Peter and Gracie: A Fun Day Fishing at Cameron Lake

Ian Lindsay & Associates: Ian Lindsay of Lindsay and Associates has played an active role in the local community since 1979. He has been with RE/MAX, Vancouver Island's most advanced real estate business network since 1996. Marketing and selling residential, rural, strata, recreational, investment and project development real estate. Ian has received several awards recognizing his exceptional community commitment locally. As well as awards for outstanding performance and achievement from both RE/MAX International and the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board. You'll find true real estate professionals at Ianlindsay.ca 

The Ballad of Peter & Gracie: Peter and his dog, Gracie ran through the fields so wide. With dreams in their pockets and stars as their guide, everyday’s an adventure under the open sky. In their world of stories, time just flies by. 

Peter McCully:  The morning sun peeked through Peter's bedroom window, casting warm golden rays across his blue rocket ship bedspread. His alarm clock hadn't even rung yet, but Peter was already wide awake.

His heart dancing with excitement. Today was going to be special. He and his best friend, Gracie, were going on their very first fishing trip to Cameron Lake. Gracie, Peter's American Eskimo dog, was already sitting by his bed, her fluffy white tail sweeping back and forth across the wooden floor. Her black eyes sparkled with anticipation as she watched Peter throw off his covers and jump out of bed.

She knew something exciting was happening today. She always knew. That was one of the many things Peter loved about Gracie. She seemed to understand everything, even without words. Peter had gotten Gracie three years ago on his fourth birthday. He still remembered the day his parents had taken him to see puppies.

The moment he saw Gracie, with her pristine white fur and gentle eyes, he knew she was meant to be his friend. Gracie had become more than just a pet. She was his constant companion. and partner in adventure. Good morning, Gracie, Peter whispered, trying not to wake up his little sister Emma in the next room.

He buried his face in Gracie's soft white fur, breathing in the familiar scent that reminded him of fresh snow and warm cuddles. Gracie responded with a gentle lick to his cheek, her tail wagging even faster. She always seemed to know exactly how to make him smile, especially on important days like this one.

Peter had been waiting for this day for some time. He was seven years old now, and his dad had finally agreed he was old enough to learn how to fish. Even better, dad had said Gracie could come along too. Peter couldn't imagine going on such an important adventure without his four legged best friend.

After all Gracie had been there for all his other important moments. His first day of school, piano recitals, even the time he had to get stitches after he fell off his bike. She had sat patiently in the waiting room and somehow her presence had made everything less scary. As Peter got dressed in his favorite blue shorts and his special fishing vest his grandfather had given him for his birthday, Gracie sat patiently by the door.

The vest had so many pockets that Peter felt like an explorer preparing for an expedition. He carefully packed his special rock collection, cause you never knew when you might need a good rock. And a bag of dog treats he always carried for Gracie. These just weren't any treats, they were the special ones that the nice lady at the pet store ordered especially for Gracie because she had a sensitive stomach.

The vest had belonged to his grandfather. who had been an avid fisherman. Mom had taken it to a tailor and had it altered to fit Peter, and wearing it made him feel close to Grandpa. He remembered all the stories Grandpa used to tell about fishing at Cameron Lake when Dad was a little boy, and now Peter was going to fish there too.

He was sure Grandpa would be proud. Downstairs, Mom was already in the kitchen. packing their lunch. The smell of fresh baked cookies filled the air, making both Peter and Gracie's noses twitch with delight. Mom always said no adventure was complete without chocolate chip cookies, and she'd been baking since dawn to make sure they had plenty.

The kitchen counter was covered with Cooking supplies, flour, sugar, and chocolate chips scattered about. Evidence of mom's early morning baking session. There's my fisherman mom, so with a smile, ruffling Peter's curly brown hair, and his faithful companion. She bent down to give Gracie a pat, which the dog happily accepted with a gentle woof.

Mom had always supported Peter's bond with Gracie, even when it meant extra vacuum cleaning to deal with all the white fur around the house. Dad came in from the garage carrying two fishing poles and a tackle box. The poles had belonged to him and Grandpa, and now one of them would be Peter's. Ready for your big day, buddy?

He asked, setting the equipment by the door. I've got everything we need. Worms, lures, extra line, and even some special bobbers that glow in the water. Peter's eyes widened. Real worms, he asked, both excited and slightly grossed out. He'd seen a fisherman using worms on TV, but the idea of actually touching one made his stomach do a little flip.

Dad laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners, the way they always did when he was truly amused. Can't catch fish without proper bait. Don't worry, I'll show you how to put them on the hook. Your grandpa taught me when I was just about your age, and now I get to teach you. As they loaded up the car, Peter could hardly contain his excitement.

He helped Gracie into the back seat, making sure she was comfortable on her special car blanket, the one with paw prints that mom had made just for her. The drive to Cameron Lake wasn't very long, but to Peter it felt like an adventure all on its own. He watched out the window as the streets gave way to country roads and finally to the thick forest that surrounded the lake.

The forest reminded Peter of the fairy tales Mom read to him and Emma at bedtime. Tall pine trees stretched up to the sky like giant green guardians, their branches creating patterns of light and shadow on the ground below. Gracie watched out the window too, her nose leaving little foggy marks on the glass, as she took in all the new sights and smells.

Cameron Lake was even more beautiful than Peter had imagined. The water stretched out like a giant mirror, reflecting the fluffy white clouds that dotted the summer sky. Tall pine trees lined the shore, the branches swaying gently in the warm breeze. The air smelled different here. Clean and fresh, with a hint of pine needles and lake water.

Peter could hear birds singing in the trees, and the gentle lapping of waves against the shore. It was like stepping into a different world, far away from the streets and noisy playgrounds of their neighborhood. As soon as Dad parked the car, Gracie's nose was pressed against the window, taking in all the new smells.

Peter could tell she was just as excited as he was. When they opened the car door, Gracie hopped out gracefully, her white fur gleaming in the sunlight. She looked like a little polar bear against the green grass, and several nearby children pointed and whispered in admiration. Now remember, Dad said, as they unloaded their gear.

Gracie needs to stay close to us. There are lots of interesting things for a dog to chase around here. Squirrels, rabbits, even ducks. But we want her to be safe. He helped Peter adjust his fishing vest, making sure all the pockets were securely fastened. Peter nodded seriously. He was very responsible when it came to Gracie.

She was more than just his dog. She was his best friend and partner in all their adventures. He attached her special extending leash to her collar, giving her enough freedom to explore while staying safe. The leash was a recent birthday present from his aunt. Who understood that Gracie needed both security and the ability to investigate those interesting smells.

They found a perfect spot on the shore where some rocks formed a natural pier jutting out into the lake. The rocks were warm with the sun and created a comfortable place to sit and fish. Dad showed Peter how to set up their fishing poles, explaining each part carefully. He pointed out the reel. The line guides, and the different kinds of lures in his tackle box.

Each one had a story. The silver spoon that caught Dad's first bass. That red and white bobber was Grandpa's favorite. Peter listened intently, wanting to remember everything. Gracie sat beside them, watching the process with what Peter swore it was genuine interest. Her ears perked up whenever Dad demonstrated something new, and she kept her eyes fixed on the fishing line as it moved through the air.

Okay, time for the tricky part, Dad said, opening a container of worms. The worms wiggled and squirmed, and reminded Peter of tiny dancing snakes. Want to try to put one on your hook? Peter hesitated for a moment, looking at the wiggling worms. He felt Gracie nudge his hand with her cold nose as if giving him encouragement.

Taking a deep breath, he reached in and picked up a worm. It wasn't as slimy as he had expected, and with Dad's help, he managed to bait his hook like a pro. He felt proud of himself for being brave enough to handle the worm. And Dad's approving smile made him stand a little taller. Perfect, Dad said. Now watch how I cast the line.

It's all in the wrist movement. Like throwing a ball, but more controlled. He demonstrated the motion slowly, explaining how to release the line at just the right moment. Peter watched carefully as Dad demonstrated the casting technique. When it was his turn, his first attempt sent the line flying backward, nearly catching a tree.

But Dad was patient, and after a few more tries, Peter got the hang of it. As they waited for the fish to bite, Peter and Dad talked about all sorts of things. School. baseball, Peter's upcoming piano recital. Peter shared his worries about playing in front of an audience, but Dad reminded him that he had practiced hard and would do great.

Besides, he said, Gracie will be in the front row, and she thought all of Peter's playing was wonderful. Gracie lay between them, occasionally lifting her head to watch the boats passing in the distance, or to look at a butterfly floating by. Her presence was comforting, like a warm blanket on a cool evening.

Other fishermen walked past the spot, often stopping to admire Gracie. And asking about her breed. Peter proudly told them she was an American Eskimo dog. And yes, her fur was naturally that white. And no, she wasn't hot despite her thick coat. Eskimo dogs were very good at regulating their temperature. The sun climbed higher in the sky and Peter began to wonder if they would catch anything at all.

Dad explained that patience was an important part of fishing. But just as he said that, Peter's line gave a sharp tug. The rod bent over, and Peter's heart leaped into his throat. Dad, he gasped, nearly dropping his pole in excitement. I think I've got something. Keep your rod up, Dad coached, moving behind Peter to help.

Now reel in slowly. That's it. Don't try to pull too hard. Let the fish tire itself out. Peter could feel his heart pounding as he reeled in his line. Whatever was on the other end was putting up quite a fight. Gracie had jumped to her feet, watching the water intently as she could see the fish coming in.

Her tail was wagging with excitement and she gave occasional encouraging woofs. In one final pull, Peter's first catch broke the surface. A beautiful rainbow trout. Its scales glittering in the sunlight like tiny diamonds. The fish was bigger than Peter had expected. Dad helped him land it. Showing him how to remove the hook carefully without hurting the fish.

Always wet your hands before handling a fish, Dad said. It helps protect their special coating that keeps them healthy. Look, Gracie, Peter exclaimed, holding up his fish. I caught a fish! Gracie wagged her tail excitedly, giving a happy bark of approval. She seemed to understand that this was a special moment, and she wanted to be part of the celebration.

Dad took a picture of Peter holding his fish. With Gracie sitting proudly beside him, it was a moment Peter knew he'd never forget. His first fish caught with his dad's guidance and his best friend's support. Gracie grabbed the fish and ran with it to the water and dropped it back in the lake. Dad laughed and told Peter that he was going to release the fish back into the lake, but Gracie beat him to it.

Dad explained the importance of catch and release to help preserve the lake's fish population. Then they stopped for lunch. Mama packed them a feast. Sandwiches cut into triangles, just the way that Peter liked them. Chips, fresh strawberries, and those promised chocolate chip cookies. They found a shady spot under a big pine tree, and spread out their picnic blanket.

As they ate, Peter shared his sandwich crust with Gracie, who accepted them with gentle politeness. She had her special lunch too. Mama packed a favorite dog food and a special puppy cookie shaped like a fish. Peter loved how Mama always remembered to make things special for Gracie, too. The afternoon sun was warm, and after lunch, Dad suggested they might want to cool off with a swim.

Peter's eyes lit up. He'd been hoping that he might get to swim. He brought his swimming trunks just in case, packed secretly in his backpack, along with his goggles and a small water ball. He changed while Dad found a good spot for swimming. The lake bottom was sandy, sloping gently into deeper water.

Both perfect for swimming and playing. Look, Peter, Dad said, pointing to a shallow area of the lake. This is perfect for Gracie, too. American Eskimo dogs are pretty good swimmers, you know. They were originally bred to be working dogs in cool climates, so they're naturally athletic. Peter hadn't known that, but he wasn't surprised.

Gracie was good at everything. He waded into the cool water with Gracie following cautiously behind him. At first, she just dipped her paws in, testing the water like a curious cat. But when she saw how much fun Peter was having, she ventured in a little further, her natural swimming instincts taking over.

Soon, both the boy and dog were splashing and playing in the crystal clear water. Gracie turned out to be an excellent swimmer. Her white fur floating around her like a cloud. She would paddle after the sticks Peter threw, bringing them back with a proud expression on her face. Sometimes she would swim in circles around Peter, creating little waves that made him laugh.

Other families on the beach stopped to watch and smile at the sight of the happy boy and his beautiful white dog playing together. Some kids asked if they could pet Gracie, and Peter proudly introduced her, explaining she was an American Eskimo dog and his very best friend in the whole world. He told them about how she loved to play in the snow in the winter, and how she could catch a frisbee better than any dog at the park.

A little girl about Peter's age asked if Gracie knew any tricks. Peter was delighted to show off Gracie's repertoire of commands. Sit, stay, shake hands, and her newest trick, high five. Each successful trick earned Gracie a treat from Peter's best pocket, and the small audience clapped appreciatively. As the afternoon wore on, the sun began to sink lower in the sky, painting the lake in shades of orange and pink.

Peter and Gracie had dried off, and they were sitting with Dad on the rocks, watching the sunset. Gracie's head rested on Peter's lap, her fur almost dry, and an extra fluffy from the swimming adventure. Did you have fun today, buddy? Dad asked, putting an arm around Peter's shoulders. Peter nodded enthusiastically.

This was the best day ever, he declared. Can we come back soon and bring Mom and Emma next time? Emma would love to see Gracie swim. Of course we can, Dad smiled. Maybe next time, you'll catch an even bigger fish. And who knows, maybe Emma will turn out to be a natural fisherman, too. As they packed up their gear and headed back to the car, Peter felt tired, but happy.

His first fishing trip had been everything he hoped for, and more. He helped Gracie into the back seat, noticing that she seemed pleasantly tired, too. Her eyes were already starting to close, but she managed to give Peter's hand a loving lick before settling down for the ride home.

The Ballad of Peter & Gracie: Peter and Gracie, the finest of friends. With tales of wonder that never end. In the pages of books, or stars up above, They find their magic in laughter and love.

Ian Lindsay & Associates: Ian Lindsay of Lindsay and Associates has played an active role in the local community since 1979. He has been with RE/MAX, Vancouver Island's most advanced real estate business network since 1996. Marketing and selling residential, rural, strata, recreational, investment and project development real estate. Ian has received several awards recognizing his exceptional community commitment locally. As well as awards for outstanding performance and achievement from both RE/MAX International and the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board. You'll find true real estate professionals at Ianlindsay.ca