said. “But there is nothing out there for long-term survivors. There is a loneliness, an isolation. The camp looks like fun, but every aspect of it has a specific intention.”

Each year 700,000 Americans suffer a stroke; almost 130,000 people die per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The issue with stroke is not the mortality rate, it is the disability rate,” said Penny Clifton, nurse coordinator of Stroke Program and Neuroscience Education at St. Vincent Healthcare. “In fact, stroke is the leading cause of disability in the U.S.”

Penny Clifton

For the nearly one-third of stroke patients who are left with a disability, the impact on them and their caregivers is significant, Clifton said. Learning to walk, talk and move again is taxing mentally, physically and emotionally. Depression is common, particularly at the 12-month mark when patient progress often plateaus.

“This is all about checking back in with self and spirit,” Clifton said.

St. Vincent Healthcare is committed to educating people throughout the region about strokes and to providing a full spectrum of care, Clifton said. That includes teaching people how to recognize a stroke and ensuring they know to seek medical attention immediately.

The hospital’s commitment also includes training emergency personnel to provide rapid diagnosis and treatment upon arrival at the hospital. It also includes providing therapeutic services for those with disability or deficit resulting from stroke.

“This camp is the next addition to stroke care,” Clifton said. “This level of aftercare meets a previously unmet need.”

St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation (http://www.svfoundation.org) is picking up all costs of the three day camp, including food, lodging and activity fees for 20 stroke patients from across the nation, along with a spouse or other caregiver. Participants and caregivers need pay only $25 each when they register.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Info

To learn more about the camp or to register for a camp, call (866) 688-5450 or visit online at www.strokecamp.org.

Canada - A Different Kind of Camp

by Chuck Jones

(Note: This privately owned camp was sold several years ago and has since been converted to a rehab facility for its local area residents.)

This week, at the request of a couple fellow campers, I'm offering a change-up in subject matter that's not stroke related. Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camps are underway and everyone is busy packing or unpacking or attending the weekend camps, and when I get some material about those camps I will share that with you.

The Camp

KCR Camp Lodge

This week, I want to talk about a fishing camp. Last week (June 1-8), I spent five days fishing in Canada, and I thought I'd share that with you. 

The place I fished is called KCR Camp: (http://www.kcrcamp.com/). 

No one seems to know what KCR stands for, not even the owners, Richard and Gloria Castle and their son Rodney, who are the second and third generations of the founder.

 KCR Camp is located in Ontario, Canada, 200 miles north west of International Falls, Minnesota.  International Falls is right on the border of the U.S. and Canada and is known to be the coldest place in the U.S. during winter. 

You can only get to KCR Camp by boat. You drive up past Kenora, Ontario, north west on 596 about thirty miles and park your car at the Whitedog Rapids camp ground and trailer park, owned by Richard's brother, Roger. You load your gear onto their boat and they take you for an awesome ten minute ride out to their island where you stay for the rest of the trip.

The Fishing Hole

Here is a map of the fishing area. A copy of this map is on your place-mat at every dinner in the lodge and it is a pretty accurate picture of the fishing area. I always try to keep mine clean so I can use it the next day to know where I am. Even with a map it is very difficult to find one's way back to camp because it's huge and, from a boat on the lake, everything blends in as shoreline. 



Located about center of this map there is an arrow pointing to the little island where KCR is located. The peninsula just to the right of KCR is a Native American Ojibwa reserve and the source of KCR's 
professional fishing guides. Looking near the top left of the map you will see a large island labeled Boundary Island. That edge of the map there is the border between Ontario and Manitoba.  

Two Dam Fun

At the top center of the map is the Caribou Falls dam that holds back the English River that flows into the lakes and joins the Winnipeg. Northern fishing is usually pretty good here. Walleye has been good also at times.

White Dog Dam

At the right of the map about 3/4 of the way down is the Whitedog dam which holds back the Winnipeg River. There's a bay to the right of this dam that holds a Musky the size of a torpedo. I have seen it cruise right under the boat with my own eyes on a previous trip. My fishing buddy saw it this year coming straight at the bow of the boat. Some day...

Lyle and Guide Pat

I have not caught a Musky on any of my Canada trips but one of the other fisherman at the camp caught one the week I was there, but not at the dam. This fish is 42.5 inches.



The Winnipeg River enters at the Whitedog dam at the right of the map and flows west then north and out through Eaglesnest Lake at the top left of the map and then on to Winnipeg, Manitoba where it empties into Lake Winnipeg. If you go up that far you must be careful not to cross over into Manitoba because there are no big warning signs and all the rules are different.

At the bottom of the map, just left of center, is the Scott River that flows in through a small rapids, and near the bottom right is the Cygnet River that makes an impressive Cygnet Falls when the lakes are at least normal level.


All this water flowing through the entire map is part of the Winnipeg River chain and subject to all the Winnipeg River fishing regulations for that area.

The Results

Walleye

 I have been going fishing here for several years. Fishing is excellent! I don't do much fishing in Illinois and for a person like me, who is not a fisherman, I do very well here and this year was no exception. 

I mostly catch Walleye in the mornings jigging in water from about four to twenty feet deep using a white or chartreuse 3/8 oz jig tipped with a minnow. However, many time I've caught them while casting for Bass and Northern.  

Walleye too big...goes back in the lake

It hurts to turn these loose. Any Walleye over 17.5 inches goes back in the lake.  The biggest I've ever caught was twenty five inches.

Northern

For the Northern I use spoons such as Red Devils, Five-of-Diamonds, anything shiney and Rattletraps. The best for me lately seems to be a silver and blue Rattletrap. The guide this year liked the Five-of-Diamonds. The Northern in the picture I caught a few years ago and it was over 38 inches long. I caught it on a blue and silver RattlinRap. I have that fish mounted. I have not caught one bigger, yet. This year my biggest Northern was only 31.5 inches. The Northern "keepers" have to be under 27.5 inches but you can keep one over 35 inches. It is not uncommon to catch 42 + inch Northern here. Other fishing buddies I've come up here with have caught them that big, just not me.

Small Mouth Bass

The bass I catch on a white 3.8oz jig with a white Twister Tail. My favorite lure and fish to catch. Small Mouth love to jump. If they don't and if you tug on the line just right as you reel them in you can make them jump out of the water. Always a thrill. Between the three of us we caught over 60 Small Mouth this trip. They generally ran from 13 inches to 17 inches but you can only keep them if they're under 13.5 inches and you can only have two in your possession until July when the limit increases to four. You can catch everything while fishing for Smallmouth this way. I seriously believe you could limit out on all species while fishing for Smallmouth. 

Leaving the ole secret "Bass Hole" tired and happy. (Oops, not a secret anymore, eh?)



Regulations
The Winnipeg River fishing regulations for the area in June allow me to have only four Northern, two Walleye and two Small Mouth Bass in my possession at any time. Possession includes in the boat, cabin, and fishhouse freezer as well as my tackle box and pants pockets. Fortunately they don't count the contents of your stomach.  There are size and slot limits also so care must be taken to make sure you know the rules. The DNR does check from time to time and they are not lenient. I've heard stories. Just like with speeders and red light runners it always makes me feel good to see a poacher get caught.

Accommodations 
I always go on what they call the American Plan which includes a cabin with indoor plumbing and heating, maid service, a boat plus gas, and all home cooked meals at the lodge. The only things not included are the guide fees and minnows. Actually, not lunch either, because I always eat the mornings Walleye catch for lunch. Believe me, you will never go hungry! If your diet doesn't allow you to eat fish for shore lunch, arrangements can be made for non-fish meals free of charge. 

Shore Lunch

My son, Mike,  eating his catch of the day.
It don't git no better'n nis!

I have had several different guides over the years and everyone of them is excellent at what they do, and they are fabulous cooks, using an open fire from sticks they gather in the woods and an iron skillet.



I always get a guide because, #1 he knows where the fish are, #2 he drives the boat so I'm free to fish, #3 he cleans all the fish I am allowed to eat and keep plus he cooks the mornings catch, and #4 he cleans up the boat at the end of the day. 

What do I do? I fish, eat, and sleep, then do it all over again the next day.  





Cabin accommodations are very good. There are thirteen cabins on the island. All with a great view of the lake. 

Nice kitchen, but only the refrigerator gets used. You can do a housekeeping trip where you cook your own meals rather than eat in the lodge but the logistics keep me from choosing that option and the camp cooks are much better than I am.

This is the living room and they do have wifi access as you could guess by this picture. Laptops not included. The wifi is nice because it allows me real time gloating with my family and friends. I don't know why they aren't happy to see me when I get home. I send them nice pictures on Facebook.

The bathrooms are modern. And the bedrooms are comfortable. We had a two bedroom cabin so we each got our own room.

View from the porch

This year the lakes were like glass all week. Sunny all day. Morning temps in the high 40's and afternoons in the high 60's. It doesn't get dark until after 11pm but all boats must be in by 9pm. Guides are available only from 8am to 4:30pm. 



Miscellaneous Critters

Looking forward to next time. 
Go here for more info on KCR Camp: (http://www.kcrcamp.com/)
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Camp Scheduling and More

by Chuck Jones

I have included this year's camp schedule, dates and locations, for those of you not receiving our newsletter. If you live in the U.S. and would like to be on our mailing list, call the office at 1-866-688-5450 or send us an email at info@strokecamp.org and we will include you in future mailings. Unfortunately, we are not able to send mailings outside of the U.S. at this time. 

However, for everyone, the newsletter is available online from our website (www.strokecamp.org). If you go there and click at the left of the screen on "Media/News" you will see a link to "Newsletter". After clicking on that you will see, in the center of your screen, a list of the newsletters that have been published so far for the year. Or you can just follow this link:
 www.strokecamp.org/?media&newsletter  

A link to the news letters is also in the list of links at the left of this blog's screen. 

The newsletter is published every two months. The June-July issue should be out by now but we can still get one to you if you want one. The newsletter also contains camp dates as well as dates of other non-camping events going on throughout the year, along with a message from our Executive Director, Marylee Nunley, plus other stroke and stroke camp related information.

The camp schedule is always available on our website also at:
www.strokecamp.org  

If you go there click on "Camp Dates/Registration" at the left of the screen. Or you can just follow this link: www.strokecamp.org/?camplist&camplist

The above website also includes maps to the camp location and at the bottom of each camp date, below the map, are clickable boxes to that camp's registration forms for both survivor/caregiver and volunteers. You may register online from the link or print out the forms and mail them in.

I have included even the past camp dates below because I thought you might be interested in seeing all the areas where we have been and will be active this year. You will get an appreciation of how well we are reaching out across the entire country. Next year, we will be at many of these same camps again and even some we have not. 

It is difficult to say where we will be any given year because campsites need to be reserved as early as possible, even months in advance, to ensure their availability and that's hard to do because we have to be sure there is camper and volunteer interest in that area and that we have the funds to make the deposit, let alone pay for the whole weekend. Deposits are usually in the hundreds and even thousands of dollars and non-refundable.  

************************************************

APRIL
April 19-21 at Camp Courageous in Monticello, IA
Sponsored by: Mercy Medical Center, St. Luke’s 
Hospital, and University of Iowa Hospital and 
Clinics
*************************************************************************

MAY
•May 31-June 2 at Highlands Retreat Center in 
Allenspark, CO
Sponsored by: Centura Stroke Network
*************************************************************************

JUNE
•June 21-23 at Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, IL
Sponsored by: Alexian Brothers Health SystemNeuroscience Institute
*************************************************************************

JULY
•July 26-28 at LOMC in Oregon, IL
Sponsored by: OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, 
Rockford Health System, Swedish American, and 
Van Matre HealthSouth
*************************************************************************

AUGUST
•August 1-4 (Family Camp) at Living Springs 
Camp in Lewistown, IL
Sponsored by: Friends and Volunteers of Retreat 
& Refresh Stroke Camp
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
•August 2-4 at Cathedral Ridge in Woodland 
Park, CO
Sponsored by: Centura Health
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
•August 16-18 at Highlands Retreat Center in 
Allenspark, CO
Sponsored by: Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
•August 16-18 at Carol Joy Holling Retreat Center 
in Ashland, NE
Sponsored by: Lincoln Stroke Partnership
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
•August 23-25 at LOMC in Oregon, IL
Sponsored by: OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, 
Rockford Health System, Swedish American, and 
Van Matre HealthSouth
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
•August 23-25 at Camp Menno Haven in 
Tiskilwa, IL
Sponsored by: Trinity Health Foundation
*************************************************************************

SEPTEMBER
•September 6-8 at Camp Menno Haven in 
Tiskilwa, IL
Sponsored by: Illinois Neurological Institute
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
•September 6-8 at Chapel Rock Camp in 
Prescott, AZ
Sponsored by: Dignity Health
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
•September 20-22 at Living Springs Camp in 
Lewistown, IL
Sponsored by: Friends and Volunteers of Retreat 
& Refresh Stroke Camp
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
•September 27-29 at Rock Creek Resort in Red 
Lodge, MT
Sponsored by: St. Vincent Healthcare
*************************************************************************

OCTOBER
•October 4-6 at Butman Methodist Camp in 
Merkel, TX
Sponsored by: Odessa Medical Center Hospital
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
•October 4-6 at Green Lake Conference Center in 
Green Lake, WI
Sponsored by: UW Health
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
•October 11-13 at North Carolina Baptist Center: 
Ft. Caswell in Oak Island, NC
Sponsored by: New Hanover Regional Medical 
Center
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
•October 18-20 at Living Springs Camp in 
Lewistown, IL
Sponsored by: Friends and Volunteers of Retreat 
& Refresh Stroke Camp
*************************************************************************

Check the Camp Dates/Registration page of 
our website for the most up to date list of 
camps. www.strokecamp.org