Feeling Thankful

This weekend we begin the holiday travels to see family and friends. I look at all I'm thankful for. A great family both locally and across the country. I'm thankful to get to see old friends and meet new ones. This past year has been a roller coaster of life changes. A new job, New volunteer responsibilities, and new waters to fish.

Today I read that the Klamath River has now seen massive returns of native salmon to this vital fishery. The recovery project was worked on by some of my acquaintances so its is even more meaningful. seeing Their hard work pay off is truly why we fight to conserve waters across the country and around the world.

A little closer to home, I'm proud to announce, I'm officially a silver fly tying skills award winner. I am also a candidate to earn my Fly tying instructor endorsement from Fly Fishers International. I have already been asked to tie Flies at the Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival. I have also been asked to tie again at "Insectival" In Maryland. This year I am President of the Rapidan Chapter of trout Unlimited. I will be The "host with the most" at our annual show On February 14th, at the highland school in Warrenton, VA.

I will also be traveling to the Southeastern Regional Rendezvous for trout unlimited held At Black Mountain NC. Incidentally at the South Eastern, Ill be meeting up with My son-in-law's Dad, Paul Mailman. who will be there representing The Blue Ridge Chapter of TU.

Writing this I'm off To Maine celebrating the coming Thanksgiving with family. Oh, and Black Friday sales at LL BEAN.

Coming soon Pam and I have adopted a new Great Dane. Lucky For Me "Gracie" Likes to go On long truck rides and Hike along a stream. Can we say Fishing Buddy?

Selene's Fly shop in Gardiner Maine. one of the places I visited over thanks Giving. give her some love on social media

I had to stop in at "the emerald city" of the outdoors. Yes LL Bean Is a real Maine Company, this is Their flagship store in Freeport ME. The fly shop Is just the other side of The red building where Santa and some elves were hanging out.

My Last three flies for my silver skills award from Fly Fishers International Fly Tying Group