"Sunset"......... and

As I type the words to this entry, I am drinking a coffee from a gas station. I had no choice in this drink selection, because my K-Cup machine quit last night, and my regular fuel, Nantucket Blend is not available to me. So please pardon any mistakes.

This being sunrise here in the northeast, I'm writing about sunsets, and the beautiful colors that make them up. Sunsets hold thoughts of a peaceful end to a day, and even if your day was not the best, there's something about a beautiful sunset to ease your mind. A sunset also holds promise of a new day arriving, perhaps better that the last, and for me the possibility to enjoy all that nature and fly fishing have given me.

The first photo is of a beautiful sunset as it drops below the mountains, giving a faint bit of light on the waters of a northern lake. This view was from the porch of a small cabin. We have enjoyed this view many times over the years.

This streamer has most of the colors of a sunset. I designed this streamer to represent a yellow perch. To me it has that easy look of a sunset.
A "Rangeley Sunset"

When I took this photo I never imagined the beautiful colors that were about to be captured. The brilliance of the red/orange colors of this wild brook trout almost look like a sunset. I look at this photo every day, it's an inspiration to me, every sunrise.

Well as I finish this entry, the gas station 20oz coffee is almost gone, the caffeine has kicked in, and a good start to a wonderful day has begun.


CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

A Summer Weekend

Part of New London's history. A major whaling port of long ago


Connecticut has a rich maritime history dating back to before the American Revolution.
New London was a big part of this history, and it continues today. The finest submarines in the world are built here, along with the Coast Guard Academy, and the Navy's sub base.

Saturday in New London they held SailFest, a mid summer fair right on the waterfront.
There were lots of people, with food and entertainment. The weather cooperated, with bright sunny skies.

Jeanette and I found this coffee house, and had to stop. Inside it reminded us of the coffee houses of our past. The coffee was outstanding along with the muffins.
There was even music in the background, Bob Dylan..........

Late Sunday afternoon I was able to get a couple of hours in on The Farmington.
There were insects hatching all over, at one point looking like snow rising up from the river.
I don't like the complication of trying to figure out what the bugs are, so I fished Bombers. I did OK with several browns, and A decent rainbow, taken on a Yellow and Black Bomber.

It was a wonderful summer weekend...

Some Favorites

The Orvis Battenkill, English made. For the money it's the best fly reel out there.
I have owned one of these for years and they have never failed me. They also have a very classic look.




We as humans have always had favorites. These may be autos, sports teams, pets, beers, etc.
These are a few of mine, mostly associated with fly fishing.

Gink, this has been a staple in my vest/pack for years. I used a floatant when I started fly fishing made by Garcia, a silicone in a glass bottle. I ran out of the stuff while fishing the Housy many years ago. I stopped in the old fly shop on the river and the gent there sold me Gink. I used it that day, and every time I need floatant to this day.

Tying threads. Danville's flymaster waxed thread is the only thread I use on most of the flies I tie. It's been in use for many years.
Gudebrod, hot orange is a thread that I use on my flies with the Ausable name. Bombers, Wulffs, and emergers are all tied with this thread.

This is a pattern I started tying a few months ago.... An emerger/dry.
This fly is strating to become a favorite in a fast way. Reason, it works.

This is the best fly box you can own. It's a great box for dries, wets , nymphs.
The flies are held steady, with no hackle crush, and when it's opened in the wind the flies stay put. At about 15.00 dollars, its a good value.

Ramen Noodles, a favorite. Sometimes when you arrive home from a late night on the stream it makes for a good hot quick supper. A snack while listening to a ballgame.
A tasty break from tying flies. Add some shrimp, or leftover chicken, it's not to bad.

Dark, and Spooky

There are times of the year when I'll vary my starting times on the streams I fish.
Early on in the year, say March to June I'll fish starting later, 7am to 10am. But as the year moves on, July, and August, I'll vary that time, preferring to fish earlier, before the sun has the time to warm the waters. The streams seem to cool over night and the time just at sun up seems best.

So when I drop my wife off at work, she's a baker, so that means 4am, I'll leave for the stream. Usually arriving as the sky seems to lighten. I'll park off to the side of the road, roll down the window, and listen to the woods. I'll do this until I finish the rest of the 12oz coffee I bought at the gas station.

Putting the rod together and tying on the first fly, saying these flies seem to be so much smaller that they used to, no it's not my eyes.

With all that completed I start my walk to the stream, I can hear it as it gently passes over the stones, and logs. My first good looking pool I send the fly on it's way, it floats for a second or two and hangs briefly on the water. In a moment or two and the sound of a 5 inch brook trout breaks the quiet of the pool and the still dark woods. As the fish is being brought to hand, he turns left the hook slides out, not allowing me the time to admire him.

Walking along the stream, a grouse will flush, and your heart will almost pop out of your chest. And there are the times when you'll notice the flick of a whitetail, for a moment, and it slips away.

This is all part of this spooky, and quiet time in the woods, along the stream, where the brook trout lives.

The quiet dark pools. Brookies lie in wait for their breakfast.

The first rays of the sun begin to work through the trees

Brook trout waters, as the sun reaches them.



An early morning brook trout, almost as dark as the waters it came from.

Being Italian, pasta is a favorite. I enjoy it in every variety, with any topping.
But this is my number one.....
Angel Hair, with meatballs.