Well now that we're all back from Lowell Idaho (and
everyone is once again working or doing whatever it
is they do in their everyday lives). I wanted to share
some of the thoughts I had during the Fish-In and on
the drive back.
One thing that struck me time and again during the Fish-In,
was how many times I would look into the faces of the men
and women (regardless of whether they were 30 or 70) and I
would see the child in them...the flushed face, big smile and
sparkling eyes that light up when you see or talk to children
that are having an adventure or doing something they love or
that is new and wonderous. It was great to see this in the
faces of people. I saw it when Ron and I stopped briefly to
speak with Danbob alongside the road on the Selway, and when
Danbob, Dadbob and Kenny came into camp after having a heck
of a day on the Lochsa, all of them tired and laughing, with
eyes and faces glowing with the days adventures.
Again I would see it, when David and Diann talked about her catching
a fish. And when Stan won the rod and reel combo and when he mastered
the double haul and once again when he was telling about catching
a fish on his new rod. Day after day you could look into their
faces and see the child inside the adult. There we all were, no
cell phones, no lines to wait in, no traffic, no getting up to
an alarm clock and going off to work or school. Just a group of
people enjoying something they love with people who feel the same.
The camaraderie was wonderful whether on the river, or around
the camp or campfires. There was lots of laughter, friendship,
fishing, games, food and sunshine in one of the most beautiful
places I've ever been.
The weather was great. 70's and 80's all week. In fact several
of us were wet wading. The fall foliage had started to turn
colors and it was beautiful everywhere you looked. There were
also wild turkeys and deer all over, including in camp. We hit
the Caddis hatch on the Lochsa again. The caddis were all over
the place in the Selway (as you can see from the picture).
But this year, we were there just before the major hatch. There
were also butterflies everywhere, hundreds of them and on the
Selway there were praying mantis in both green and brown (which
made me think of Bob Mead). And of course there were Osprey,
King Fishers, and my favorite, the Water Ouzels.
We ended up with about 41 people and there were 11 women in
the group which was a wonderful surprise. (Usually, it's
Deanna and myself or once in awhile there might be one or
two more). Not all of the women fish, but I really enjoyed
visiting with them. It was a great group of women. Lotech
Joe's wife Linda, doesn't fish. But as you can see from the
picture, she brought her portable sewing machine and had fun
doing what she loves, which is quilting and visiting. I ask
you, how often do you get to sit outside quilting with wild
turkeys and deer wandering by. She is a lovely person and
we are hoping to see her again at the Central Washington Fish-In.
I spent some time on the front porch of the cabin with David's
wife Diann, talking about something I love (fly tying). She
made the mistake of saying she's interested. Lol, I don't
know if it made a lot of sense to her, but I enjoyed our time
together. I'm hoping to hear that she's taken over David's vise
and that they had to get a second one. Diann, I'm also hoping
we get to fish together. Malla, I enjoyed meeting you and I hope
you decide you like flyfishing, so we can fish together sometime
too.
Mark Killiam brought his Dad (Everett) with him last year and
we were looking forward to seeing them again this year. But we
got a bonus when Mark's Mom (Rosemary) came too. She is wonderful,
and I was lucky enough to visit with her several times throughout
the Fish-In. You won't meet three nicer people. I'm hoping to spend
more time with her at future Fish-Ins.
Jeff Winikoff's wife (Marjie) wasn't able to fish, but I especially
enjoyed our visit the night of the BBQ and potluck. She's thinking
of trying fly tying, and I'm hoping she and I can fish together at
the Central Washington Fish-In next spring.
Benjo and Whitney were also there. She's delightful, and she
fishes. Benjo be sure and bring her along when we fish the
Humptulips.
Cookie Monster was there, which was great because I talk with him
in the chat room all the time, and it was nice to put a face with
the name. CM, I'm definitely looking forward to fishing together
in the future.
Steve Zweber (Z) thanks for a 'Boo' day to remember and for leaving
some fish for the rest of us. We'll see you at the CWFI.
Al and Gretchen Beatty were able to make it for a few days. I
learned so much from them in such a short time, (they gave a
tying demonstration one evening). My tying should improve greatly.
Gretchen, I truly enjoyed our visit (the quills will be in the
mail Monday). What a great down to earth couple.
Denny was there, and as always we enjoyed spending time visiting
and fishing with him. Also, I want to thank him for all his hard
work making sure that this was a wonderful time for all. The
distance and accuracy contests were fun and enlightening. Benjo,
I hope you wipe the drool from everyone off that beautiful skin
before you tie with it, Benjo received it for winning the
accuracy contest. Denny and Stan, thanks for the good food,
laughs and friendship.
Jim and Deanna, who we always look forward to spending time with,
were their usual wonderful selves. I also want to thank you for
the entomology slide show. Ron and I learned a lot and appreciate
the time and effort you spent so we could see it. Also many thanks
for the help with my double haul (watch out next year). Jim, I've
got to tell you, you clean up really good. And you're a Hoot.
Thanks to both of you for just being you.
Grizzly Wulff, it was so good to see you again. There were over
40 of us including Akidatheart, Dana, Eric and his son James,
GnuBee (did I spell that right?), and many more...I'm sure I'll
feel silly when I realize who all I didn't mention. Just let me
say this. I enjoyed spending time with all of you, and I hope to
see you again next year if not sooner. ~ VEE (Vicki Eagle Elk)
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