“THE ANTIDOTE TO EXHAUSTION ISN’T REST. IT’S FISHING”
President – Steve Young
steve_y@earthlink.net
Newsletter
Trout Camp is over; recovery/decompression always goes along with the feeling of satisfaction after an intense week with 14 energetic teenagers. Part of the satisfaction is working with a group of volunteers committed to making Trout Camp a memorable experience for the campers. I went back over my activities list to get a better estimate of the number of volunteer positions in Trout Camp. My previous estimates were conservative; well over 50 and as many as 85 individual positions (depending on how I count true needs) need to be filled. These range from an hour or so demonstrating knot tying to spending most if not the entire week with campers including either as chaperones or overnight counselors. While all positions are important the latter group is critical to camp success, particularly the overnight counselors. The picture below shows this group of folks whose commitment in terms of time and input is special to me and the campers. You may recognize a couple of former campers who were outstanding as ‘Junior Counselors’. Trout Camp needs people like these to step up and commit to the program; we are always looking for ‘new blood’ and would welcome you as a volunteer.
In line with the Fishing Thought of the Month, I had a fortuitous meeting when going to one of my favorite Park spots to help my post camp slump with some fishing. I met a fellow at the trailhead who turned out to be a TU member from Wisconsin. Got to chatting and he was looking to fish the stretch but really didn’t know where to go. So, I invited him to take a hike with me to a less frequented spot to get away from the casual fisherman. A great day; beautiful weather, a few fish caught with other strikes (he caught 2 to my 1, so I was relieved!—never feel good about taking someone to a special place and either we strike out or I out-catch them!). Although tired physically at the end of the day (5 miles plus of hiking and rock hopping), emotionally in a much better state! Thanks Ben!
Another group that has started up again was our Tie and Lie which meets at the Casual Pint in Maryville the last Monday of each month. This past month we all just brought materials to tie a fly of our choice and enjoyed the camaraderie. We have been able to get into the back room again so the external noise is reduced (means the lying over the flies might get a little louder). Come join us at 6pm, this month on Monday the 26th for some tyin’ and lyin’! Will Davis will be teaching the Lite Peacock Perdigon and the soft hackle Walt’s Worm.
Tight Lines!
July Picnic at River John’s is coming up; remember it is Thursday night the 22nd of July starting at 5 pm. Dinner will be around 6pm. First time in 18 months we get to see each other face to face; I hope you can make it. Please let us know if you are planning to attend so we can get a head count for the Burgers, Hotdogs, and fixin’s that the chapter will be supplying. Just send me a note at lrctu.newsletter@gmail.com. Otherwise, bring yourself, a guest, the kids, a chair, a dish to share, and a rod if you wish (smallmouth country!) and let’s celebrate a return to a version of ‘normalcy’.
