Spring. Early summer. What a glorious time to be outdoors! The weather is warm enough to be in short sleeves, but cool enough to keep from perspiring hard. The trees have leafed, the dogwood, forsythia, and wildflowers are in bloom, and a profusion of insects greets me on the streams. I find it particularly difficult to write this time of the year. I keep giving myself some choices; write something, do some of those "fix-it" jobs waiting around the house, or go fishing. Too many decisions for a beautiful, spring day. "The grass really needed mowing, too." I say to myself as I back out of the drive and head for...some where. I promise myself to keep notes so I can write an article. House repairs can be done on lesser days. That's how I rationalize my decision.
Do I turn north and fish the Namiwag or turn south and try the Wabimakade, the Negawi, or fish Hashawa Pond. Do I fish some body of water that I haven't tried yet? Do I go for bluegills? They're always willing to entertain me. Do I go for bass? Less likely to take them off their beds with a fly rod this time of year, but when I do, what fun! Trout? Trout are easy to locate, but fishing for them can be as much mental effort as physical. I don't know if I have the energy to match wits with wary trout; I’m having enough trouble deciding where to go.
How much time do I have? What an obscene question that is. Fishing should be an endeavor without time. The fish and fatigue will tell me when to leave. Darkness will force me to fulfill my other commitments if nothing else will. Time indeed. A few hours today, perhaps, but how many days are left? I own this moment only. Assured that I am living life to its fullest , I turn the wheels south.
Taking time to fish, to relax, to enjoy the earth is important. It is as important as keeping the house in repair. It is as important as sharing thoughts with friends. It is as important as work. It is important because I am trading a day of my life to do it. It really doesn't matter where I go. It only matters that I go.
Royal Dun
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