How Could We Not!

How could we not!

As he turns off the ignition the Jeep sputters to a stop. Darkness overtakes us and silence quickly fills the cab.

To reach our destination we have been on the road for almost three hours as we race the rising sun.

After only a moment’s hesitation we exit the jeep and start getting our gear ready to go. 

There is no discussion as we both know what we need to do before we head off into the darkness. 

Rod, check

Fly bag, check

Life jacket, check,

Paddle check 

Flashlight check.

Within only a minute’s time I hear “ready”? 

“Ready” I reply. 

We each shut our door and walk into the darkness. 

We have about a half mile to walk before we reach our journeys end.

 Its an old dirt road so the walking will be easy.

The grass is wet with the morning dew and its not long before my feet are soaked.  I really need to get better hiking boots I think to myself.

“Slippery here watch out” comes a warning from ahead as we make our way along the somewhat muddy path. 

From within the darkness the sounds of the coming day start to pierce the silence. 

Birds are starting to awaken, and they greet the day with a chorus of sounds that are welcoming to this visitor.

Treefrogs are still peeping and as of yet, have not given up the night but their reign will soon be over.

We walk in silence and with heightened anticipation as we near our destination.

 We have been here many times but the excitement of what awaits never wains.

As we near the pond John announces “our timing was perfect “.

Once at the pond we quickly assemble our fly rods under the glow of a flashlight, tie on our first offering of the day and load the canoe.

As we quietly slide the canoe into the water and prepare to climb in, a trout rises just a few feet from shore barely viable in the days new light but the unmistakable splash a trout makes when taking a bug off the surface needs no light to recognize.

“I think we are in for a good day “ predicts John as he squints to see the ring left by the rising trout.

“How could we not” I reply as we slide silently onto the waters surface to begin our pursuit of the wild Maine Brook Trout.    

How could we not!