Today is day 764 of our two-week Covid-19 quarantine. I'm currently experiencing a dull ache behind the eyes and a feeling of listlessness. It's been quite a while since I last went fishing or hiking or snowshoeing or anything exciting. My consumption of random trail mixes has also increased. It's not a great combination.

To say that we are living in strange times is probably the understatement of the century.

The last time Jacob and I spent some time on the river, we were specifically on the hunt for rising fish. You see, we're a stubborn people, to our detriment more often than not. Forget those dang old wet flies, and heaven forbid you to attach a streamer to the end of a sacred bamboo rod. Nope, only a dry fly will do.

We sat on the bank, counting. Watching the fish bubble to the surface and then dive back down. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, slurp! Up and down the went like clockwork, until Jacob wandered out. We waited, no more slurps. Eventually, Jacob began casting just for the heck of it. Nothing. And yet, we persevered. Still casting, still watching, still hoping.

As most anglers do, we eventually decided to move onto another hole. We caught a few fish, and it was by all accounts an excellent winter fishing trip (other than forgetting to charge my camera battery and only getting one semi decent photo). As we headed back to the car, we stopped to look over that hole. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, slurp! Dang old fish!

We believe that we are the superior being, especially compared to fish—silly little creatures with only a pea-sized brain. But, more often than not, we as anglers are humbled by the gill-bearing, aquatic craniate animals. Put in our place and sent on our way, a bit less cocky and a little more modest.

As I continue to cope with the current state of life, I remind myself of the rising fish. I am neither extraordinary nor superior. My existence is not more important than anything else. So, today I will stay home.

Tomorrow will be day 765 of our two-week quarantine, and it will probably be another long day, but this is my current part to play. May all the fishies be getting fat and happy while we're away!