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When I took up fly fishing around age 40, I was fond of saying that as my ability to run decreased, I'd just spend more time fly fishing. Now I no longer run at all (I do miss it, though...) and I realize that the day came far sooner than I imagined it would. I can't imagine what I'll do when I can no longer fish. Probably read a lot. Maybe try painting and drawing again. I know I'll have to do something...
I'm 73 and will spend my 74th fishing in the Black Hills of South Dakota :lol: My last check up (last week)went well. Things are where they should be, even lost about 15 lbs. due to diet and exersize (need to drop about 5 more lbs). Last night I tied up a bunch of Zebra Midges to try on the Elk River this weekend.
You will find me up in Louisville at the Kentuckiana Fly Fishing Expo working the "Hog Creek Furled Leader" booth on Jan 26th, then over to the BUFF show in Cinci. on the 2nd of Feb.
Please give up all this negative "Doom and Gloom" posting and let us good guys carry on!
Yes I have to use a bit more care when wading but we all should!!
My fly fishing days will come to an end at a gathering of friends in May. I'll keep very basic gear so I can accompany my son when he visits, but no more going out by myself.
I didn't fly fish to catch fish as much as I did to get the serenity that comes from being in a beautiful place focusing for hours on my drift. The trout caught were a bonus. I can't get that serenity anymore as my numb feet leave me constantly worrying about falling and my numb fingers make knot tying frustrating. So it is time to give up the sport.
I had some anger about this at first, but have come to see it in a different light. Fly fishing and tying used to give me relief at a time when I had stress in my life. Now that I am deeply semi-retired, and all my kids and grandkids are doing well, I have very little stress. So I've come to be grateful that I had fly fishing when I really needed it and didn't lose it until the need was slight.
I don't think I'll return to golf. I'll be looking for things that keep my mind active and give me pleasure, while allowing me to sleep as late as I want. I have a lot of alternatives that fit those criteria.
Well good for you, Jack. Hey you know I didn't really choose to be born with the diseases, hereditary diseases, I have that are now taking full hold on me. I am so happy that you are such a great model of a human being that you can control what fully diseases are active in you and what ones aren't.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Hise
Then again you aren't dealing with the issues I am while I still manually man handle 180-1,000lb pallets of freight 10 hours a day for the military like I do. try picking and packing all that freight for 10 hours a day, standing on a concrete floor, after I take out 8 discs in your back, strip all the calcium out of your system, destroy the interlocking facets on your vertebrae and so forth.
You know you just did me a big favor. You just helped me make up my mind on another item I was pondering. Since you don't want me to complain on this site, see Ya, I am gone. You are one of the ones that will get blindsided by it and if you survive it you will be on here crying the blues about loosing the sport you loved just like I am now. Oh, Jack, I almost forgot if being a good guy means being like you I would rather be bad to the bone any time. Means I won't be a drunk, arrogant old crab either.
Later.
Admin please deactivate this account.
Nighthawk, I haven't been on this forum very long and don't know you, but it appears to me that you got a lot of support from a lot of friends here. It would be a shame to let one person with whom you disagree take that away. Good luck to you, and best wishes...
He quits once a year. The mods don't need to delete his account. He can simply delete the website from his favorite list...
Gee, thanks for all of your concern. You could simply delete this website from your favorites also,,,,,,,,,,,, please.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bakerloo
Over the years I've really come to respect Nighthawk on this site. His posts are often right on the money and his concern for others is something I fail to live up to. Sometimes his situation seems to really beat him down hard and I'd like to think that this site would be the kind that understands. Most folks do. Some don't and that's a shame.
I certainly hope that he does come back. I pray that his health improves and he can learn to love fly fishing all over again.
I couldn't agree more.Quote:
Originally Posted by PA Dave
I'm frankly a bit worried about him. Loss of interest in doing things you like to do is often a symptom of depression -- not that avoiding doing things that are physically painful is a bad idea.
I hope he puts some time into that Appalachian Dulcimer. I know that making music has gotten me through some tough times.
It all goes to my kids, and my kids at Woodland High School. By now, I ain't goin anywhere until retirement in 20 or so years.