You should go fishing

For most of my adult life people have recommended fishing to me. I must admit I am a bit intense at times, so perhaps the leisurely pace of fishing would seem like a good idea to help me 'chill', as they say.  About three years ago I took up camping.  Tent Camping.  Prior to that, I went camping nine-years go - once. A family friend said camping would be good for me, so we went up to Lake Cachuma, CA.  "Well where there's a lake, you really need to go fishing" so said a guy I worked with at the time.  Leah's going camping AND fishing!  So was the rumor at work those few weeks leading up to our four day getaway. Seemed like every department at the company where I worked had something to contribute to my adventure.  One guy, the tent: a three-bedroom, four-wing, tent that was so big, we each had our own room, sitting room and foyer for the shoes.  Another guy, the propane stove: I remember thinking it was like a table-Viking Grill, I cooked lamb and gourmet nachos for our hosts.  And the rest of the contributors added to my list of 'fishing-stuff'.  Oh yes, I got rods.  And a fishing-tackle box with swivels and hooks by the dozens, a net, a fillet knife with a leather sheath. For the two weeks leading up to my adventure, guys spent their break times teaching me to cast, one woman, how to tie knots, others with tidbits of helpful hints.  I felt prepared, I felt that finally fishing-the long recommended recreational activity was mine.  Until... early morning I grab my rod, my very complete tackle-box and find a spot on the edge of the Lake.  I get out there so hopeful.  So full of anticipation. In my minds-eye I see exactly how I am going to fillet (I didn't know how to do that then, by the way, but I had the knife, it would know what to do), cook and eat these fine fish that were going to be caught by me.  I cast my line - the fishing line ricochets back to the shore.  Again, I cast, as I did in the office parking lot. - the fishing line ricochets back to the shore. I am confused.  It is so early that no one else is around me.  This time I visualize each and every word of each and every person who helped me for three weeks.  I tried it again and again...  - the fishing line ricochets back to the shore. 35 minutes.  - the fishing line ricochets back to the shore.  I pack it up, return to camp.  The weekend concludes, no fish.  The line never touched the water.

Good time though.  Fun spot, crisp nights.  It took us about an hour and a half to put all of the camping gear back in the car.  We drove home.  Returned the borrowed Taj Mahal Tent, the stove, and the other knicknacks of camping fun.  I put the rods and tackle box in the garage.  

Nine Years Later....

Surprise Camping Trip for the son to Death Valley! Such a little Rock-Star, we found a good place where he can see Rocks and Stars on the same trip. Ambitious, but the only reason why I am sharing, is that a few weeks prior to the trip, I told NO ONE.  I was at a much more recent job, mind you, but I didn't want to get ANY advice from anyone. accept Lisa.  A co-worker at the time, who was very much sympathetic to my story above.  She showed me the "light".... really... "PACK LIGHT".  We spoke at length on the topic and the only way I would venture into such an activity was it HAD to be SIMPLE, Straightforward.  I would have to be able to pack the car in no more than 20 minutes.  If it became any more complicated than that, I would not do it.  Also, if Death Valley was a success, to avoid the 'never use in nine-years"excuses to not-go, we would book our Camping Season every January.  After the Rose Parade, we get out the calendars and book the camping sites.  Now with simplicity on our side, could Fishing be next...

About a year ago, the son displays an interest to learning how to fish.  A fleeting thought, so I did not pay it much mind.  Well about six months ago I took-up fishing.  Interesting how it came about.... and that is where this blog begins - GIRL GONE FISHING!  Stay Tuned...


Lake Cachuma 2002


Death Valley 2011
Badwater Basin then, (lowest point in North America, so the only way is up!) and soon saltwater and fresh water fishing... did not know it then.