Around the Next Bend
by Michael Brown
As I sat down to write this column, a flood of thoughts came over me as to what I should write — ranging from something serious to the frivolous thought. I decided to write this as I would approach fishing by casting thoughts and mending their drift — which is how our newsletter got its name.
Fly fishing has been a catalyst for many of us to see beautiful parts of the world (both near and far), to visit with friends and revel in the camaraderie, to spend quiet time to help us heal from our daily struggles, and to continue learning and sharing about its practices and traditions. Images of each aspect fill my thoughts and try to cloud them.. to no avail. Only causing me to smile, and ponder, "What's around the next bend?"
This past summer, I had the good fortune of being able to travel to New Mexico and Colorado with friends. The one thing that permeates my memories is those of my friends. The rest is the proverbial window dressing.
We all daydream of wanting to relax. We wonder what kinds of fish inhabit any nearby water (often to the dismay of the non-fishers among us -- who don't understand why we must walk perilously close to the water and give searching glances). We like to enjoy life and are thankful that fly fishing is a part of it, regardless of the quantity.
I'm looking forward to creating more memories of people and places, and adventures yet to come. Hopefully I'll be able to share my thoughts with you in a not-so-disjointed manner.
Note: This column originally appeared in our January-February 2004 newsletter.