Prior to the first of January I had many interests. First there was my job at the time – executive search - followed closely by my illustrations, and in a close tie for second, my blog. Since being fortunate enough to join the national staff of Trout Unlimited…these have changed.
I have been totally consumed by my new role as Veterans Service Program Coordinator and while I aint complaining one bit, my involvement in the work of engaging our nation’s veterans in fly fishing has overtaken just about everything else. To have a hand in bringing rehabilitation and healing to our country’s heroes is the most satisfying thing that I have ever been involved in.
That said, a guy has to play now and then. Last week Ryan and I took three of our vets on a trip to one of our favorite spots - the upper reaches of the French Broad River. Our buddy Kevin Howell, the owner of Davidson Rover Outfitters, and a guy that thankfully can’t seem to say “no” to our veterans, gave us a day on one of his premier private waters.
Ryan and I, along with Jamie, Bart, Nancy and Joanie spent a glorious day fishing for the inhabitants of this little stream…and here are some shots of the day. Not only did it break the rhythm of my daily tasks, but it reminded me of why I’m doing what I do.
The weather was perfect and the fishing was great even though nothing over 8 inches made it to the nets. Everyone caught a few and except for a pretty little brown that I managed to fool, all were wild rainbows.
