Two more logs go into the fire pit, stirring the orange coals and swirling smoke. Embers become flame. I take a sip of beer from a bottle while pondering the pack of graham crackers and pair of Hershey bars next to my chair. My day has come down to this, next to a bubbling brook.
My daughter and I geared up to go fishing this morning, not late in the morning but certainly not early. Her new waders fit well, along with boots borrowed from her Mother. I tie a nymph for her and dry fly for me. An hour later, her hands are freezing, even after I held them in mine to warm them, trying to extend our time on the water a few more minutes. In between, we stumble, laugh, pause, and she hikes through the creek. She's discovered a new freedom in waders and boots. She's also learning new restrictions from overhead branches and trees lining both banks. It's 38 F, and she's given me more than enough to to still my waters.
After a break just long enough to actually enjoy a cup of coffee and microscopic chocolate frosted doughnuts, I grab both rods and head downstream from our campground, abandoning the heated comfort of the Mobile Hotel® yet again. I can't resist doing some compare-and-contrast casting. I started out giving "lessons" on my 7' St. Croix Imperial 3 weight rod a couple of hours ago. The world spun backward when I started casting a Redington Butter Stick. This 7'6" rod in 4 weight makes my Imperial feel cold and uncommunicative. The fiberglass is alive.
My last two logs go into the fire for some welcome heat. It's 45 F, and I'm wishing I'd brought the bourbon. This just isn't a beer night. The Hershey wrapper opens because I can't resist the temptation another minute. No messy marshmallow roasting tonight. The rest of the family is hiding from the gray twilight chill. Just me, the fire, graham crackers, and chocolate.
My neck and shoulders remind me how I arrived at this night. A little more than two years ago, Parkinson's Disease backed me into the proverbial corner and I responded with whimper: I just want to go fishing.
I got the stink-eye when I grabbed a pack of graham crackers and TWO Hershey bars for my sunset snack. Totally worth it.
How totally cool that your daughter is such a gamer. I could only wish. By the way Chris, are you now a proud owner of a Butterstick? I think I told you so.
ReplyDeleteCaught that, did you? I've actually had the Butter Stick since late last summer. Trident Fly Fishing had an irresistible price on a package: The Redington Butter Stick and a Rio Trout LT line. I tried it a couple of times, but my casting skills were still not ready for it. Saturday morning, there was an awakening.
DeleteMore on this in the near future. And it just so happens that my four favorite words are "I told you so." :)
Chris
ReplyDeleteFly fishing is the perfect way to share time with one who is special in Dad's eyes. Thanks for sharing
It was indeed a "good way" to start. "Better" will eventually come when it's warm enough that temperature isn't a consideration and she brings one to hand on one of these little spring creeks. "Perfect" will be a day when both kids are fishing with me and independently catching fish. :)
DeleteI told you so!
ReplyDeleteYour daughter will cherish these days. How do you like the butter stick? I've wanted to try that rod.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're right, Kevin. I'll try to get my son hooked into this somehow, too.
DeleteAh, the Butter Stick. I've been wanting to try it for nearly a year, too. Give me one more weekend with it doing some small stream work and I'll write something up. My initial reaction is that this rod likes me. I was impressed when I was able to lower my loops and cast into a breeze. Howard may be right...
Chris, first off just wanted to say that I just came across your blog in the last few days. I really like the feel and how you present yourself and your posts. I have added you to my BlogRoll over on my blog. I am a long time Blogger, but, took a (6) month family and health hiatus after the Christmas holidays. Hope to read more of your great posts and share readers with you.
ReplyDeletehttp://melsfishintimes.blogspot.com