Route 40 looking west in the fall. Nothing better than the next 40 miles of asphalt.
Photo by Mike Hartley
I yearn to be out in a sports car or bike looking on a stretch of open highway and enjoying the many sensations of driving. I’ve loved it from the time I first got behind the wheel. All I know is I long to be out of the SUV I’m in now and return to a driving machine so roads like this become ribbons in my mind again. I also yearn to have a stick again. I drove a stick all my life till this last SUV. Yes it has been nice in traffic. And where I drive traffic is a way of life. But those times when I escape the limitations of the city and hit the roads where intersections aren’t included and exits are double-digit miles apart is living for sure.
Last week was incredibly difficult. But I’m on the other side of that now so onward and upward. Sometimes some tough times steel you for the future. And what the hell, I have a vacation day this week so life is sweet.
Can I get a Hell YEAH.
Photo by Mike Hartley
And of course the banter has begun back and forth about the next fishing trip and the Master Caster Award for the biggest fish. I finally got lucky last trip and got one. So I have been talking all kinds of crap about never giving the title up. I think I’ll suggest making it like the Vince Lombardi trophy. Now what to call it. Judge Fish Slayer? Doctor of the DEEP? Mike and Moby? Admiral Angler? So many choices, I’ll have to run the new idea by the guys. I’m sure it will be met with mass dissension and ridicule.
All I know is I’m looking forward to that day on the water with best friends this fall and showing them how to fish once again and talking crap the whole way back in. And then on the deck as we grill the rockfish up. And then after when everyone bellies up. I’ll give them a break while we eat. Maybe.
I guess I should tread a bit lightly because that will be a blowout weekend I’m sure. And of course all of them have far more fishing experience than I do. But I’m lucky at some things and got a good feeling about being the Back to Back Master Caster.
Can’t wait to get some fresh fish on the grill.
Photo by Mike Hartley
I’m going to begin my weekend early because like so many other unfortunate souls, I have to work the holiday weekend. No problem though, good to be employed and healthy today.
My goal on Wednesday is to snap a few hundred frames, play some hoops, do some home chores and enjoy an evening with friends. What a day it will be. Life is good and I’m still playing.
