Saturday, December 10, 2011

A Fishing Post


Contrary to recent content, this is still a fishing blog. And if I’m going to call it one, I guess I’d better report such activity now and again. It’s not like I don’t get out – I do, fairly regularly – but not all fishing trips warrant a post. In fact, most don’t, and that’s the beauty of them.

Every trip to the water doesn’t need to be epic.

The true joy of fly fishing is in the simple, subtle threads that weave their way through the fabric of the day. It’s the cessation of any conscious thought that extends beyond the next cast, the next drift, the next step. It’s appreciating the sights and sounds and sensations of your escape – without analysis, without judgment, without control. It’s absorbing your surroundings through the pores of your skin. The true joy of fly fishing does not make good copy.

It’s…

... watching the sun rise in your rear-facing mirrors

... breathing the frosty morning air

... appreciating that which has been left behind

... sensing the contours of the stream

... wondering where the next path might lead

And this barely scratches the surface.

So yesterday’s outing was perfect in it’s nondescriptness. There was nothing worth writing about. Nothing happened that hasn’t happened a hundred times before. Nothing was unusual. Nothing was special.

And therein lies its singularity and its joy.

12 comments:

Fontinalis Rising said...

Mike- you captured it. Great pictures. Glad you're getting out there.

cofisher said...

This type of post is exactly why I read your blog Mike. Thanks!

e.m.b. said...

"perfect in it’s nondescriptness" -- and yet, you managed to describe it perfectly...

Mike Sepelak said...

Thanks, Jason. In truth, I didn't capture it. It's captured me. I know you understand.

And Howard, this type of comment is exactly why I keep at it. Thank you.

Erin, a perfectly lovely thing to say. I appreciate it.

Travis said...

mike, well put, I totally agree with everything you said! Awesome post

Mike Sepelak said...

Travis! Great hearing from you, bud! Hope bloglessness is all that you hoped it would be. We miss you, though.

Ken G said...

It's nice to see I'm not the only one fascinated by those bits of green you come upon while out wandering otherwise bare woods.

Been having a number of days lately where I feel like a somnambulist out in the woods. If it weren't for the pictures, I wouldn't remember.

Nice nondescript post, Mike.

THE RIVER DAMSEL said...

I also happened to have one of those days yesterday...and when I got home, the family asked me the usual question.."Did you catch fish?" They just don't understand. The senses and smells of the outdoors just gives the soul a stir...

Mike Sepelak said...

Ken, there's always little surprises out there that you can find only if you drift along blissfully. Good observation!

RD, few do understand. And a a good soul stirring is good for the... well... soul. Glad you got out!

Mark said...

Great post Mike! I can definitely relate.

Anonymous said...

I like your holiday banner, Mike!

Brk Trt said...

Nicely done.
Most of my days on the stream are about all that is fly fishing.

Love the header photo.