Nature Essays

Meet My Friend

Meet My Friend

As I wandered and waded today, I felt a bit off from my usual happy-water-vibe. I couldn’t settle into myself. Couldn’t cast worth anything. I was about to jump on my own case when I heard, like a trickling whisper, The wind is really strong today. It’s okay. It’s very gusty. Just relax and have …

Read More Read More

Green Drake Heaven

Green Drake Heaven

All week the forecast grew more and more ominous for Friday. Rain, over an inch, was called for when we made the decision to go for it. It was a guided trip I scheduled months ago to celebrate my birthday. That much rain is no joke in a mountain stream, but sometimes forecasts aren’t right. …

Read More Read More

Enter…The Trout Zone

Enter…The Trout Zone

From behind a large boulder, the tail of the deep pool looked perfect. I picked up the tip of my rod, stripping off line, and did the back cast. Just as the fly began to follow, I glanced down and about 15 feet in front of me a mayfly was emerging from the water. As …

Read More Read More

Stink Bugs for Breakfast

Stink Bugs for Breakfast

There’s something about the warm, espresso-flavored froth as it is slurped…the first taste of the morning. But this morning, as I poured the froth over the espresso, I thought I saw something floating. I ignored it but just as I was about to experience that first frothy goodness, I saw it again.  I got a …

Read More Read More

Flowers & Ice

Flowers & Ice

After a very warm, ‘early Spring’, we slid back into Winter. But somebody forgot to tell the trilliums and violets and other tender flowers that continue to unfold their magic in the mountains.  It warmed up to the low 50’s, after several 20 degree nights. Sunny skies, on the first day of Spring, lured me …

Read More Read More