Reblogged from Cameron M. Redwine:
Above: Outflow winds from a severe thunderstorm kick up a wall of blowing dirt near Last Chance, Colorado on June 13, 2013.
I, along with several other Colorado chasers, tracked this storm through Last Chance in an attempt to get back in front of it. The blowing dirt reduced visibility so much, I didn't think it would be photographically fruitful to continue north.
You can probably recount the benefits of being in/on the water waiting for first light…I can only think of Salmon having that predilection for the pronounced early morning bite. Otherwise, I have a hard time anymore being the first on the water.
For the trout fly fisher, so much is attached to hatches and when they hatch…thereby determining when you should be on the water for the greatest chance of success. But, I have to say, as much as I like to fish to rising fish (fish coming to the surface for the emerging insects), I often fish with out an evident hatch. Fishing deep (nymphing/dredging/trolling) has, for me, become equally satisfying and often productive.
That time, when the light of day (cloudy day or sunny day), is more dominant than the early morning darkness is magical to be on/in the water. Fish are cruising about, feeding, maybe looking up to emerging Chironomids or just moving horizontally, on the prowl. The fish take hard and run hard, waking you up and removing the morning chill and clearing your mind.
Morning fishing primes the day. Last light fishing, although often as productive, is disappointing with the abrupt ending…it makes me anxious for more…tomorrow morning.
A reminder when handling fish, particularly bigger fish: always wet your hands prior to handling the fish…handle the fish as little as possible when removing the barbless hook…whether immediately releasing or posing for a pic, keep the fish low to the water so if, as above, the fish propels itself out of your slippery grasp, the fall is a short distance into the water and not on any hard surfaces.
Depending upon the size of fish, your level of excitement and your experience level, a little mental planning is in order. While you are caught up in ‘the moment’ and having fun, also give thought to how and where you will handle the fish to have a positive, safe outcome for the fish and yourself.
HOLLYHOCK FOUND IN IRAQ NEANDERTHAL CAVE….SHANIDAR
I can recall, as a child, my parents always had certain flowering plants in the yard (roses, fuchsia, foxgloves, azaleas and hollyhocks). I took a sample of seeds from my parents hollyhocks right before the property was sold off and put them into our garden. Now they keep on growing. One has to be careful where you put them because they will self seed to a radius of at least their height….and perhaps where you don’t want them. Still I like the blooms. Hollyhocks go way back in time…..
“Of all the skeletons found at the cave, Shanidar IV provides the best evidence for Neanderthal burial ritual. The skeleton of an adult male aged from 30–45 years was discovered in 1960…. soil samples from around the body, were gathered to establish…..vegetational history of the site, were analyzed…entire flowering plants (or at least heads of plants) had entered the grave deposit. Furthermore, a study of the particular flower types suggested that the flowers may have been chosen for their specific medicinal properties. Yarrow, Cornflower and Hollyhock were represented in the pollen samples, all of which have long-known curative powers as diuretics, stimulants, astringents as well as anti-inflammatory properties.”
Traditional dry fly patterns tend toward the lighter shades of brown, green and black into tan, olive, yellow or grey. Of course, those pattern colors work wonders but consider the darker color…black too. On bright skied days try darker silhouettes to get a rise.
Recently, I was honored by Elsa Elskerarvid when she nominated me in her blog for the Most Influential Blogger Award.
Takk Elsa for din type nominasjon av bloggen min. Jeg liker dine vakre ord veldig mye!
As you may no doubt know, there are usually a series of questions that reveal some aspect of the nominee’s life, thoughts, passions, visions. So let’s try these questions on, and for me they are tough……
1-If you could create your planet what would it look like? Tough for me because unlike many of you I am not prone to using the word planet, or global. I am more local and service oriented. So let me take the easy way out…my planet: no harsh weather; all the seasons felt but no Arctic blasts, high humidity or cataclysmic events…nothing to idealistic there.
2-If you could visit one nation you have never visited before, what nation would that be? Too tough to answer…maybe I would draw from a hat and see if Italy, New Zealand, Chile, Peru or The Seychelles came into view.
3-Have you ever taken a long distance train trip? Yes, I was 12. By train, we left Portland and made our way to West Virginia, then from there to Wisconsin and then back West to Portland. That was a very long budget trip with only the coach chairs to sleep in.
4-What is something you would collectively change about humanity? Tyranny, War, Hunger.
5-What is your favorite song? Sweet Home Alabama or Hotel California or Leather and Lace
6-If you could meet one person who is still alive who would you choose to meet? Can’t think of anyone famous….I can think of this: love those close to you. Hold those conversations now that will give you glimpses of the loved one’s inner space. Don’t stare off later, after they pass, wondering what they thought about this or that.
7-If you could choose one symbol to represent you, what would that symbol be and why? The Egyptian Ankh symbol of life. Why:Egyptian mysteries, Pagan, Spiritual, Paleo…simple and powerful.
Now to bestow this worthy nomination to others……
1. Abby Has Issues 6. Wilden Marsh 11. Jasmine
2. Mid-Life Travelers 7. Vivienne’s 12. Fabulous 50′s
3. QuickWittier 8. The Gravel Ghost 13. G.L. Jackson
4. Angie’s Diary 9. John Christers Open Heart 14. Cynthia Jackson
5. Capturing Capacity 10. Musings Distractible Mind 15. Pardon Garden
Yesterday, my wife and I were muscling an old, heavy mattress and box spring out of the Hoarding House. First the mattress into a corner. The whole while, Harley was underfoot. Then the box spring was carried out with the frequent “careful Harley’s right behind you”. The box spring went into space and away we were to the next load.
Minutes passed and then there was a distant whimper, then whine. “That’s Harley. Where is he?”
The sounds were followed to the matt and box. The box spring was pulled away to reveal the always underfoot Harley! His initial look was one of panic, however, at the point of our laughs and amusement, Harley broke into a grin.
