There’s a set of steps on our favorite river, right at one of our favorite holes. I’ve found that the second step is wonderfully perfect for eating a nut and banana sandwich, sipping on a cold beer or just enjoying the views. These steps are a spot I’ve used to warm up. The spot I was bitten by a brown recluse spider and the place where I watched Jacob catch one of the biggest browns I’ve ever seen. This is where I’ve met strangers traveling by on the trail, where fellow fishermen have plopped down next to me for a quick chat.
Read moreHeading West
There's a thick fog hanging on the ground this morning. The ground is still covered in snow and a light, cold rain is falling. Winter is here. And, so are my seasonal blues. I spend hours tucked under a blanket, caught up in the words of Edward Abbey, living in my own Desert Solitare.
I dream about blue skies, big mountains, cutthroat, and the warmth of the sun in the high desert.
Read moreThe Messy Parts
Lately, I've been spending a good bit of time minimizing. Shifting through the overpacked closet and stuffed drawers, sorting through books, papers and files, and, most importantly the junk drawer(s). I started with one of my office drawers, though organized, at the very bottom I felt something peculiar. After sticking my finger, uttering a four letter word (or two), I pulled out a fly patch. A fly patch, in my office drawer. Note: I do not tie flies, organize boxes, or clean out waders, packs, etc... in my office, it is strictly for sewing and writing. Pushing a few files out of the way, I retrieved two full pucks of flies and a lonely mop fly, all tangled and messy.
This led into a day of crazily searching all of my drawers. Sock drawer, t-shirt drawer, junk drawer, kitchen utensil drawer, you get the idea. Once I had exhausted every single drawer in the house, I was now the proud owner of enough flies to fill a box, everything from streamers to eggs.
These discoveries ultimately led to a deeper examination of my life, as all things fishing related usually do.
Read moreGiving Tuesday {How I'm Giving Back}
I always have a hard time trying to decide which organization to donate to on Giving Tuesday. Because let’s face it, there are so many amazing causes within the fly fishing community. This year I’ve decided to compile a list of a few of my favorites to share.
In honor of Giving Tuesday I’ve decided to donate 15% of all rod bag sales through Christmas to one of the organizations listed below. Please help me choose by leaving a comment on this blog post or any of my social media platforms.
Read moreDays That Make Us Thankful
t seems that Jacob and I have started our own, very unique tradition. For a few years now, we've bypassed the conventional expectations of how we're 'supposed' to celebrate holidays. Instead of gathering with those we hardly speak to, consuming enormous amounts of food and pretending to show interest in a game we care nothing about, we head to the river. Many people scoff at us, while others feel sorry for us (assuming we have nowhere to go). I expect to some folks it is rather strange, but to us, it's pretty perfect.
Read moreCyber Monday Deals
A few weeks ago Jacob finished out a 7’ 2” 3 weight C. Barclay fiberglass blank. I’ve been secretly hoping that it won’t sell, because this is a truly perfect small creek rod! It’s got me dreaming of high mountains and wild cutthroat and all the adventures. Funny how an inanimate object can invoke such magical dreams.
P.S All Rod Bags are 20% off through Monday! Just enter code “SHOPSMALL” at checkout, or shoot me an email with more questions or to place your order.
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