A River Fix

We all felt it. Sometimes the river calls and Daddy isn't the only one who answers. The sun was warm and the wind mild. The bank littered with other fly fisherman spending their cherished free moments casting lines, hoping to land a beauty worthy of a lifetime of exaggerated tales.

Addi and Landon didn't wait for Daddy to finish tying up before walking the trail that curved with the river. Eager to fish and excited to be outside. Just above the water surface the fresh hatch was being attacked by wing. From further up geese passed by, an eagle hunted and pelicans soared. The river was alive.

 While Landon repeatedly ran down the hill to our spot, Addi built a teepee and Daddy threw in.

It didn't take long. The downward bend of the rod initiated it all —fish on. To my surprise both kids would not help reel her in. Intimidated by the strength and power behind the fish they let Daddy do the work and once landed offered only a gentle pat. Landon was most concerned with its timely return to river freedom.

The kids traded in their stick rods and had their own shot at the real deal. Both of them are so attracted to fly fishing. A serious attraction that seems more than influence from Daddy. Landon loves the equipment and gadgets associated with it all and Addi the biology behind it. It is amazing to see this bond between the three of them grow and develop. Addi is eager for her own pink fly rod and Landon will endlessly cast anything loosely resembling a rod.

Not long after Addi handed the rod back to Daddy he hooked a beautiful pink rainbow. She was "a monster"! Landon said, "Sissy, he's pink for you."

“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.” 
― Norman Maclean