On Thursday, August 7 at 6:47 PM, Brent and I cruised down the Magnetawan River—just on plane, letting the water carry our weight and our mood. We had had a great week, and this day the fishing was outstanding.

At the mouth of the river, where the H45 turning buoy at Clark’s Island marks the split between South and North channels on Georgian Bay, we made no choice between channels.

We chose U-turn.

As I completed the turn I slowly throttled up. It Ain’t Easy, anticipating the opportunity, shuddered with pleasure as her rpm’s climaxed and she answered the call; doing what she was meant to do.

Full throttle. Full trim. Flat calm water. Deep throated through-the-hull exhaust rumbling like a war drum.

Father and son, friends and rapscallions in the truest sense, doing what felt right: one last reckless, joyful three minute flight up the Magnetawan River before final goodbyes.

This is what legacy sounds like!