I'm a United Methodist Pastor, born and educated in West Virginia and now living in the mid-west. I've been fly fishing for several years now and really enjoy it. I bought my first bamboo rod a few years back and now own (more than I should) and have another on the way - or wish I did! A wise friend once said something to the effect that "Getting started with bamboo fly rods ain't any more expensive than a drug habit, but it ain't no &%$#! cheaper either!" I should have listened. Once bitten by the bamboo bug friends, you'd best guard the savings!

I have been married to the same wonderful woman for nearly 30 years now (June 09) and she is truly my life partner. We have one daughter who is married to a great guy and they have two beautiful daughters who are as ornery as their mother (and grandmother). My son-in-law fishes with me when he can, my wife fishes with me (when the weather is nice) and my daughter just started fly fishing a year or so back and had a great time (she even caught a couple!). Though my oldest grandaughter is only four, I just bought a 6', 3 wt. graphite rod for her birthday this year (you can't get 'em started too young!). I'm looking for a cane rod for her; of course, 'PaPa' might have to keep it for her for a year or so. And, since we just increased increased our family with a grandaughter on August 12th of this past year (08), I guess I'd better plan on getting two!

I started fly fishing as a way to get out of the office and relieve stress. Turns out I re-discovered my passion for the wonder of Creation. I can leave my office with the weight of the world on my shoulders and a few hours later, after listening to the water, the birds and the wind in the trees along the stream, any stream, and, well, my problems don't seem so big anymore. Surrounded by the beauty and wonder of the outdoors; I can filter out all the static and hear God much clearer.

Fly fishing has been a wonderful blessing to me and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share it with people I love and with some young people who want to see what it's all about. I think it's our job to share the love of fine things, the pride in good craftsmanship and the intentional stewartship of our planet with the next generation. That won't happen with our complaining that "...someone should do something!" If we truly love clean, cold streams and wild places and want to see them last, we'd better get the next generation involved - NOW!

Anyway, I am grateful to all the truly wonderful people on this board who have been so helpful and so patient with yet another person asking the same old questions. I have made some wonderful friends on this board. Thank you all! And, God bless!

FFP

Pastor

Spending time with family/friends, Fly Fishing, Golf, Reading Sporting Literature