I just got back from a day on the stream. I fished a medium size creek in southwestern VA. There was a dusting of snow in the higher elevations and was pretty cold early in the morning. The water was running high and clear perfect for fishing After a satisfying breakfast I took out a Pardon 2000 and smoked it until I nearly burned the tips of my fingers. The fishing was very good with fish taking our flies on a regular basis. At around noon I took a break for a small bite to eat and a little of the Makers Mark. I then broke-out a Macanudo Portafino I had in the humidor just waiting for it's turn to fulfill it's destiny it was a good afternoon smoke The temperature was raising as were the trout. I continued to fish until around 4:00 p.m. at which time I thought it was time to return to the world of responsibilities. On the way to the house I had a Carlos Torano Exodus 1959 to keep me company, it was a wonderful way to end a near perfect day. It is not the number or size of the fish which makes the trip it is the memories the trip leaves with us. Good Fish Good Friends and Good Smokes that is what it is all about.

Amen!

Barry

Intel,

Have you ever read A Fly Fisher's Life?

Dennis

Intel, thanks for a great "postcard". Reminded me of Hemmingway's descriptions of fishing in Spain. LG

Intel ... you and I should swap some fish stories ... I can tell you're the kinda guy who would appreciate mine just as much as I appreciate yours.

No I have never had the privilege of reading a Fly Fishers Life. I have read all of the John Gierach books and Fly Fishing Through a Midlife Crisis by Howell Raines, all are excellent reads.
Even Burns & Tight Lines.

Intel, do you tie your own flies? I have numerous parrot feathers of all colors and can get more. I've toyed with idea, but have never gotten around to actually tying one with parrot feathers.

Barry

While in collage I worked as a guide and taught fly tying and fly casting classes for a shop in the Mid-West. The work outdoors taught me a lot about people, life and cigars. After about three years of eating Mac & Cheese I realized I better finish school. The office looked nice but not much money in it. Now I fish for the love of the sport. As for the parrot feathers there are probably all kinds of Salmon flies that require unusual feathers such as parrot and the like but off hand I can not name any. Most of my tying has been and still is on the use-um and lose-um theory. I don't put in more time per fly them it takes to lose one in a tree, fish or friend.