First Day

And so it begins…

I had a feeling this morning that the day would outperform the forecast, and it did so beautifully! Rather than wait for tomorrow’s higher predicted temperature and twenty mph winds, I donned waders and boots to welcome the new season today.

Actually catching a trout was perhaps the furthest thing from my mind as I waded slowly into the margins of the Beaver Kill. This day was about going fishing after four months of a bitterly cold winter. I felt good just wading out to make the season’s first cast, swinging my Copper Fox down across the riffle above the Ben Gray Pool, and better when a Bald Eagle flew overhead, followed by her offspring. It was the perfect salute to a moment I have yearned for since October’s farewell.

I swung three different pools, pleasantly alone in each, and fully enjoying a 62-degree afternoon! At home the sun was too inviting to ignore, soliciting a 72-degree porch sit with a Darbee’s Irresistible from my friends at the Catskill Brewery! At last, winter has packed her bags!