There are times when it is beneficial to stop and smell the roses. Take a breather and take in the here and now as change is always in the wind on this earth.
It is a relatively ordinary seasonable spring day, but I can't help to reflect on the blessings in life. All too often all we hear are the challenges and darkness. So here goes while the seas are calm.
First, I thank the Lord almighty and for being born in this great country and to this great family of mine. My mother is blessed to be 95 years old and still getting around, and she has my generous sister living with her, so I don't have to worry. I have a lovely wife and wonderful tweenage boy that I am very grateful for. I had a steadfast father who instilled in me the love of the outdoors, and a gungho brother that challenged me with every accomplishment. Now, I am an adult with more hobbies and interests than I can keep up with sometimes.
Today, I had a breather from sitting behind my desk all morning and took my lunch hour at home which I am blessed to work about 10 minutes from. I greeted the cat and went to my basement and loaded up some new fly line I had received for trying out a little euro nymphing I had been reading up about this spring. A few weeks ago, during a warm spell the state saw fit to do some pre-season stocking, and I ended up fishing all alone with a few trout in the water. I landed 3 browns on the old tenkara rod I got many seasons ago for elk hunting trips and caught them on some flies I had tied. I used some yellow Halo serving as level line and it all seemed to work fairly well. I was tickled.
Now, I am super excited to make some trout fishing trips in addition to my regular campouts. The fish bug has bitten me hard this year. I have my eyes on spring trout, the shad run, some catfishing, maybe a try with the bow for stingray, and a saltwater trip or two. I don't have a gang of close friends, but the ones I contact regularly also seem to be interested in the fishing this year. Good times are ahead!
This year I have an elk tag in my pocket and fate again has put me into contact with a new friend there that has already helped me with information and map scouting. Earlier, I had sent my friend and bowyer Nate Steen an older Howard Hill Big-5 to refinish, and that bow should be on the way soon.
After loading up the fly reel, I grabbed my lighter Northern Mist longbow and a bamboo arrow blunt and took a little walk shooting at stumps in the backyard. One of those days when you are on and just feel one with the bow. The set up with fat dacron string was whisper quiet and hitting right where I put it. It all seems to be coming together.
I look in the mirror these days and see a grey beard looking back at me. A little grizzled, yet full of the same fire I can remember as a teenage boy myself. The road of life seems to be whizzing by a rapid speed, but I think I may do my best to try to reflect on these times of calm and hope. The times of challenge and storm are never far away. These things may aid me when the times are tough.
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