Lake Sakakawea: The Greatest Place in the World

   Yes, it's Lake Sakakawea. Not Lake Sacajawea in any pronunciation.
   It is on the Missouri River in North Dakota, pretty much in the middle of nowhere.
   However, I have been going there for almost 16 years. Why would I drive 15 hours to go fishing in the middle of nowhere? Lake Sakakawea has the best fishing in the nation, and my grandparents live there.


Walleye

   The lake is abundant with a specific type of fish, a delicacy that is consumed all over the nation. This fish is the walleye, and the fish my family catch are sent to relatives and friends who all beg for the tasty fish.
    Not only is the fishing at Lake Sakakawea phenomenal, as I mentioned before, the fact that my grandparents have a house there also adds to the lake's significance.
   At the lake house, I have many memories of playing games, puzzles, and lots of relaxing. On the lake, I have memories of catching 25 inch walleye, swimming, tubing and making grandpa mad with my stupid antics.
   When grandpa takes us out fishing, we get to use his boat. Riding in the boat is incredibly fun, especially when there are waves and I get splashed in the face.
   When I was younger and the water levels were lower, there were dozens of islands scattered in the water. My favorite was always Eight Pound Island, over which grandpa told me fishermen caught eight-pound walleye.
   The island was sandy, had a nice ridge and even had a great drop-off. My daddy would throw me off the ridge into the drop-off, where not even he could touch.
    Not only were the activities great, I often got to share them with some of my 20 cousins from that side of my family.
   Most of my favorite summer memories come from that lake. I got to share them with the people I love, and I hope to take my future family there at some point.
   Lake Sakakawea holds a very special place in my heart, and my heart keeps whispering, "go back."