When I received the invitation I was thrilled, I had heard about this trip for years and the stories that came from it. 

Excited to get the invitation at the time, I was also saddened by the reason for that invitation. 

You see John's family has been going into this area to fish for trout and explore the region for over 80 years. 

Generations of his family have hiked and explored the region in pursuit of the iconic Maine Brook Trout. 

Fathers have introduced sons and daughters to the area for generations, while only trusted friends were allowed access to the tradition over the years. 

Even Johns mother was taken into this area as a small girl and floated on homemade rafts with her dad to get to good fishing spots.

For decades it was the yearly outing of family and only the closest of friends and colleagues.

For the last 20 years John, his brother and their father Bob kept the tradition going. Each year they would come together to embarked on a 5-day trip to chase trout and continue this long-standing tradition. A tradition for Bob that was simply apart of who he was.

Sadly, the ravages of time forced Bob to end his long standing tradition last year. He simply could not make the trip anymore. For the first time in over 50 years Bobs presence would not be felt at camp. 

Johns brother also went in a different direction leaving John to continue the tradition alone. So last year John made the journey alone and spent the week fishing just the same. Sadly, John was the last man standing in a tradition that looked destined to finally fade away.

Fast forward to a discussion last fall where the invitation came for me to join this tradition.

 An invitation to possibly carry on the traditions of the past while starting a new chapter.  

I quickly accepted while not completely realizing the gift I had been given.

 What started as the two of us, soon developed into Johns son Isaac accepting an invitation to come out for a few days to “give it a try" .

An invitation also went out to my son Justin who would have gladly attended if not for his few week-old new baby girl, he reluctantly declined, but a strong commitment for future years was given. 

We just got back from the trip and it was a great success. 

John and I spent 5 days following in the footsteps of the generations that preceded him.  

We caught trout all week with an effort fit for the much younger. We were up by 3:am each day to head afield and returned most days well after dark. 

Throughout the week there was always an eye to the past, 

“dad and I used to” …  

“one-time uncle Bill and dad” ………. 

“You should have seen the time Mark and I “. 

It became clear to me just how much a part of Johns life this trip was and how important it was to him that it continue. 

And continue it will! Johns son had a great time and vowed to return every year. I loved every second of it and cannot wait for next year already and Justin is looking forward to it also after hearing my tales of the week.

So, we have started a new chapter in this book, a chapter with a remnant from the past combined with new faces and a promise for the future. 

Each year we will make new memories without forgetting the ones from yesteryear.

 We will tell stories of those who came before us to ensure their memories live on.

 We will exaggerate fishing tales in an attempt to keep up with those who have done so successfully for 80 years. 

Bob has passed on and we are all saddened by our loss, but we know every year he will be there with us as we embark on this adventure.

I know Bob will be silently guiding us through the woods as we head into the remote ponds each year.  He will be guiding our flies and delicately laying them on the water as we wait for the trout to take our offering.

John has assumed the role of his father, the torch has been passed and he is now the leader of this new effort. He is the camp cook, the organizer and the gate keeper of the knowledge that only he can share. 

 Bob would be proud of how this next chapter has unfolded and how his son is leading the way.

 You will be missed Bob but never forgotten. 

We will do our best to carry on the traditions you have passed down from those who came before you, share the countless stories you shared with us over the years, while we  make new ones of our own. 

The dedication you showed to this tradition will carry on!