Now that I’m in charge of my time (much more than one year ago), I’m on my second vacation of the summer. More to come. I will see James McCann in July at Cincinnati. He should be healthy by then. He said he’d leave tickets for Jean Ann and me.
I made it to Loveland last night and have rested today at the Gage home. Jim Daniel is swinging by this afternoon and we will head Northwest to Walden.
There is a chicken fried steak with my name on it at the Antlers Inn.
Then on Wednesday we will head north to fish the Big Horn for two days with guide Michael “Fly” Graham. We were going to do the Miracle Mile one day but Fly said they are cutting back flows this week and it’s not perfect. So we opted for two nights in Thermopolis and “the Horn” because it’s supposed to be fishing awesome. Listen to your guide when he suggests a change in plans.
Jim and I may wade the Encampment River on our way north on Wednesday. Gonna check it out for sure.
Had a real treat today in Lyons. Went by South Creek Limited Fly Shop. Bamboo rod maker (major legend) Mike Clark came out from his work shop to visit for an hour. I basked in his glory.
We talked about the many fine cane rods for sale there, most 60 to 80 years old. No, I couldn’t afford them. But I looked. Many were well over $5,000.
There were no Mike Clark rods for sale. You can pay for one and might get it in 3 years.
I did buy two of his ball caps with his logo. And I bought a book.
I did not get to go into the work shop but I looked in. Iconic place.
There are lots of split cane rod makers scattered around but he’s one of the most famous. His rods can be plain or incredibly ornate. He asks only one thing when he hands you one: please fish it.
Translation: it may be pretty but don’t hang it on the wall like a painting. That’s where a lot end up but if he hears about that, he may take it back.
Back to the July trip, Jean Ann wants to spend one day at a massive flea market (or antique warehouse depending on your point of view) in Springfield, Ohio. She likes old Fiesta Ware. This place has literally tons of it. There is a huge TV lounge with recliners for people like me to read books.
We will spend at least one day there. I hope she fills up our truck quickly and we move on.
Next stop is Boiling Springs, PA. We will stay three nights at Allenberry Resort and I will fish the Yellow Breeches. We may also tour nearby Gettysburg for the second time.
This all precedes my elk hunt in September with Jim Daniel.
