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

7 comments:

Lowell said...

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!

Prospero said...

Lee, you are a very thoughtful person. And seem to know what you need. Talk to you soon.

cieldequimper said...

I'm EXTREMELY jealous of you!!!! I hope you have a wonderful time and show us at least a couple of your catches!

Raksha said...

That's a striking photograph and some VERY good writing! It's obvious that it was truly written from the heart.

tapirgal said...

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.

Small City Scenes said...

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

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