One thing we loved to do when we lived in Sonora was go fishing. Fishing meant two different things to BiJae and me. But we both had a great time doing it! We'd get home from work stop by the apartment and load up all the stuff. Some times I wouldn't tell BiJae what I was up to just so I could see his reaction when I said, "Want to go fishing?" His head would spin back to me, ears perked, and eyes lit up. I'm sure he would have said, "Does a bear shit in the woods?" Then again maybe not. BiJae had more manners than me.

Several evenings throughout the summer we'd load up the gear and head to New Melonies Reservoir. The water was always low. Some summers you could even walk across the old bridge from the old lake level. I'd take the truck down some of the lake trails that locals had made to get away from the boat ramp and the other folks. I'd usually find a good cove that looked good for fishing and then I'd park. "Come on boy, let's go fishing" With that said he was out of the truck and following me to the water.

I had a little "Belly Boat", it's an inner tube with a vinyl covering over it and connected in the middle to sit on. I'd take my rod, a few beers stuffed in the head rest. I'd put my flippers on my feet and head out. Once I was in the water it was BiJae's turn to get started. I'd always keep one eye on him cause of snakes and such. That and he was so entertaining to watch.

Usually the grass was tall so that made his fishing fun. It usually wasn't long till he had a ‘bite'. I'd watch him work that grass, slow and steady, creepin' up on something. Then he'd take a firm step with his front paw, one then another, trying to get his hunt to scurry away. Then, out of no where he would pounce. That was the most entertaining, watching him pounce. Nine times out of ten the catch would get away, but we always agreed to catch and release, unless we were real hungry!

I do remember one time we were real hungry and payday was a few days away. So BiJae and I loaded up the truck and headed to the lake to go fishing. This time I said a prayer as we were walking towards the water. I looked out over the water and asked, "Creator, I'd sure like to catch a fish today so I can eat." No sooner than I finished my prayer I looked down and there was a Red-Tail Hawk Feather. I took that as a good sign. I climbed in the belly boat and headed off to do my fishing, BiJae headed off to do his. Just before sunset that evening I got a good bite on my line. I set the hook and fought him in. It was a four pound bass, big ol fat one too! I ate off him for a couple days. As I left the lake that day I said another prayer. I looked back to the water at about the same spot, saying, "Thank you Creator." BiJae hasn't been the only miracle in my life.