Chris, Kelly and their 3 teenagers, Danni, Charlie and Ashleigh booked on a last minute cancellation with the intention of combining some good fishing by Chris and Charlie with some quality family time.
Whilst they were here we asked if they would like to write their own catch report/summary of their two weeks with us and Danni, aged 15 has willingly obliged.
Catch Report
Sat 20 July – Sat 03 August
After an easy arrival, giggly supermarket expedition and setting up by the lake, we settled into the late evening. Come Sunday morning we had delightful games and went swimming in the rain – which Charlie and Ashleigh were simply exhilarated with. As the weather steadily improved, Dad and Charlie set up their rods and we set out for a late lunch with Jo and Nigel at the Irish bar called Mamies. We had steaks, burgers, homemade chips, salad, and my favourite, peppercorn sauce. After coming back to the lodge for more swimming, sunbathing, and then more rain. The lads then begun their fishing. It was at 10:21 pm as Ashleigh and I swam in the pool that Dad caught his first 25lb 3oz carp.
It was on Monday that after a relaxing day swimming in the pool, Mum and Dad sharing some beer and wine with Jo and Nigel, ending the day with a bbq for dinner; Dad gained a new PB for a catfish at 52lb 1oz at 9:55 pm. This was accompanied by: a 23lb 8oz carp at midnight, 12:20 pm 17lb 3oz carp, 7:35 pm a little baby 4lb 8oz carp called Neil which was moved over to the stock pond then finally at 10:30 pm a 22lb 1oz carp. On Tuesday, we spent the morning swimming and sunbathing, then went to visit Jo and Nigel to see their barn, bait making room, and man cave – a place which Dad and Charlie continuously visited throughout our holiday to play pool and keep cool! Across the day, at 12:32 am and 11:15 pm respectively, the boys caught a 32lb 2oz carp and 29lb 1oz carp.
On Wednesday, Mum and Charlie went to a little French market and came back with little treats such as peaches and little pots of different variations of honey. The little French market was an absolute delight with such a variety of items for sale including livestock chickens to mattresses to little bags and keepsakes! While Mum and I went shopping and Charlie and Ashleigh relaxed at the lodge, Dad went to help make bait with Nigel. An experience he thoroughly enjoyed! That Morning the boys caught a 40lb 14oz carp (Dads new PB!) at 12:25 am, and a 24lb 9oz carp at 6:50 am. This was followed by a 16lb 1oz carp at 5:30 am Thursday morning.
Over the next week we experienced a vast increase in temperature and subsequently spent our days together as a family trying to cope in the heat with days spent swimming, sunbathing, a variety of games and eating our weight in ice lollies. It wasn’t until Monday morning when the temperature was a little more bearable, that Ashleigh, Mum and I went to visit the Alpaca farm (Dreamworks Alpacas) We had a grand time after being greeted at the door by chickens – who then escorted us through each part of the little tour! We saw lambs, fed and pet the numerous, attention-worthy alpacas, and even fed and walked the donkeys across the grounds. At the end of our visit, we even took home a small alpaca teddy bear from their little gift section – complete with their own neck bows!
The boys restarted fishing on Tuesday evening and caught a 42lb 12oz carp at 10:15 pm – smashing Dads new PB – and a 37lb catfish at 10:55 pm. This was followed by a 35lb 5oz carp at 12:45 am on Wednesday morning. On Thursday we went back to Mamies Bar for yet another amazing meal with Jo and Nigel. After a few beers Dad chose to sleep in the lodge and not attempt fishing under the influence! On our last night after another great day in the pool and playing board games Charlie finally had the courage to catch a fish for himself! He managed to land a 10lb catfish! A PB for him as he has never caught a catfish before! What a way to end our amazing family holiday! ❤
Just to add not to forget the most amazing Maisie the dog! We had already prepared to meet her by going to the pet shop before leaving home and getting her lots of tennis balls and rope toys! She really is the most amazing loving dog that just wants to love everyone and play ball! She really was a huge highlight of our holiday! ❤
Thank you, Danni for a great summary of your fortnight with us. We have enjoyed your company and are pleased that you have all had such a great time
Final tally for the two weeks (with a few days not fishing and lots of time in the pool and chalet due to the extreme heat) was 1 baby, 2 at 10lb+, 2 at 10lb+, 5 at 20lb+, 2 at 30lb+ and 1 at 40lb+, along with 2 catfish up to 52lb 1oz. A great fortnight and we hope to see you all again someday. Until then à bientôt…