Split Bamboo Pole

While walking the dogs over at the College nearby I happened upon a fly fisherman practicing.  There’s a real art to whipping the line in such a way that its mass can carry the hook some distance on the water.  I mentioned the antique split bamboo pole, Ocean Brand, Tokyo, Japan, that my late wife had shown me years ago. While describing the kit 

a flood of memories awakened my senses, not only of my late wife and her enthusiasm, but of a day outing I’d had on the Deshutes river in Oregon with a fly fisherman thirty years ago.  My buddy had been effective at duplicating the look of the flies that the fish feasted on.  He caught and released several fish while others nearby were asking him for advice to which he gave up tidbits of information to give them something to work on.  I learned a little about fly fishing that day.  I saw through a window into the relaxation and satisfaction that keeps a fly fisherman intent on perfecting an art.  Now in California I often remind myself how lucky I have been to have experienced all that I have and to remember to count my blessings.