Well I did it . I got out of the old house and wet a fly.  After a night of heavy rain I knew the water was going to be a bit high.  The sky was gloomy and cloudy this morning but I wasn't going to keep me all bottled up at home . I gathered my gear and loaded up the old truck and headed west into the hills.

 As I was driving up the hills the skies were still low to the ground there was a light rain coming down I was kind of bummed but at least I was out there to make an attempt. i stopped at the store along the way put 86 hard earned USA dollars into my gas tank . Yikes I need a new vehicle. Bought a couple of Pepsi's one for the ride in and one on the ride out. A tradition of sorts Bought two slim Jim's why two I will get to that later in my report.

  As I got to my turn of and my bumpy ride down the final mile of dirt road that leads to the stream I was kind of excited to see it was me and the only nut crazy enough to be going fishing today. I pulled in to my stopping point and got my gear ready. I took in a deep breath of the fresh moist air took one more sip of my Pepsi and took a look into the back of my truck where my dog Sage would be itching to get out and go down the trails along the stream with me. i have to tell you i had a empty feeling go right through me. I then realized that I would be fishing completely alone for the first time in 14 years.  I held my breath put my Slim Jim in my pocket and hers back in the truck . A couple tears trickled down my face . I miss that old dog.

  The Birds were chirping and buzzing about . The air was cool but not uncomfortable. The trees and bushes were soaked and just beginning to bud. The Pussy Willows were just starting to get their fussy pods. As  I approached the water i kind of studied what was going on. I did not see any ripples or rises from fish what so ever. The water was up as i expected but not to bad. The rain stopped and there was a trace of sun light trying to work its way through the thick clouds.

I made my way down to several spots casting my favorite flies but was only able to turn the nose of one Brown looked to be about 12 inches  As the day went on i did see a few Rainbows chasing  some type of a brown mayfly but there was very little action other then that. I gave it my best for a few hours but nothing to show for it.  i sat down for a bit studied the ski , the birds and the beautiful hills. I had thoughts of Sage and one of my close friends wishing they were both here to share my day at being skunked.

  I decided even though my day on the water would not result in any tugs and no exciting pictures to show off to you folks  i still felt it was a hell of allot better then sitting home watching it rain. Sorry Lee i wish I had more . Maybe next time. 

                                                                  Sage I miss you Old Dog .   Dave V

Here's to wet dogs and favorite fishing holes.

Bill G.

I lost my cat a couple years back named Orvis, but I still have her sister named Sage.  Always very difficult to lose a pet.  I miss my Orvis dearly.  Too funny about the names though.  My 9 month old son is named Brooks (my wife would not let me use Trout as his middle name).  However, my Dad has nicknamed him Brooktrout!

Dave,

That was a nice report. I feel your pain. Even though it's been over a year now, I keep catching myself thinking that, my Dad will come home from the hospital again! The beautiful part will be the wonderful memories that will overcome you, when you least expect it. I cherish those moments. When you catch that first fish it will have real meaning, and you will remember it for a long time.

Because of nagging health issues, I haven't been out more than 3 times so far. But I finally went to an Allergist and I haven't felt this good in over 10 years! Before I went I was concerned that I would have to stop tying and fishing. 

I was giving a fly fishing lesson on a small pond (Berry Pond,@ Harold Parker S.P.) I usually don't bring my rod, but use the students. So this time I brought my own, and in the process of showing the student how to fish a nymph with an indicator I landed a 14" BOW!! I felt bad because the student got skunked.

Anyone who thinks loosing a pet isn't hard, has no feelings!