One day, a while back...a long while back...I was a youngun' too. Might be nice to go back sometimes...or maybe not. Made a lot a mistakes, had some lousy times, and a bunch a great days. Wouldn't change a thing....

When that gray hair starts creepin' in around the temples, a guy starts changin' the way he thinks about stuff. Although the pressure to put food on the table never ends, priorities kinda' rearrange themselves. The business considerations that dominated his life for so many years drop back, and the family that should have been foremost takes center stage. Things slow down...like it or not...and every day becomes precious.

Those times on the water become more than just catching another fish...they are a chance to get away, and truly experience the world we are all so lucky to be able to enjoy. These few hours must be savored like a perfectly broiled steak, a decadent microbrew, or that succulent bluegill etouffee you just prepared for your family.

Some who fish with me may have trouble understanding why I spend so little time actually fishing. They watch me cruisin' around takin' pictures, or scourin' the crystal clear stream...watching those wondrous creatures slurping bugs. I may just sit down, close my eyes, and swig down a cold brew, while listening to everything around me...smelling every aroma...and trying to think like those incredible fishies in that cold clear water in front of me.

And then, I'm gone....silently away to a place where nobody else has tread. Soon I'm back with a sly grin on my face, after finding what I was looking for...that amazing creature on the end of my line...all by my lonesome. Had a little talk with him, too. Asked about the family...made sure he was OK...and thanked him for makin' my day!

Old people aren't so bad...you just have to get to know them...and understand they aren't so different than you...they just look at things a little differently...

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