At this time of year we are all asked what we are thankful for. I have lots of things that I give thanks to on a daily basis, but this year was a little bit different. My friends Jon and Angela invited me over to celebrate the festivities with them. There were some other friends coming along as well, so I decided to pass my social deficiencies aside and join in. I am glad that I did.

Ang, Shelly and Kim gave us a perfect setting.

Jon carved the turkey just right.

Then Emma added her personal touch.

The food was great, the company was even better.

Tonight I am looking back and giving thanks to good friends. Thanks guys.

The original post has been deleted due to an attitude adjustment.

More to follow…

Today I was privileged to be able to visit an old friend. My friend is mighty and humbling; raucous and serene; frustrating and gratifying.

The old friend that I spent time with today was the Metolius River.

Of course I also have other, “human” friends, and I’m glad that I had the chance to spend some time with them as well. I was very excited that my son was able and willing to accompany me on my journey. The point of a December trip to this glorious area is to get a start at trying to decipher the thoughts and patterns of the much sought after Redband Trout, and the bugs that they feed on. The fishing wasn’t so hot, but that did not deter any of us from the experience. It was my son’s first time on the river with a fly rod in hand, and he really wants to go back. I am very much looking forward to the next trip with him.

Before we left, we spent a few minutes viewing the monstrous fish in the hatchery pond.

Thanks to Heather for letting us play around with her waterproof camera and make a couple of cool videos of the fish feeding. Yea, they were eating hatchery pellets, but it was still a great father and son moment.

Gary

What an interesting few days!

I started with a photo shoot for a heavy metal band on Friday night. My ears are still ringing…

Worked my day job Saturday, then spent Sunday morning talking web site stuff over coffee with Roger at the Camp Sherman store. I can’t think of a nicer place to spend some time drumming up business than the Metolius River basin.

I didn’t spend any time fishing, but I did get a few minutes of solitude in the soon to be snow covered wilderness…

Diversity is a good thing.

G