Back On Track

Yes, folks, another track season is upon us. Have had over 70 sign up, with more than 60 showing up most days. Some of the most fun kids at school with us this year. Going from coaching throws to coaching sprints, hurdles, and high jump will be quite the challenge. Been lucky with the weather, lately. Can hardly wait 'til the meets begin, to see what we really have.

More Spring Break Photos

Feeling Alive

I guess the day-to-day becomes a little too robotic at times and I need to get uncomfortable to feel alive. Take this last week's trip to Stanley. Sub-zero temperatures in April? Snow being driven by the wind into the earhole? Felt boots frozen so solid they feel like wearing ice-blocks! I loved it!

Of course catching fish in crystal-clear water and spending time with friends not seen in five years were happiness-induced experiences. But it was the uncomfortable times, the in-your-face, I-dare-you-to-stay-out-in this that really put the smile back on the old mug.

Absolutely fantastic to spend time with my buddy of many adventures again, and watch him get his first steelhead then many others. Good to know Mick would appreciate it, cold and all, too.

Could have used another week.

Highs, Lows, Snap-Ts and Snake Rolls

It's all the proverbial blur. Thursday started off and continued for most of it as a "shouldn't have bothered getting out of bed" day. Murphy's Law was in full effect at school, handling fights, flights, meetings and beatings. Manage to bulldoze through the fly class with no-shows from kids and adult volunteers. Damned border bastards. Broke the cell phone, had to get a new one as it was indispensable in pulling off one major juggling act after another. But it did all work out one way or another, and the evening turned into a good one, making new friends, and swapping good stories until the wee hours.

Friday, waking up for the yearly physical tests proved to be a challenge. Not looking forward to the results. The rest of the day proved to be one of grand enlightenment and making the best of being an outsider looking in.

Saturday, watching the casting demonstrations on the Skagit by some of the masters was a lot like watching batting practice at Safeco Field. A fun evening and an early turn-in capped the day off.

Today got up early, got to hang out with my favorite mom. You know you're in the right place when taking a nap isn't considered a rude thing. Spending time with Steve is becoming increasingly precious and increasingly tough. He gave me a new fly rod he had custom made, this coming from a guy who knows he's going to be out of work for good in about 15 months. Took all I had not to lose it then. It's tough as hell seeing someone so active deteriorating physically. I gotta get him out fishing while he still can. Conversely, it was so relaxing to hang out with the Hurleys. Ollie appears to have done very well in the girlfriend department, seems like a great young gal. Looking forward to fishing with Mick in Idaho during the break.

Tired. Tired. Tired.

Thank God for Shoulders

Because if it weren't for shoulders, my arms would fall off right now. Got an invitation to go whitewater rafting down the North Fork Canyon today. way over weight? No problem. Out of shape? No problem. Haven't lifted weights since October? No problem. Haven't hit whitewater since the Big Swim on the Arkansas? No problem. Ya right.

Met Ed and Audrey and friends at Paul's place in Glacier. Water was low and clear, weather unseasonably warm. Can you say technical rafting? Great day out on the river and a chance to watch Paul, a true master, at work. A master but for one little raft-wedging and guide-swimming episode. No blood, no foul. Ed and Kyle were also hard at it in the aspiring-guide-in-training raft.

Followed up by beers and stories at Paul's. It was good to talk the river talk again. More motivation to get off my lazy ass to back up the talk again.