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.
Writer's Block - A Journey
I've just sat down at my local library to write about some of our recent fishing trips and I encountered a problem I've had all year, writer's block. I've tried exercises varying from free writing to forcing myself into 1000 words to switching up where I write. Needless to say, not much of it has worked. They say (who are they anyway?) that this condition can last a few weeks to a few years. I'd like to think I'm still in a curable stage and can recover without too much treatment. I put a bit of effort into some technical 'how-to' writing, but what can I teach you that you don't already know? I'm stuck with the metaphorical gibberish.
Read moreStill Here
There’s a chile roaster in a just about every grocery store parking lot. The aspen trees are changing from green to bright yellow and orange. All of the trout have decked themselves out in their best fall colors. Mornings are brisk, usually in the 40s; afternoons are full-on summer. For me, this is the most magical time of the year and usually one of the hardest.
In years past, this is the week that Jacob and I would pack up our little Subaru, full of beer that we couldn’t find back East and goodies that we couldn’t live without, usually a collection of rocks and other treasures found along trout streams. It’s the time of year that we say “see ya’ later” to the place we love so much, but not this year.
Read moreHow To Take A Walk In The Woods
Get a good nights sleep. Dream of 18-inch rainbows and uncharted waters, hatches, and sunshine.
Wake up early to a good pot of coffee. Drink it all and pack more for the ride, it's going to be a long one.
Meet up with a fellow angler, meet up with the second down the road.
Drive around for a while, check out a pull-off or two, decide on a spot you noticed a while back.
Gear up. Full regalia. Waders, boots, wading staff, pack, camera, water bottle, snacks, beer, everything.
Don't forget your 8' 6" fly rod, forget the 7', the longer rod will be much better.
Read moreMy Step
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 moreThe Song of Fall
Last week was heavy. I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking that. I’ve spent some time over the past few weeks contemplating the changing of the seasons, how my seasons in life are altering me.
I reminded myself, and am now reminding all of you, to embrace the song of fall.
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