I Simply Call Her "Mom" ~ Sunday Tippets, Ryan Style

Born in Glendale Memorial Hospital (CA.) in the late part of the Mesozoic era, comes the woman many of you know as the River Damsel. I simply call her mom. As well as being an "amazing" fisher (her self-title) she is an "amazing" mom (my title). The River Damsel is like a two sided coin. On one side, there is a fishing pole with flies, tippet, and falling down in the river. But on the other side, there is a woman who has cared for 4 children most of her life and is very good at doing it. Most of you know the side of fishing like the back of your hand, but I'm here to show you that this crazy fishing lady doesn't just live on the river!

    

Since the very beginning, she has been a strong and amazing woman. At my birth, I was 10 pounds 1 ounce and 23 inches long! That in itself shows her super courage and strength, considering that I am now 6'6" and 265 pounds! The first sport I ever participated in was skiing with my mom. It was a fun time with her, but eventually she knew that we'd both have more fun if she put me in a class to learn the right way, and she would do her double black diamonds. I have hung up my skis since then, but I did enjoy that time with her!

Her support in my athletics is second to none. I attribute all of my accomplishments in my sports to her. Even though she doesn't understand my sports, pay attention the whole time, or know how to get to them she always comes to my games. Back in the day when I couldn't drive, is where she would shine the brightest. Rushing home from work to get me to practice just so I could be on time! My life did flash before my eyes a few times....

Not everyone is able to say that they are a mother. I feel like it is an honor (and a burden depending on the children) to be one. I feel like I don't give her too much stress, which is good! No matter what anyone says, my mom is the best. She'd do anything for anyone especially me. Is she the greatest fisher in the world? Definitely not! She would be the first to tell you that! But, the greatest mother in the world? Definitely yes! One thing is for sure, I would not be able to survive without this woman. She is the greatest. Love you Mom! 

-Ryan Blankenship

Wow...When Ryan came up to me the other day and said that he wanted to write on my blog...well, I wondered what was up... I promised not to edit because he wanted to do this all on his own.  I think that he might have aspirations of being a writer someday!  We don't know how long on this earth we each have... Give all the hugs and kisses you can to those you love.   Appreciate the times you have together.  And be a best friend to your children to keep that communication open.  I am truly grateful for the little things in life that make up the big picture...  A blessed mother I am.   = ) 

Who's "Fish Crazy" ???

From my buddy, Howard at Windknots and Tangled Lines, comes this posting on Facebook regarding my recent fishing trip... "If you can't say anything else about the River Damsel you have to admit she's dedicated to being crazy. Just sayin' Great photos Em."  Now, knowing Howard like I do, I'm sure he meant this in the kindest way and totally tongue in cheek.  (He just hates the cold)   And the "crazy" part... Well, he had to mean "fish crazy", right? 

Because I am one of the most level headed, hard working, every day gals that you could ever meet.  That being said, if Howard means that it is crazy to go to the bank, the doughnut shop, a doctors appt., lock my keys in the car (for the 2nd time in my life...really) and wait for the locksmith, then head up the canyon to fish at 1:00 pm when the planned road trip was supposed to be 11:30 am... and finding it still a nippy 28 degrees with snow on the ground, well my friends... you decide.  But, I would like to think that I am well organized (except for the keys) and I know how to prioritize and get things done...
    

So, I had two hours to fish.  El Provo was the designated spot.  I already had my rod set up to save time.  On the water at 2:00 pm.  Fortunately, I already had my homework done on what flies to use.  Put on a wine San Juan worm with a black zebra midge 22.  A half hour went by and it was time to change up.  I really wanted to keep that midge on, but since they weren't biting, I had to go smaller.  Now, how does a gal with long fingernails hold a 24 midge in her fingers?  It was a struggle, but we got it tied on.  A few casts later, BOOM!  "Incoming"!!!   A small fry, but a fish none the less.  The skunk was off...  And we like that!  = )

A gorgeous day... A few inches of pow pow two days before...





And the San Juan and the Zebra midge were my friends for the next hour.

Yes, there was new snow in the Park City area and the air was brisk.  Yes, I had to make fresh tracks where no one had ventured out yet.  And yes, I had three layers on and neoprene gloves to stay warm.

But, if you know how to dress in the winter, you can stay warm enough to fish for a few hours.  I'm not saying to stay out there all day like you would in the summer.

It's just good to get out and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you, catch a few fish and call it a day after two hours.   

Now, what's crazy about that?

NOTHING.

Who's maybe a little bit "Fish Crazy"?  Ok... I admit it.

ME.

And who was the hero for the day?  Definitely, this guy.

Holiday Gear Gifting ~ Sunday Tippets by Michael Agneta



Mike, admiring my car stickers...

When I needed to select a Sunday Tippets
guest writer for this week, I knew who to throw the gauntlet to.  If a guy can write a few "nibbles", he must be able to come up with a "tippet" or two...  Yes, none other than Michael Agneta, Mr. Troutrageous.  It was my pleasure to meet and fish with Mike a few months ago.  I follow his blog because I often need some humor and he usually delivers that up!  He now brings you some valuable "tippets" and even a bunch of dancing bananas.  Thanks, Mike! 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By Michael Agneta

It's the holiday season...whether you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Festivus, whatever...let's face it, commercialization has pretty much taken over all aspects of what is traditionally a season rooted in faith and gratitude.

    That said, there's an expectation of gift giving, and quite frankly gift receiving. If you're reading this blog, it means your most likely an Outdoorsman...or for those that don't like using "man" to refer to "us" as a general group...Outdoorswoman. You're also probably a fly fisher. Aside from the serenity gained from a day out on the water, you appreciate good equipment, and are probably quite particular about it.

Now your significant other, your ungrateful kids, and if you're lucky enough to still have them alive and kicking, your parents know you have a passion for fly fishing too. Not quite understanding the difference between dry flies, wet flies, and nymphs, they will likely bestow on to you wonderful gifts such as the following:

A giant spool of fishing line, because they know you like a delicate presentation. To them, 8lb test is the same as 8x tippet.

A pack Treble hooks, because they figure 3 hooks are better than one when you
tie up your next batch of Parachute Adams.



A bunch of bananas. Need to make sure you don't get hungry in your drift boat.

A brand new landing net, because carp are the same as goldfish, right?

A bamboo cane pole and some twine - They overheard you saying
something about trying that Tenkara thing out.

A brand new fly box.

And last but not least, a copy of Thelma & Louise on Blu-Ray. You watch that movie with Brad Pitt fishing all the time, you're clearly a fan of his.

(Editor's Note:  There is no objection to this picture being posted on this site)

Sunday Tippet ~ No matter how much you don't like the gift you received for "Holiday X," do not indicate any displeasure. Just thank the giver and give them a big hug and kiss. Because quite honestly, they hate the gift they just unwrapped from you 100x more.



Climb Every Mountain, Except When...

... there aren't any fish on the other side!  Well, I'm sure the Von Trapp's didn't care much about that.  They just loved being together and singing along the way...  But, I would have to say that my last journey's song went something like this...

"I climbed every mountain,
I searched high and low.
I followed every byway,
And every path I did not know.

I climbed every mountain,
I forded every stream.
I followed every rainbow, errr...rock,
But in the end, did I find my dream???"

Unlike the Von Trapp family...  I climbed and climbed, but I don't think that I found my dream.  Let's back up and "start at the very beginning".  It was a well deserved break from a few weeks away from fishing... Getting to the river was exactly what I needed.  There was excitement in the air as the fall, brisk breeze soon put a chill down my back.  Ahhh, it felt so good.  Then, the sound of a few splashes of fat, healthy trout greeted me.   A four hour road trip seemed like a moment now.  Beauty, peace, tranquility.  I was back.   = )

 

As we looked out at the water at the end of the boat ramp, there were already a few anglers with bent rods and fish in their nets.   It was my plan to fish upstream from the ramp area and go up a mile or two towards the dam.  But, we decided to give it a go for a half hour or so at the boat ramp, as we found a little bit of space to squeeze into.  I was more intrigued in watching for some reason.  You see, there was this guy catching trout this way and that way until he got tired enough to sit down on the dock behind him.  As I inched over his way, he said to me..."Go ahead, fish that spot.  I need a rest."  So, I walked into the hole that seemed to be a win-win and gave it a go.  Nothing.  He gave me a fly that worked for him and I tried that too...but, to no avail.  So, I gave him back his lucky spot and BOOM!  Another fish on for my new friend, "BIG WILL"!!

I took this picture of Willis as he had a dead battery in his camera phone. = )

One can always use positive karma, that's for sure!

So, I was ready to head north towards the dam and fish Section A... But, as luck would have it, my friend wanted to fish downstream in Section B.  Being the good sport that I am, I gave way to the hopeful face that had a "tip" from another angler at the fly shop nearby.  Now, I am not one to doubt other anglers "tips" on what fly is working and what water is most fishable.  But, something just told me that this "tip" wasn't...well, should we say "honestly given"???  But, I followed along and was promised that it wasn't that far over the ridge..........and through the woods..........and down the rocky trail.  Ugh...ok.

 Exhibit A ~ Still smiling and not knowing what was in front of me.

Exhibit B ~ Still smiling and wondering why the heck I listen to my friends! 

  

  Exhibit C ~  Maybe smiling... I can't remember.  Honestly... Was this all worth it?

Ahhh...the water that we had left!

Finally... A resting spot.  A great view.  And no other anglers in sight.

Hmmm... Was there a reason?

Out came a few streamers...

But, soon it was time to head back to the base camp.

And yes, one more time up the mountain, through the woods, and down the rocky trail!

Oh, where is my water bottle?  Crap... I left it in the car.  Fortunately for me, my buddy was gracious enough to share the one bottle that she had for the last 2 1/2 miles...

  We persevered. We conquered.  Would I do it again?  Hahahaha. 

Now we were back to where we had started, oh about six hours ago...

And back to catching fish!

Dusk set in quickly and a long day came to a close.

And as promised, for my great rock climbing and hiking efforts...

I was treated to this, on the way home.

Life is good. (Oh, what's a little grease!)

Next trip out... My pick ~ Upstream!

A Damsel "thank you" to all of my guest writers so far (there are a few more as this is just a quick break in the action for me).  And thanks to all who have written to me with love and concern about David.  He is progressing nicely and the kidney transplant seems to have been a success!  His sister has now returned home to TN.  So, back to normal very soon...  See you in about a week or so!   Enjoy the last few guest posts.  We have some great reading for you!  = )  

TIMELESS ~ By Mike Sepelak

The River Damsel is pleased to have yet another great guest writer... Mike Sepelak.  Mike's mission in life is to wander North Carolina’s waterways and annoy its fishes.  From the ancient Appalachians to the Outer banks, 2wt to 10, trout to bass to redfish, he follows where his fly rods lead. And he writes about the journey, and perhaps a little bit more, at Mike’s Gone Fishin'.

Time stops, settles streamside, and watches the water continue to tumble despite its respite.  It chuckles in sympathy with the perpetual wash, savoring the irony.

Time knows that it has no hold on this place.  No power to stop, or start, or speed or slow the temporal movement along this quiet corridor.  This flow has its own rhythm, its own pace, its own clock.

And while Time drives the world that surrounds this silent sanctuary, it makes no impression here.  Despite Time’s influence, this place remains pure.  This place remains unaffected.  Here, Time is ignored.

But Time doesn’t resent this irrelevance.  In truth, it revels in it.  Time accepts this as a place to unwind.  A place where nothing is asked, nothing is expected. Nothing is demanded of Time as it is so urgently everywhere else.  These rocks need nothing of Time.  They know forever and don’t care.

Time needs this place to recharge.  Marching on relentlessly has its cost, its burden.  And places like this take that burden and send it downstream, plunge it to oblivion in the bright, cool cascades.  For where there is no influence of Time, there is no consequence.  Where there is no influence of Time there is no need but to live in the moment.  And here there is only the moment.  This moment.

Satisfied, Time breathes deeply and reluctantly moves along.  The stream remains.  This riparian resting place is aware, perhaps, of Time’s passing, but not mindful of it.  It simply exists.  Here.  Now.  Water tumbles.

Timeless.

Mike Sepelak

http://www.mikesgonefishing.com/