…resting in my easy chair at last. Took my dad’s wooden boat out to the lake twice today, once in the morning and once in the evening. Forty-two years old, still good as the day he built it. Felt good to be out of that dadgum fiberglass boat…in the little 12’ bateau I could go down those shallow canals off the lake and escape the 20 mph wind. With an 8’ Monty bamboo rod, a Jitterbee and some “special gift” flies under an indicator and the day was fine.
Went home about noon, took a long nap, and went back out about 4:30. Got home again just before dark. Final tally, five great bass, one small one, couple dozen 'gills, mostly redears, and one BIG catfish. Cranked up the engine just as the sun was getting low, idled out of the lake watching the world turn golden and silver. The wind made the water looks like it was undulating fire tinted with silver and turquoise. The varnished topsides of the boat were amber fire…nothing much has changed, really…except now I’m at the back of the boat whereas I used to be in the front. I miss sitting in the front, with the old man at the tiller, bringing us home after a satisfying day on the water.
“This one’s for you, pop,” I said as I left the lake and throttled up toward home.
Cleaned and dried boat, cleaned and put up buncha 'gills. Cleaned and dried rod. I love cane, even in the wind. Talks to me, like that old boat my dad built two years before I was born talks to me.
Showered, had a bit of supper, popped the top on a Killian’s and though my back aches and I’m tired, well, I’m about as happy as a bug in a rug.
RS - We had snow flurries this aftrnoon and the “weather guy” tells us that 2" is possible overnight! However, your story brought a bit of the sunny south into my living room. Cheapest vacation I’ve ever had.
some time now, convinced I was reading the
wisdom of the ages from a wise “old” man.G
Now I read in your latest that the 42 year
old bateau was built two years prior to your
birth. Say it ain’t so. Your just a puppy
or else my math is amiss.G Warm regards,
Jim
years. I’ll continue to enjoy your creative writings but don’t think badly of
me if I choose to think of you with thinning grey hair.G Warm regards, Jim
Beautiful, Roger…The environment differs but all else is similar to my recollections of days gone by. If the water goes down a bit I’ll fish this evening, and pop the top of a Genesee when I get home…Cheers!
I have also been enjoying your writing for some time now and I have to say Jim Hatch took the words right out of my mouth. Your writing is much “older” than your days on this earth. The only answer that I can think of, is that the spirit of your people from generations past, is truly in you, and you have the ability to share their wisdom with all of us. Please continue to tell us your stories-Mike (not quite as Old 9-5-65)
Roger,
Loved the feel of your story… we’re just getting into our autumn, days have shortened but here on the highveld it won’t get as cold as you do!
You mention the Jitterbee yet again (see my posting), and I’m dying to know waht it looks like!
