Monday, February 6, 2017

A Blog Notice, Over The Years A.............Strong

It was April 10, 2010 that Small Stream Reflections posted it's first lines. They were few and as the years went by they sort of increased, using photography and a few short sentences to get my message to you. I started Small Stream Reflections as a forum so to speak where I could put forth my thoughts and ideas to a group of anglers, fly tyers, and just family folk to enjoy and take part in.

I had been posting a several fly fishing forums and these were fine at first but they did not share my message. That message is the sub title of my blog which is "For those who love small streams, wild trout and life...in their simplest form". I have tried to keep that message going forefront throughout. Well yesterday Small Stream Reflections reached a milestone I never would have thought possible....One "million" page views. This is an incredible and humbling achievement. This could not have happened without all of you supporting Small Stream Reflections. From my first post back on April 11, 2010, in which John, "Apache Trout" was my first comment, to my last post. I have enjoyed "All" of your comments, they have been educational, thought provoking, and inspiring not only to me but also to others who have read them. I truly appreciate all you have done to make Small Stream Reflections a wonderful place for those all who share its values.

To thank you I'm offering a few items of appreciation. All you have to do is comment on this post. Your name will go into a bowl and Jeanette will pick the winners. The drawing will be Friday 2-10-17 at 7AM. I will post the winners, and you can e-mail me your shipping info.
This is a signed print of a brook trout watercolor by David Scheirer. It was inspired by photos of Connecticut's dark brook trout. It is truly a beautiful art piece.


A fly box with several of my flies. They include soft-hackles, streamers, those brookie catchers, the Ausable Bomber" and a "skater".


"Madame" a Rangeley streamer. This streamer was tied by me and will come in a plastic display case.


And this Rangeley streamer also tied by me. It has no name but the winner selected will have his name used for this streamer.

Again "thank you all" for making Small Stream Reflections what it is.....Alan







84 comments:

  1. Good Morning Alan and Jeanette,
    Wow! This is great news! A million views! Sincere congratulations to you for such a milestone! I can't wait for the next million!
    The items of appreciation look great! They are beautiful just like your Conn. woods and waters and fishes!
    Keep up the good work folks! And please know that your adventures and the postings there of are very much appreciated!
    Doug

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  2. Alan
    I have always enjoyed your blog from the start. As in tying flys, the first million are the hardest.

    twistedtippet

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  3. I follow the small stream reflections for some time. It's an exceptional blog with beautiful pictures, a basic blog for fly fishing fans from all over the world, congratulations!

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  4. Alan,

    Thank you for taking us along with your ride. Something I enjoy frequently.

    Srtilis

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  5. That is an awesome achievement, and a testimony to what you do. I always enjoy your posts, and look forward to each one. They serve as a mini vacation or fishing outing for me, as I don't get to fish as much as I would like.
    Keep up the good work!

    Scott

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  6. I'm a loyal reader who learns a bit about fishing and beauty from every post. Well done.

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  7. I have been following since the beginning and I have never failed to be entertained, informed, fascinated and made to feel hungry (so many photos of food). Your blog perfectly encapsulates all that I would enjoy about fishing and the outdoors. When I can't be stream side your site takes me there. For that I will always be thankful and a loyal reader. Congrats on the milestone and look forward to when you tell us you have reached two million!

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  8. Congratulations for 1 Million Page Views!

    That's a lot of smiles!!

    I hope you and Jeanette have a lovely day and I look forward to running into you both again sometime soon!!

    Geof Day
    http://www.searunbrookie.org

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  9. This has been one of my favorite blogs to visit over the years. Congratulations on the fun milestone. Keep up the good work!

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  10. Keep up the good work!

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  11. Wow, a million. I thought my 450,000 was a lot. You are the man. As for the contest, I have that wonderful box of flies you sent so don't include me this time. Share the wealth. Keep the posts coming, it's a nice way to see other parts of the country.

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  12. Amazing Alan! Thanks for bringing the simple beauty you enjoy to the world!
    Be well
    Will

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  13. Hi Alan,

    Congratulations on this site - it is my favorite! I come here to look for your new posts almost every day. Being a Vermonter and a lover of small brooks and the trout that live in them, your site fits me to a "T." Please continue to share with us the trout fishing many of us find so dear.

    Take care and thank you,

    Ed Pirie
    West Topsham, Vermont

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  14. It's been a pleasure reading and following your work for some time although I haven't always posted something. It is always entertaining, most often informative, and absolutely refreshing to read stuff that isn't ego and narcissistically driven. I hope you keep it up.
    Regards,
    Mike

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  15. I too appreciate your love of small streams and the trout that live in them. There’s nothing like catching a wild brook trout that’s been in a stream reproducing since the beginning of time. I look forward to each and every one of your posts. Thank you for sharing…. Hollen Groff

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  16. Hey Alan, always look forward to your blog posts! Not only are they full of insightful words and beautiful pictures, but you also keep your blog going. I have seen so many great blogs only post for a couple of months then disappear.

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  17. Congrats on the milestone! Love your blogs and thoughts.
    Tight Lines.

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  18. Reading this blog is a part of my every morning. Thank you so much for the humble, kind spirited tone and thoughts in this blog. The internet could use more like it.

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  19. Congratulations! A million views is no small feet. Thanks for taking us along on your journey.

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  20. Amazing and congrats!! I enjoy this blog a lot...it is like sipping coffee in my slippers!

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  21. Congrats on 1 million! Always enjoy reading your blog.

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  22. A Master of his art! Small Stream Reflections..... Congratulations, my friend, on an incredible feat. I cannot begin to tell you the influence you have had on me and my blogging life. Now, go get the next Million!

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  23. Alan,

    Your posts offer an escape in the dead of winter or the middle of a busy work season when I can't get on the water. It feels just a bit like I am there fishing along with you. Thanks.

    Brennan

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  24. Wonderous photography, prose, coffee and your blog start my day.

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  25. While the perk of winning something would be incentive enough to post on its own, I'm long overdue sending some words of appreciation your way for a blog that keeps the fishing thoughts thriving!

    Small stream fishing is my idyllic setting although we have to wait until march here for most of the trout fishing to be in season. I collect a few fishing RSS feeds to go through from time to time, often the posts by the big fishing websites are often glossed over whereas yours are a definite read every time.

    Cheers!

    Duncan

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  26. I've been following this wonderful site for years now and I can only wish you many more years of small stream crawling. Thank you, Allen.

    St. Froid

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  27. Congrats Alan and continued success!

    Bob W

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  28. Congratulations! I look forward to reading your posts for many years to come. All the best!

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  29. Congrats, every post is a joy to read!

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  30. I've been reading your blog for about a year or so now and truly enjoy seeing what you have to share each time you make a post. I have learned how effective soft hackles are through your blog. I had a great day on a little river nearly Rangeley this last summer with them, thanks for sharing and I look forward to reading more of your posts.

    Thanks MaineFly207

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  31. time soon flies past Alan but like all bloggers its worth it, I now use the flee & float as my fishing diary also, saves me trying to keep track for fishing returns at the end of the season. Congratulations.

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  32. Congratulations. Bautiful and inspiring blog.

    Ed Massie

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  33. Good to hear, Alan. Glad so many are benefiting from your hopeful message. Keep it going.

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  34. This blog has stayed consistently good forever. The pictures and short captions have always been good. Plus the food pictures make me drool.

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  35. I so enjoy your blog. Now I've just got to learn how to fish soft hackles in very small streams!

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  36. Congratulations, Alan, on one million views! Your pictures and stories continue to bring me enjoyment. Very kind of you to offer up these items.

    Sam

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  37. Alan I look forward to reading YOUR BLOG ALL THE TIME!

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  39. Love this blog. Thank you for all the good reading.

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  40. Only been following for a bit but have gone back through all your postings. Would be proud to try out your flies on our Driftless Spring creek brookies.

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  41. Congratulations Alan! One million is quite a feat, but I'm not surprised. You have taught me so much about humility, brook trout, photography and storytelling. All I can do is say thanks.

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  42. I'm not surprised at the number of individuals that have visited you blog over the years,congraulation. It is one of my favorites on the blog circuit. I started using the soft hackle pattern after reading some of your inspiring post concerning that fly. Streamers were not in my fly fishing arsenal until I saw some of your beautiful patterns you tie; some I have to admit I just couldn't fish with so I had some framed under glass. You are not only an accomplished fly fisherman and tier, but an inspiration to all those who fly fish. Thanks for sharing some wonderful post over the years.

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  43. Alan, my friend. I had never posted on anyone's blog until you came along. You have taken me on many wonderful streams and waterways that I probably will never visit,let alone fish. The photos,the stories, and your wonderful flies are something I look forward to on a daily basis. I congratulate you on your milestone,you richly deserve it. Oh, by the way happy birthday in advance,hope you have a wonderful day. Thankyou.

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  44. Great blog, Alan. Congratulations.

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  45. Alan. Congratulations on your well-deserved milestone. You' ve created a jewel of a blog here proving pleasures that are simple and honest are the best of all. Thank you for taking me along.

    -Chuck

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  46. Congratulations Alan, 1 million page views...wow..,! I like very much to you doing with beautiful and historic blog..congrats again to you and Jeanette , perseverance and with a lot of sacrifice...keep it up yea....hug tightly.

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  47. Certainly a milestone to be proud of. I'm sure it wasn't your intention, but consistent beautiful photographs focused on these small river jewels certainly keeps me coming back to see whats new in your small stream. It has made me give a second glance to every little drainage and stream I cross. TC

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  48. Congrats, and please keep it up, this keeps me going through these long winter days here in Michigan. Our season here does not open till the last Saturday in april, which is probably a good thing. Its already been long winter, but lots of flies to tie, and other things to get in order.

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    Replies
    1. great blog visit daily enjoy the smell of your cooking

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  49. Alan,
    Well done on a superb Blog - 1 million views is testament to your ability to convey your 'message'!
    Since I first started following the Blog in 2013, I have enjoyed the simplicity of your posts - a photograph and a few lines. You really have proved the old adage of 'a picture paints a 1000 words'. Your post about the artist David Scheirer was a particular favourite and inspired me to contact him and have him ship a print to the UK for a family members Christmas present!
    It has become a daily ritual to check up on your Blog and briefly imagine being on the other side of the pond on one of those blue lines.
    Keep up the excellent posts.
    Alistair

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  50. Great blog. My go to daily read!

    Josh

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  51. I am a recent addition to your blog, Alan, having been pointed here by our mutual friend Dougsden. Glad he did -- it is a refreshing and well written look at the things we all love and pursue.

    Bill

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  52. Thanks Alan for the great reads, the beautiful flies, and taking us along on your thin blue line adventures.

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  53. Following this blog has been a joy. Thank you for keeping it simple!

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  54. Hi Alan,

    I think in an earlier correspondence, I mentioned my roots in Barre, Vermont and the strong Italian population that was so much a part of Barre. I say this because I enjoy your food posts almost as much as the fishing. I recognize a lot of your cooking. As a kid, it was always a treat to eat at one of my Italian buddie's house. The rather bland Scots food I was used to at home seemed just that, bland, compared to the Italian cooking I was enjoying at a friend's house. Most of the Italians in Barre were northern Italians so the cooking was what was found in northern Italy - very good!

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  55. You write my favorite fly fishing blog. I love the soft hackle flies and the food pictures. I love the idea of finding wonderful fishing by just going out and finding a stream. Our sport is so centered on famous rivers, famous hatches and over priced gear. And then there is this wonderful little blog that goes the complete other way. Very refreshing.

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  56. Alan,
    I started following your blog last year. I enjoy the photos' flies & food! Great job keeping it simple!
    Larry Gaska

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  57. Without question Alan, Small Stream Reflections is the most relaxing part of my day.

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  58. Alan
    I truly enjoy how you share your adventures through your writing and photography. I have been inspired by your fly tying and fishing techniques.
    All the Best,
    Rich Kordell

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  59. Alan
    I truly enjoy how you share your adventures through your writing and photography. I have been inspired by your fly tying and fishing techniques.
    All the Best,
    Rich Kordell

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  60. Congratulations! I found you through a mention by Tucker Carlson. My day slows down when take in your posts, thank you. Erik

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  61. Congratulations on reaching your milestone, your blogs,pics and thoughts help me get thru the long winter months in upstate NY. Thanks again.

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  62. Yes, congratulations! This is one of my favorite blogs to follow.

    -Tom

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  63. Alan,

    Hearty congrats on that incredible achievement. And please know you got to that number because of the quality and passion of your writings and pictures. You inspire everyone here to get out there and enjoy the little stream miracles we have around us. A true testament to you and all your unselfish efforts in what you do.... and thank you so much for that. Jim Majka

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  64. Well Allan.....you sure know how to attract a crowd. :) Love the blog for certain.

    Ralph

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  65. I never miss one of you posts and have learned a bunch. Many thanks. Gerry

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  66. LookingForAMountainLakeFebruary 7, 2017 at 6:08 PM

    As a CO native and now a nomad in MA, this blog has been my go to source for simplicity and appreciation of the tradition of fly fishing. Just reading it leads me back to the high mtn. streams where I go both physically and mentally when I need some quiet from the day to day. Congrats on the views, I'm sure many of us can say that you bring the serenity and solitude of your endeavors to our lives each and every post. Cheers.

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  67. Alan, Here's to many more posts and many more years seeking out the blue lines.

    Kurt

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  68. Congrats Alan! Your blog has turned into one of the few sites that I check in on every day. I always look forward to your new posts. Continued success and thank you for sharing your passion.

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  69. Congratulations. Keep up the great work.

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  70. How could I not read a blog from a fellow small stream fan

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  71. Congratulations, Alan! I try to get out and fish for brookies as much as I can in western and central PA. I enjoy reading your blog when I get get out and fish.

    Thanks,
    Aaron

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  72. Congratulations, Alan, on your longevity and your milestone. You're an inspiration to get out to those lovely places, with or without a fly rod.

    Cheers,

    -- Greg

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  73. I start my day by reading your blog, unless I'm already standing in cold, moving water. Keep it up.
    Ray

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  74. What a milestone Alan! I depend on your blog to get a dose of nature even when I can't make it out.

    Cheers,
    Gabe

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  75. Congratulations Alan! You have put a wonderful blog together that many of us enjoy!

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  76. Alan, congratulations on one million views. Checking your blog is the first thing I do every day. Love your pictures and it seems last year you caught the biggest fish ever though I know size is not important to you. I don't know if this is the right way to post a comment and I don't know how to sign in so here is my comment anyway.
    John Humphrey

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  77. I have thoroughly enjoyed your blog over the years. It is good for the soul. Congratulations on one million views!

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  78. Congrats. I have really enjoyed your blog and the fact that there are others who enjoy searching out the little jewels in our New England streams.

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  79. Alan, congratulations on achieving one million views.There are countless fly fishing blogs, then there is Small Stream Reflections. It stands head and shoulders above them all. Never a day passes when I dont visit SSR. You allow us all to accompany you on your quest for wild brook trout in the many beautiful blue lines that you frequent. For me, and I no doubt other readers,there is a sense of warmth and family that is rare in other fly fishing sites. Thank you for creating Small Stream Reflections. We all look forward to you announcing the two millionth viewing.
    Kindest Regards,
    Steve.

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  80. Awesome Blog...my favorite. The brookies you find are like jewels.

    -Gressak

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  81. Congratulations. One million. Imagine that. Certainly a favorite of mine. #2 in my blogroll of 86.

    Thank You,
    Eddie

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