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Slower Water:
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I turned 60 this past December. It is a milestone of sorts. Aside from the obvious chronological significance it was a milestone for me personally as I officially have outlived my father. He died at 59 from non Hodgkins lymphoma. If you knew him, you knew that was way too young. Even if you didnt you should probably agree anyway. My fly fishing started with my father. As it often starts with fathers and sons. It was his Idea of kid sitting. I don't think he knew then that it would be as significant a part of my life as it is. Still, it was something we did together which is important in father son relationships. I
find myself embraced in one of those " lifes ironies" experiences. Remembering how I was as a kid, how much work I was and for the most part, how patient he was. Now, at 60, I find myself not as nimble, just as passionate, but more reflective when I fish. I try hard, but the reality of 60 is that things just slow down a bit. Be it by cognition or intuition I find my angling tactics gravitating towards slower water. It's ok though, good in fact. I am more disciplined and focused. My expectations aren't as demanding. I like looking around more. Seeing what is about , lurking in the trees and pasted in the sky. Small things amuse me more also. I wonder now if this is what my father felt later in his fishing life.
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