Our Michigan streams(inland) are put to bed also on the last day of September. I, too, wish that it weren't such a long period of rest but we do have some tribs to the Great Lakes which are open year round as well as some C/R stretches of well-known rivers. That being said, I always enjoy the anticipaction of "Opening Day" to get back and revisit some of my favorite waters and friends who enjoy fishing them. During the hiatus my tying takes on a quieter, less hectic pace; I explore some other avenues of the art which my pragmatic side doesn't allow during the heat of the season. And it's always fun to contemplate, plan trips, lay out itineraries, and the like. I think it is good for my psyche, the suspension and resolution, tension and release of a season...without a "Closed for the Season", there could never be an "Opener".
Thank you , Len, for the beautiful stories and excellent pictures you gift us with. You are one of the many treasures found here on FAOL.
Peace
Mark