Saturday, February 23, 2013

Winter Tying and Getting Back to Basics



It's a little past the middle of winter in the Rocky Mountain foothills.  We've had way less snow than we should, and the only way I've been able to get in touch with it is to drive 90 miles north to Summit County for some winter camping.  However, it's high time I spent some evenings at my vise tying flies in preparation for next season.  It's also a time that I can reflect on how I spend what little free time I have, and the need to get back to the basics.

Over the years I've spent a considerable amount of time on Internet forums focusesd on hunting, fishing, and backcountry.  And while those years have been enlightening, educational, and have forged lasting friendships with like-minded men, I find myself craving more time spent outdoors and more time spent with my family.  There are only so many hours in each day, and once those hours are gone they will never come back.  I think it's time to get back to basics.

The basics...backpacking, hiking, hunting, backcountry skiing, tenkara fly fishing, self-reliance, taking my wife and daughters on long walks.  That's where it's at.  That's where my priorities need to be.  Less time online, more time outside.

What does this mean?  It means I will not go looking for more online forums.  It means I may not post as often as I have on the forums I have frequented in the past.  It means that I will continue to write meaningful posts to my own blog.  It means I can spend more time developing and testing new ideas for lightweight backpacking and tenkara fly fishing.  It means peace and time invested in my own family.

So, today I spent a lot less time online and more time at my vise in total silence.  I tied a dozen of a new pattern I designed recently that I haven't named or completely defined yet.  Time will take care of that.    

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Tenkara Fly Fishing: A Sneak Peek!

The new tenkara book by Dave Dirks is nearing completion!  I am honored to be among the contributing writers/anglers on Dave's project.  This project has been in the works for quite some time.  I was contacted by Dave early last fall, and it's really exciting to know that it will be in print and offered as an e-book this spring.  According to Dave, the editor now has the manuscript, and the publication date is forthcoming.  Stay tuned for the release!  Just the cure for mid-winter cabin fever! 

Here's a sneak peek at the book cover!