Trying to Relax, Meeting Nice People

Has it taken me this long to relax or are the people getting nicer? Perhaps there were so many fishermen here in the beginning, all wanting to catch lots of fish, hoping for the big one, all wanting a prime spot on the river, elbowing their way in, pushing others out, that the chaos got to me. Maybe I was one of them. ?? Or maybe I'm just now realizing that we've been here 100 days and we have many more left to enjoy. I have to think it's a combination of both.

We, and the other fishermen, now say, "I've caught a nice fish. I'm happy with one fish." In the beginning of the season it was all about numbers, quantity not quality. We’ve met some very nice, interesting people this summer. We’ve been fortunate to see many return from years past, some staying for a day or two and some camping out and staying longer. It's nice to get reacquainted and spend more time with them. Tom offered to take us down the river in his drift boat. Jeff brought his cata-raft and elk meat. Logan left us a bottle of wine. Jerry treated us to dinner out. Don treated us to a couple dinners (in & out) and wine. Ray shared his smoked trout. We shared many meals plus more with Eric's family and a couple dinners with Kenny & Linda. Clark brought us a sweet watermelon. Stan and Steve who give so much of themselves. (Many more that I can't remember right now.) All treated us to their friendship and good conversation. It's been an enjoyable summer with friends.

We’ve met people who have been "on the river” for many years, who make this their livelyhood, like Chuck Robbins, Tim Tollett, Dick Sharon, Andy Bennett, Tim Mosolf, Tom Smith, Russ Kipp, Dan Delekta, and Terry Throckmorton. And some equally nice “younger” guys who also make their living on the river like Justin and Travis Hartman, Matt Bryn, and many more.

We’ve met newcomers to the river who are looking for the big fish, who we tell they’re lucky just to hook one, let alone bring it to the net for a photo. Heck, I’ve told many that if you can just see a fish rising you’re doing well. It’s been rewarding for us to help the nice guys. Like Jim from Maine who finally asked me what fly I was using, who I gave flies to, who I walked out to the river with to spot the fish. Steve jokingly asked if I was “giving clinics.” Jim from Maine told his friends from Maine, William and Josh (father and son) to look for the woman wet wading and I'd help them. They came around the bend in the river and were surprised to find me in the middle of the river, yes, wet wading. William and Josh had been on the Madison River for 3 days with a guide and within a few minutes I was able to give them flies, show them rising fish they had not seen, and they said they caught the biggest fish of their trip so far! That felt good.

We enjoy helping most people with fishing tips and with flies. Seeing Greg & Stuart (father & son) catch fish together was special. Seeing Steve and his grandkids fishing side-by-side was heartwarming. Eric sharing a fish photo with his kids made me as happy as the kids were.

I'm still trying to relax. I'm enjoying life and looking long and hard for the good. Considering all things, taking the bad with the good, I'd say there's been far more good times than bad. I hope you say 'hi' when you see us.