Season TWO – Episode 13 – “Fifty Below”

Retrieving his laptop from the bedside table… Rusty took a sip from his Beaver Head root beer float and opened his Gmail Inbox.

From: COSMOID SCALE

Subject Line: need a YES or NO on your commitment for the NW Ontario fishing camp?

Clicking on the message from Professor Scale… Rusty leaned back against his handmade luxury, plaid antler pillows and commenced to read.

Dearest Rusty… I hope this letter finds you well.

In working with my accountant and financial advisor it appears as though the final papers will be drawn within the next six-weeks to complete the acquisition of the island property on gojiji-zaaga’igan.

If your Ojibwe needs a refresher… The lake is called “Lake of the Rains”.

What I don’t have… Is that name for the fishing camp?! Possibly something you can help me with?!

Speaking of helping… Prior to your departure with Sally, to the Gold Rope Ranch… We discussed in detail the potential for you to join me as “Camp Manager” on this new endeavor.

How are things between you and Sally? Have you spoken with her about this fishing camp opportunity?

Due to the current condition of the camp… (I just returned from the location after meeting there with local contractors) I’m requesting you join me as early as JAN 01 to get a jump start on renovations. Most likely, this will require working in temperatures that approach “FIFTY BELOW”.

For starters… The old lodge is in disrepair. My plan is to tear down what’s left of the original… And then ice-truck multiple loads of hand cut logs to the property for new construction.

The five outbuildings are what I would consider “useable” … At least for the first season or two… With some minor spruce up, they should be adequate for housing anglers as well as staff.

There are no boat docks in the natural harbor on the island. I’ve been told it’s best to build cribs, floaters, and drive piling in the winter season (Again, I would need you here sooner than later.)

This could be sizing up to be quite the challenge… Have you thought further? Or found anyone to assist you with the Camp Manager duties / position?

Any chance Sally might be interested in joining us? She could be a major asset and HUGE drawing card for new visitors. I would LOVE to see that possibility come to fruition!

Anyway… Again… Lots to discuss. But first I need to hear back from you and know that you are 100% dialed (committed) on this NEW project and NEW career path.

Regards,

Cosmoid

Taking another sip from his Beaver Head… Rusty returned the 36-ounce ice-cream-root-beer-filled tumbler to its doily and “clicked” on Reply.

Professor Scale! Great to hear from you!

How am I? I’m hanging in there. Currently recovering from an arrow wound (long story) and being well taken care of.

Lake of the Rains? Sounds wrinkly…

Name for the fishing camp? Hmmmmm…

Endless Scales… Grand-Slam-Lodge… Eagles Landing… Let me work on it.

“Things” are OK with Sally and me. She’s on a trout fishing photo shoot today. My plan is to discuss the fishing camp opportunity with her, before departing the Gold Rope Ranch (five more days here).

January 01 start date? New year… New career… Seems fitting.

My building skills need a bit of refresher, but I’m certainly not afraid of the work. Sounds quite exciting!

Someone to assist with the work? YES. I do have someone in mind. Have not yet presented the opportunity to this individual. Will prioritize within the “five days” window as mentioned above.

Sally to join us? Hmmmmm… Not sure about that one. I can certainly ask, but I’m not sure with all she has going on with her fashion commitments. I’ll make the offer, with your request.

Five days. OK? Give me five days and you’ll have my answers. This is definitely something I want to see happen in my world… Just not sure how it will fit with others… I’ll get it sorted, thanks!

Set the hook,

Rusty

“Well… I guess there’s no more procrastinating.” Rusty thought to himself. “Sally’s present temperature toward me seems to be about FIFTY BELOW, but what the hell.”

A knock on the door… It was Ron Heimburg and Geoff Loonsuckle checking on their guest.

     “How’s our boy doin’?”, Ron queried, “Can we get you anything?”

     “Something to eat… Something to drink…” Geoff followed.

     “You know what fellas,” Rusty replied, “There is something you can do for me. I could use some BUSINESS advice… And some FEMALE advice… Two topics in which I assume both of you are well versed.”

–            To Be Continued –