This has been an awful week for my family. A close relative is in a really bad way and we are rotating in and out of the ICU to support his wife and to let him know that we love him through the sedation.
The situation is without clear resolution and we are just glad he is still with us. All of us are exhausted in every single way possible and I am finding it impossible to work.
The doctors asked that he be left more alone so he can heal and for their to be less visitors. That was all I needed to know and after making sure we had everything covered I ran to my beloved Blue Ridge mountains.
I, of course, was hoping to catch some wild trout, but more importantly just desperately trying to find some kind of peaceful interlude, some beauty in a horrible situation and a reset back to my self. The fact that I am able to write this post is proof that it worked.
This was my first wild rainbow and my heart felt like it began beating again.
I was fishing with my Dragontail Tenkara Mizuchi (a stout triple zoom creek rod that is really good in strong currents) with a 9’ level line and various kebari (japanese style flies) and traditional nymphs. That trout was in a little small pocket that I was able to feed the kebari into without getting any line on the water using the 11’ plus length of the tenkara rod and the light level line.
I really love tenkara rods for tight mountain streams. The less experienced fixed line angler might think that a longer rod is less than ideal and that would be incorrect. Once you master being able to form tight loops, the longer rod eliminates that most vexing reality of high gradient streams: complex and challenging currents. I am able to keep my rod and line off the water and reach over several currents with an aerial mend and be able to get a drag free drift that massively increases my chances of fooling a wild trout.
Another wild rainbow and I could feel the stress sliding away. My last trout to the net, after hooking and losing several more along the way, was my favorite of all: a native Appalachian Brook trout.
I was about an hour into the fishing and, after breaking off a fly, decided I had had enough healing and was ready to head back to my family. This wasn’t as peaceful as usual because I had the cell phone on and stayed very alert in case I had to pack up and head to the hospital.
I am doubly blessed that I was able to fish, able to recover and there was no further change in status of my loved one.
We are getting ready to go down and visit some more in an hour or so.
I think I might head into the mountains again for an hour or so tomorrow.
All the best and tight lines,
Mike
Praying for your family, Mike! When my dad was ailing, I found going back to the water so grounding to keep my head clear. All the unknowns can take our thoughts too many places. Fishing has a way of keeping us present for many hours while we contemplate hard things. I don’t know of many other activities that can do quite that.
I’m very curious about your Tenkara setup on small water now! I use a 6’6” and my husband a 7’3”, so 11’ seems unfathomable to me! Are you fishing amidst mountain laurel and all that too?
Thank you Mike for writing this. We too often forget to take care of ourselves so we can better take care of others. I really do wish the best for your friend and his family. Let the moments of peace be mindful reminders of the life you have. All the best.