We’ve had our first taste of pseudo-spring here in Vermont. I did yoga with opened windows in the apartment yesterday morning – I don’t care if it’s 38 degrees. It’s fresh air. My parking lot has transformed into a 14″ lake, and I’m debating the merits of using it for casting practice.
While the reality is we’re dropping back into winter weather next week, this hint of spring has me thinking about fishing. Last night’s dreams were distinctly fishing-related – I woke up wondering what camera bag to replace my on-the-river kit with and debating if I really need a new six-weight or not. (Somehow the answer always tends to be yes.)
One of the springtime events I am most excited for is the Orvis Guide Rendezvous and “Down the Hatch” Fishing Festival held in Missoula the first week / weekend of April. The mere thought of a trip back to home country brings a grin to my face, and I’m eager to spend the Sunday of the event fishing the Missouri River and reuniting with old friends at Headhunters.
At work, I’ve been writing a plethora of web copy and press releases for this event and every time I do, I have to laugh. When the event took place last year, I was working at Headhunters. I distinctly remember cringing at the thought of an Orvis clan invading Craig, anticipating tweed. Lots of tweed. And maybe a few cigars.
When the Orvis crew rolled into town, I was pleasantly surprised to find a mix of young and old – people laughing and wearing beat-up Patagonia and wading jackets. Folks I could relate to. Looking back, that may have been the first thing that dispelled notions of the “old” Orvis. Despite a blizzard, the gang hung out in the streets of Craig for a bar-be-que and beers after fishing the better part of the day.
It’s weird to think that I now work daily with some of those people I first met and sold flies to during a snowy morning at Headhunters.
But that’s just the way this industry is, it seems. Weird things happen, awesome people pop up in unexpected places, and we go fishing.
So, long story short, if you’re anywhere near Missoula or Craig April 2-6, look me up. Email, call, find me in the crowd and say “hey.” I’ll be one of the Orvis girls – the one with the Canon camera over her shoulder.
Just look for the fisher-folk in the wading jackets and Orvis hats.
