There has been so much written about why people fish, a theme probably best explored in the 1983 novel, The River Why, by David James Duncan. In the above picture of me in waders with wading staff tucked in a holder at my side, I record for you an integral part of my identity. For the past week I have been camping out and walking the shores of the Thompson River in Southern British Columbia in pursuit of giant sassy rainbows. Next week I will be living in an isolated log cabin adjacent a high mountain lake and will challenge myself to catch some silvery Kamloops trout. I practice during the year along the rivers near Bend, Oregon, as preparation for this expedition, which I have been doing with friends and family since 1982. Over the years I have watched the country become more populated and the resources degraded. Over the years I have watched friends become too infirm for the trip and others who have died. Over the years I have watched my son and nephew, who have often accompanied me, grow and mature. Over the years I have watched myself develop into a better fisherman, a more confident individual and physically healthier to endure the rigors of the trip. I can't say that I really understand more about anything, except for the certainty of aging and being in touch with a feeling about life's bittersweet nature. Today is my last post for at least a week. Tomorrow I will check in one more time and hope to write those of you who have been kind enough to have supported my blog. I wish you all the best in your love of photography and writing. fondly, Lee
Friday, July 10, 2009
Fishing for an Identity?
There has been so much written about why people fish, a theme probably best explored in the 1983 novel, The River Why, by David James Duncan. In the above picture of me in waders with wading staff tucked in a holder at my side, I record for you an integral part of my identity. For the past week I have been camping out and walking the shores of the Thompson River in Southern British Columbia in pursuit of giant sassy rainbows. Next week I will be living in an isolated log cabin adjacent a high mountain lake and will challenge myself to catch some silvery Kamloops trout. I practice during the year along the rivers near Bend, Oregon, as preparation for this expedition, which I have been doing with friends and family since 1982. Over the years I have watched the country become more populated and the resources degraded. Over the years I have watched friends become too infirm for the trip and others who have died. Over the years I have watched my son and nephew, who have often accompanied me, grow and mature. Over the years I have watched myself develop into a better fisherman, a more confident individual and physically healthier to endure the rigors of the trip. I can't say that I really understand more about anything, except for the certainty of aging and being in touch with a feeling about life's bittersweet nature. Today is my last post for at least a week. Tomorrow I will check in one more time and hope to write those of you who have been kind enough to have supported my blog. I wish you all the best in your love of photography and writing. fondly, Lee
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7 comments:
Nice photo, Lee, and a superb commentary. I hope that you have the time of your life in SBC and catch lots of fish and come back renewed and refreshed!
Lee, you are a very thoughtful person. And seem to know what you need. Talk to you soon.
I'm EXTREMELY jealous of you!!!! I hope you have a wonderful time and show us at least a couple of your catches!
That's a striking photograph and some VERY good writing! It's obvious that it was truly written from the heart.
This is one of your best so far, I think. In fish language, "a keeper." Nice work, beautiful. Something definitely happens when we turn this certain age, and you expressed it so well.
Oh wow! The Thompson--you lucky dog, you. Have you read 'Come Wade the River'? It is out of print but I found it in an old book store and gave it to a friend. You know, I can't think of the author for some weird reason--but I will.
What wonderful memories you have.
Take care, MaryBeth
Nice Photograph !! Memories are so sweet and nice..Unseen Rajasthan
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