The church we belonged to while I was stationed in New England is celebrating their 50th anniversary. So the bride and I thought it would be a good idea to go and celebrate with them. I will also be visiting my Fly Fishing/Tying mentor, most likely for the last time. John introduced me to fly fishing and tying by taking me to some of the most prolific ponds I have ever fished. I must have gone through 4 dozen foam rubber spiders in the first year or so. They are still my go-to fly when the Bluegills are hitting on the surface. I lost so many spiders in the trees, John said I should be a registered defoliant.

John is in his mid 80's and battling cancer on and off. I'll be 75 during the trip and have a number of ailments with which I am dealing.
It is going to be a very bittersweet trip and I am looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time.

Thank you for letting me ramble about something that is only somewhat related to fly fishing.