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.
Leave No Trace
"Friend,
When you stray or sit and take your ease
On heath or hill, or under spreading trees,
Pray leave no traces of your wayside meal,
No paper bag, no scattered orange peel,
Nor daily journal littered on the grass;
Others may view these with distaste, and pass;
Let no one say, and say it to your shame,
That all was beauty here until you came."
I've driven past this sign half a dozen times. I always make Jacob pull over so I can read it, admire the flowers growing around it, and feel the breeze flowing through the mountains. Winding down the dirt road I always ask aloud; 'I wonder who wrote that?' And, I forget I've wondered just as soon as I say it. The sentiment, the lesson, is what always stuck.
Read moreA Rainbow and A Pot of Gold
The parking lot was full. We walked by all the cars, searching for fishy stickers or rod tubes in backseats. Determining that this was a big river, we'd just driven all the way out here, and the ratio of anglers to cars was not that high, we geared up. I swapped out my trusty hip pack for the daypack, as I do on most 'hike' trips. It was filled to the brim with snacks, rain jackets, and water, with all fishing essentials pinned here and there.
Jacob doesn't hike unless there's the return of fishing, a guaranteed pot of gold at the end of a rainbow if you will. Which is why these are my favorite kind of fishing trips, I get to hike with Jacob because the bribe of trout always works.
Read moreBe a Patriot for Our Wild Places
Happy Fourth of July, everyone!
I'm sure most of you are finishing up your early morning fishing trips and getting ready for a fun night filled with food, a good brew, and camaraderie with your favorite people. I've got my beer on ice, all my kale chopped up and veggie burgers ready to hit the grill!
But, I took a few minutes out of my day to speak up for the most American resource our country has, wild places.
I urge you to do the same. Here are a few things you can do on this holiday (and every other day) to help our greatest treasures.
What's In My Bag
We're 17 days away from Durango! So naturally, it's time to start packing!
Here's a look at a few of the outdoorsy things I love and plan to take with me.
Read moreI Went Down To the River
I've got a song that I hum when things get difficult. When I get tired on a trail, frustrated with life or just when I'm thinking too much. I'm not sure when I started, but I think it was some time during college or right after. It's a song by the Duhks, Down To The River. A slightly folksy tune, a lotta bit of Cajun, and a little bit Irish jig. I imagine that if I ever endure anything extremely troublesome, let's say childbirth, I'd sing it at the top of my lungs.
This weekend Jacob and I headed out on my first big adventure in a long, long time. A good hike, paired with lots of high country brook trout is the perfect combination. I can't begin to describe how sweet the pine trees smelled during the hike or how refreshing that cold mountain water felt on my feet. There certainly aren't words to characterize the tug of a native brookie on the end of my four weight.
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