My Story - Caroline Craven, theGirlwithMS

Fly fishing, blue skies and a piece of heaven

A repost From last October: remembering a great fishing hole...

Found a great fishing hole up Beaver Creek. Looking for some resident coastal cutthroat trout. Generally they will be kind of small up here as we're a ways from the ocean inlet.

This will do! At first I had a pheasant tail nymph tied on and was practicing casting.middle of the day. Wind blowing. Not ideal fishing conditions. Or are they?

 

Practicing is the operative word when it comes to casting. With the bursts of wind in all directions I begin to feel like it would all just be casting practice. After snagging my nymph and losing it, decided to go for a dry fly. Looked like mayflies emerging but not sure. Chose a blue winged olive.
Practice, practice, practice. The water was clear and calm as glass. Or blowing in the wind. My fly lines fell in clumps. I watched the fly in the clear water, seeing where the currents would take it. Practice practice practice.
The blue winged olive.
A bit rusty with my casting, I just moved my arm and rod until they felt relaxed, at one. I thought, if I could just get this fly over to that shady spot by the bushes I might have a chance. If I could get my fly there.

Just as I exhaled and relaxed my little grey fly landed where I wanted it to. Whew, ok, casting getting better and then BAM! This little cutthroat hit this fly so hard I can still feel the hit.

I quickly grab my net from the back of my vest and pull the little guy in. It's not easy fishing, photographing, and releasing with just two hands. Most important is the fishes health and to get him back in the water. Forceps take the fly out (barbless of course) and he swims back to his friends.

After I let him go I spent the afternoon watching the wildlife. Saw a salamander swimming in the creek. Watched fish feeding and insects landing. Watched a small green inchworm swim along the creek then attach itself to a reed. Birds of all sounds were making a beautiful chorus. A crash in the woods behind me reminded me that there are large animals here. And the distant reverberation of a rifle reminded me that it is now deer season.

 

When Peeing in One's Pants is all we have.

Ever been out with folks that don't understand the MS bladder issue? As in when it hits, get out of the way or watch out because I dont have a diaper on? Well just had one of those nights. Had a beautiful dinner with some folks at an English pub type restaurant. We got home and wham, bladder needed evacuating now! Someone started joking around and taking their time. Desperately I signaled to him, "I need to get in". He didn't get. He often doesn't anymore and refuses a hearing air which might help. But instead I lost it as I felt the bladder release down my leg. Let me the F In the door! Well that didn't help. Finally I got in and ran to the restroom but it was all too late. Another pair of clean jeans that needed washing.

Why, if some understands what we are going through, makes us suffer so? Is it us or their own personal issue that blocks progression?

A frustrating time.

Putting things into perspective I know this person to be upset about getting older. Why take it out on me? But it is what it is. We are all aging or ailing accordingly. Put up our dukes and deal. Put up our dukes.

What's one of your frustrations? And how do you put it in perspective?

 

Join Us for online Chat About #MSreboot Camp

Several folks have asked about my April #MSreboot camp so we're having a chat tonight online. Join us! Group is limited so RSVP to thegirlwithms (at) gmail.com or pop in if there's room! You can also send your questions ahead of time.

Bring your goal(s) and let's talk about them. Why we chose them and how we will feel once accomplished.

1. Please join my meeting, Apr 1, 2014 at 5:00 PM PDT.

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/613204589

 

2. Use your microphone and speakers (VoIP) - a headset is recommended. Or, call in using your telephone.

 

Dial +1 (267) 507-0007

Access Code: 613-204-589

Audio PIN: Shown after joining the meeting

 

Meeting ID: 613-204-589

 

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