Thanks Al
Al,
As I?m sitting at my desk composing this letter, I have no idea where to start or what to say. I just feel compelled to say how much knowing you has meant to me.
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The only time we met was at the Fish-In at Lowell Idaho in 2003. You were (where else) at the tying bench. You were showing everyone who was interested how to use a new tying aid. I believe it was called the Petijean Super Tool. We had never met and you actually let me play with your tying tools. Including the Super Tool. I thought that was the most generous thing I?d ever experienced. And that Super Tool was a pretty neat gizmo. Then you tied up a SHWAPF and gave it to me. I still have that fly. Try as I may, when I tie a SHWAPF, I still can?t match your workmanship.
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During that trip, I cooked Cornish Game Hens in a dutch oven for the folks in my immediate camp area. When all were fed, you wandered into camp to see what folks were up to. You said you had a pretty good day fishing the Lochsa (70 something comes to mind) and that you never had a chance to eat. I explained that the Game Hens were all gone, but there was some veggies left. So, you cleaned up what was left, and I actually felt privileged that I was able to cook dinner for Al Campbell. That campsite is probably my all time favorite campsite because of the people that were present. And I?ve been in a lot of campsites.
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There was a young man there by the name of Cole. He was new to flyfishing and he hadn?t had much luck yet. As I remember, you left your fishing rod packed up, and spent the day with him and your camera. I think he finally caught some fish, but I don?t remember if you got any pictures or not. Any one of us in that campground would have been happy to forsake a day?s fishing to help a youngster, but it was you who did it. That made me think that your generosity should be the hallmark of what make a good flyfisher.
Then the Pot-Luck! As I was making my way to dinner, I came across you. You too were on your way to dinner, but you had stopped to talk with Cole. I stopped to chat for a while as well, and somehow I convince you to pose with me for a picture. We were two very tired fishermen and it showed terribly on me. That is probably the worst picture of me I have. But it was taken with you, and I treasure it.
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That fishing trip was the best vacation I?ve ever been on. To get to know all the folks, including JC, Ladyfisher, and you makes me feel very happy to be a member of the family known as FAOL. But I want you to know that it was your Fly Tying tutorial that set the hook in my addiction. Since that day, and forever more, I will feel honored to call Al Campbell my friend.
Thanks Al, more than you know.
Your Friend,
Joe Sanders
(AKA Lotech Joe)
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A free gift waits for those who ask.
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Lotech Joe
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