Welcome Liars

As long as I remember, a sign hung above the main dock of the Camp at Gohere Bay. In my youth it was held by two poles that had served as hoists for removing outboard motors from boats. The sign was composed of green painted planks with letters fashioned from branches or small logs that read "WELCOME LIARS". It was a good natured stab at the fishermen and hunters who passed beneath and for years, no trip was complete without a photo under the sign.

A smaller version travelled the country in the trunks that carried the Camp's marketing materials such as cabin photos, pictures of trophies from years past, the occasional mount and, for many years, a cinnamon bear rug. When setting up the trade shows, the sign was the last item placed. Everyone on the circuit recognized the sign and directions were often given based on it's location.

A competing camp tried for a little one-up-man-ship with a sign that read "WELCOME SUCKERS" but somehow folks didn't warm to it in quite the same way.

Today the poles are gone, as is the sign. I don't miss it unless I close my eyes, where I still see the green sign hanging between the white poles. I've heard my share of stories from some of the greatest sportsmen and storytellers to ever wet a line or bait a trap.

So, pull up a chair next to the stove, or a piece of rock on the shoreline. Feel free to join in the card game, we'll explain the house rules as they come up. And with all due respect, Welcome Liars.