West Coast Fishing Club - North Island Lodge - Langara Island - Part Two

Saturday morning came early enough after a decent nights sleep. Breakfast presented some typical hot breakfast items (scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage etc) along with cereal, toast, fruit, etc. I have to confess right here that occasionally, I battle motion sickness on the water and so my strategy for breakfast is toast and peanut butter and jam and nothing too rich.

They suited everyone up at the lodge with rain gear and coolers full of snack and beverages, while the guides were fully equipped for catching the big ones. All we were required to do was to show up conscious and enthusiastic. That we were able to do. Out on the water at 7:30, the day started quietly but once we found the sweets spots, that all changed.

Not overly keen on posting pictures of my ugly self, this is proof that I did catch a few and I seem pretty happy about this one!

Having caught a bunch of fish and at this point feeling a bit queasy myself owing to some inclement weather and large swells, we went sightseeing. Our guide (we were two amateur fishermen and one guide per boat) took us to see some sea lions in calmer waters. These guys really weren't that interested in us but they were fun to watch. 

Next inevitably came lunch (and I was feeling better by then. One great thing about fishing from North Island Lodge is that even if you feel seasick, you are never that far from calmer waters and relief!)

I chose the Cobb Salad for lunch. Yes, I know it doesn't look like a Cobb Salad but all the elements are there including the most critical, namely the blue cheese. Loved it! The fishing grounds being close to the lodge meant it was easy to come in for lunch and a nice nap. Then we were ready to fish again. 

Skipping some details and jumping right to the evening, the kitchen seemed to outdo themselves every day.

Prosciutto Wrapped Prawns and cocktail sauce. Obviously, these disappeared quickly and did the ridiculously fall off the bones ribs with a rich molasses based sauce. I had trouble photographing them as they provoked a feeding frenzy! 

Remember that thing I said about not eating too much before dinner? Good luck.

Dinner started with another memorable salad this time with Port soaked figs, goat cheese and candied walnuts.

This was followed by a Grilled Pork Chop on Mushroom Risotto with Apple Balsamic Onion Relish. The risotto was perfectly al dente while the pork chop was amazingly tender. This dish was met with rave reviews.

Next were Seared Scallops with Apple Fennel Slaw. These scallops were so tender that the having of teeth was not a requirement on the part of the eater!

And to close, Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream (from Mario's Gelato in Olympic Village, no less. I had insisted it must be house-made).

So the day two drew to a close in the usual civilized manner! A nightcap and discourse with new and old friends and off to sleep!

Stay tuned for part three.