Wow, I can't believe my vacation is over and I have to go back to thinking like a fish again! It was fun rubbing fins with other lunkers who like to party until the wee hours of the morning. I can tell I am getting too old for that kind of stuff tho. I kept falling asleep and tiping over sideways in my float tube and spilling my margaritas.

Since I am following you ladies around on the WBT circuit, I just wanted to let you know that I arrived at Lake Norman last Thursday. It is really a homecoming of sorts for me. I have no relatives here, but I have always loved the state of North Carolina. Next to Texas, it is the best place to live for humans and old lunkers like myself. I understand that no women's tour has ever been to a North Carolina lake and that this is a new experience for most of you.

Lake Norman is a beautiful lake, but it is a resort lake and the boat noise and the wakes are already giving me a headache. Too bad they don't make Excedrin for bass. We have to cope naturally! Every time I think it is safe to venture out from under a dock or rock, here comes one of those big yachts and I have to wear these old fins out swimming for safety.

Another thing ladies, it is so, so hot here! Even "E" is having problems adjusting to the heat in this crystal clear water. You gals better wear that sunscreen and drink plenty of fluids. Some of you are not as tough as you think you are. Mother Nature took her toll on a few of you in Lewisville. I heard there were going to be some seminars before the tournament that addressed the issue of heat exhaustion. It would be to your advantage to attend. It never hurts to refresh your knowledge and you might be reminded of something that will save your life or help you save the life of your draw partner. I want all of you around for a long time. It gives me pleasure to see you running and gunning in your big fancy boats chasing after us little ole bass. I get my kicks in out-smarting you. Let those Carolina Rigs fly. I love it!

Welcome to North Carolina!