Oh What a Day…

July 16,2026 Sonora Resort, BC Canada

Well this was some day…

That’s first light coming through our fireplace…WITH the bath blinds closed…and our path to breakfast …lots of boats missing from the dock …many guests out fishing early.

Breakfast inside…too windy for me on the deck…Timmy’s wearing his fishing shirt 🧡

The pools are protected from the wind. After breakfast, I spent some time in the peace and quiet, enjoying the sun and the warm pool and hot tub…still no desire to take the cold plunge. I did test it out again…but that temperature is way beyond “cool” …it’s definitely into the frigid range.

These signs at the mineral pools set the tone.

This is the Conservatory…smells amazing.

The morning fishing boats are in at 1:30…and here comes Wes.

When we were here in 2024, we didn’t realize the importance of booking a fishing boat before we arrived. I know, kind of silly considering that folks come here expressly for the fishing. Anyway, we were really disappointed so the Activities director arranged for a fishing charter with Wes Takahashi, owner of FM Guiding Services. Turns out that Wes is the guide that the owner of Sonora Resort uses when he goes fishing. Okay then. Prior to 2024, whenever we’d hire a boat…whether deep sea fishing or not, Tim would fish and I’d just go along for the ride…enjoying the boat, just happy to be on the water with Timmy. Oh sure, I posed for pics in the fishing chairs…but that was as far as it went. Anyway, two years ago when we boarded Wes’s boat, I told him I wouldn’t be fishing…didn’t really know how…he very patiently encouraged me to give it a try, gave me a wonderful little mini lesson and the confidence to try!

Here we are two years ago…my first ever fish ♥️ I was beside myself. So back in April, Tim contacted Wes and made arrangements for him to take us out on his boat again.

Just a stunningly beautiful day

Tim thought the log in the middle of this photo looks like a fish. At first I didn’t see it, now I do.

We were barely settled when I felt a tug…Timmy captured the entire episode on video…in the future if I’m ever feeling sad, I will replay the video…6 minutes and 30 seconds of happiness and laughter…I was working so hard …first to set the rod on my pelvic bone…then to hold onto that fish…such an epic struggle…reel it in…let the line slacken…real again…my heart was beating out of my chest…half from excitement…half from exertion. I was working really hard to land that fish…like really hard. Here are some screenshots from the video.

I think I’m saying “here let me have him”

First we have to measure him…30.5 inches.

Tim snapped several pics …this is my favorite because I think it captures the moment.

Wes was pretty happy too

We spent the next several hours on the water…soaking in the beauty and peacefulness of our environment. Timmy had a bite, but unfortunately the fish got away.

Just before 6:00 pm…the wind picked up and the weather turned. So we headed back to Sonora. Here’s 11 seconds of happiness.

Twelve pounds 6 ounces.

No clue why I’m hugging that fish …I was just so happy…

Here’s the subdued, nonchalant version…

The Day’s Catch memorialized… we were the last (and happiest) boat in. We could have the resort package and ship the fish home or we could have them vacuum seal the filets, put them on ice, then in a cooler and we could ask the hotel in Vancouver to keep ‘em on ice, then check the cooler with our luggage…really? Too much trouble…it’s one fish…we decided to do what we did two years ago…turn the fish over to Chef Jin for dinner tomorrow.

By the time we left for dinner…all the boats were back and it was beginning to drizzle.

Raspberry Yuzu Margarita and Tim’s Raincheck.

Rosemary biscuits with plum jelly butter and our amuse bouche = watermelon and feta with a balsamic glaze.

I was going to try to explain how insanely delicious these biscuits were…but I think these photos might tell you something …we could not stop eating them. True story…no exaggeration. Geo enabled our recklessness…and we will blame her when we are over the weight limit on Sunday.

Chef has a new tasting menu…First course: Kombucha Cured Steelhead with Crème Fraiche, celery, chives and rhubarb granita…

Second course: Raviolo Al Uovo Carbonara…guanciale, pecorino, egg yolk, arugula

Third course: Shio Kojo Sablefish with charred and fermented fennel, pea and mint veloute.
Each course was elegant and beautifully balanced…and really, really yummy.

70% Dark Chocolate Soufflé with Hazel nut Ice cream and Coffee Crunch.

Last photo of the day…and what a day it was…so much excitement and happiness…and then another unforgettable meal. We really are so freaking lucky. I’m thankful every day…for this man and the life we have. Thanks for following along 🎣💙🎣