Riverine Chronicles

"Many go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after." ~ Henry David Thoreau Joe arrived at work like any other day, only on this day he had the late model Ford minivan with his fishing gear loaded inside, and the kayak loaded on top. Joe always felt a bit anxious about bringing the kayak to work. Did it seem unprofessional? Was it uncouth? Did it make the van look better or worse? Or was it just fine? After a thorough marginal analysis, he always settled on bringing it. Excitement beat down the anxiety because in the end it meant a few hours on the water that would have otherwise been lost to the cosmos and the setting sun. Joe wouldn't let that happen. He felt an urgency. Somehow, often at the behest of his family and friends, Joe made sure he used his time according to his values and beliefs. Joe was sure in his belief that life was short and he didn't want to waste it inside on the couch or outside praying that his neighbors wo

There was a rush of warm moist air as the door swung open across the tall wet grass that was engulfing the ends of the bridge. The sun had been up for two hours already, and the bugs were flying. Mosquitoes swarmed at my face as I swatted with both hands and shut the door all at once. After spraying myself down with DEET real good, I made sure to put the little bottle in my fishing bag which was wedged behind the seat under my waders. For just an instant I thought about how lucky I was to have the DEET, this chemical magic that generations of anglers did not have the luxury to enjoy.  I was thankful and hopeful for the day.  For now it would rest in my pants pocket. I made sure by patting my ass twice to be sure that it was fact in my pocket, because I suspected I would need it again before I returned. I popped the trunk and got out. It was hot already, and I rushed to get into my moist waders. I had used them three days earlier when I first found this spot, and the dank aroma spoiled

This morning I paddled and fished under my summer’s last sunrise.  I will have students back in front of me tomorrow, and I just couldn’t bear to spend my last day of summer planning and prepping. Instead, I decided to do what I love, the thing that calms my soul, and refreshes my mind.  While I loaded up, I was quickly convinced that one last paddle and fish was needed to get my mind in order to be prepared for another 9 grueling months of shaping young minds.  I simply had to go fishing, if not only for me,  I was doing it for them. I popped right up when the alarm sounded.  I doubt it will be so easy tomorrow though.   It was wet and very cloudy.  The river and sky seemed darkly ominous but quietly inviting.  Darkness was winning when I pushed off, and the sun stayed hidden as it began to rise behind a gray blanket.   Steam poured from the balmy water.  I paddled into the mist looking for clues to the morning and beyond.  I relished the smooth  cadence of my  paddle and breath and I