Thursday, February 21, 2013

Birthday Gifts And Bows

We all know that the significance of birthdays changes once we enter adulthood.  The older we get, the less we notice them.  And the OLDER we get, the less we probably want to notice them.  There are, however, perks that come with that one little day we claim to have come into this world.  On occasion they give us a free pass.  An excuse.  A reason, however contrived, to do something we enjoy.  When those little multicolored candles went out earlier in the week I had wished for a gift.  This gift would hopefully be covered in big shiny bows.

The birthday and fish gods smiled down upon me.  I received the gift I wished for.  It was a day spent doing one of the things I enjoy most in this world.  And it was all covered with (read "filled with") big multicolored shiny bows.

The color of some fish blows me away, and leaves me grinning.


The day was spent with three other awesome gentlemen who share my love of fishing.  Gilbert, Jared, and Shane.  Gilbert runs two blogs.  One is called Fly Tying 123, and the other is Gil Fly Fishing, both of which are awesome sites.  Jared maintains another called The Pursuit, and is an excellent writer.  Shane, as most people who read this already know, is a common fishing buddy and runs The Fish Hunter Chronicles.  All are great sites and worth checking out.  These guys are top quality company, and excellent companions to have on ones birthday.

Ready.  Set.  Go!


Hasta La Vista, Bowie.




Can't beat the colors of a wild fish.

Steelhead, in Idaho?  Heck yeah we have em'.  But is a fish that doesn't go to the ocean a steelhead?  Ha ha, that one is for you Jared.


Baby for the day.

Even messed up fish need some love.






It was one of those perfect days.  We were on the water early.  The fish made us work, just a little, in the beginning.  Eventually things were on fire.  We left just as the sun was nearing the hills.  Then the evening was spent on a date with my beautiful wife.  It was the best birthday I have had for some time.  Thanks to everyone who was a part of it.