I must say, I frequently take a dip into the water to cool off. Those splashes are what summer is all about.

This summer is going great, in case you wondering how I am. I have been on several new rivers, and have made some drift boat trips on well-known Blue Ribbon trout rivers. Someone has to go along to be certain Mike does not fall into a river — or fall overboard — and go missing. When I’m in a drift boat on an adventure, I also like to stand in the front and watch for things ahead — like monsters!

OK, just this week I was barking at logs, small clusters of foam floating on the water’s surface and a merganser with her small brood sitting on her back. Hey, they could all be threats if I was not keeping a keen eye out for dangers on the waterways.

Another unpleasant summer note is that BUGS are everywhere. As I have previously written, I hate bugs. They bite and sting — and there are plenty of those nuisances this year. Of course Mike sprays me to keep the bugs off, but since I am in the water about every five minutes, then that’s how long the spray lasts. Once I am back on land, the bugs return and I am target numero uno! I must say, I frequently take a dip into the water to cool off. Those splashes are what summer is all about. Never mind if Mike or any of his fish-smelling friends are fishing and I scare fish away, I need to bathe this fantastic fur, har har!

In closing, the great news — nearly all fish are safe. Mike catches fish much like he hunts — lots of opportunities missed. I’m thinking the next time I am headed to the rivers or lakes I should bring a magazine — like Sporting Classics — and an umbrella so I can sit in the shade and relax while reading. If Mike does fall in the water and goes missing, at least I will not be a suspect, har har! —Cameron