[DFix]

Get in touch with "WYKnot", a.k.a. Col. J.R. (Russ) Forney, USA (Ret.), recently relocated to Beulah, Wyoming,

Tell him he's in the news again as of the Nov/Dec. issue of "Fly Rod&Reel" magazine, where I found the following in "Letters":

"An Official Thank-You

Sirs, I wanted to send a thank-you note. I got the latest issue last night at home (and got the club's copy today at work) and wanted to thank you for your great article highlighting Col. Russ Forney [July/October, "Who Fly-Fishes?"]. Very timely article that highlights such a wonderful soldier, gentleman, fly tier, fly fisher and personal friend.

You shed a great light on him, on USMA, on the US Army, and on the USMA Cadet Fly-Fishing Club. Col. Forney is one of the main reasons I got involved with the club, and he has helped me greatly, as he passed the Officer-In-Charge duties to me.

Thank you for taking the time to do this article.

Capt. Ronald C. Hasz
West Point, New York"

[WYKnot]

Thank you for the note DFIX. I am in and out (mostly out) these days, working with the SD dept of health as a facilities surveyor (inspect medical facilities). Retirement has been a bit less relaxing than I thought - but the wounds are mostly self-inflicted. Having a great time in Wyoming, loving life and tying flies as time allows. I guess Fly Rod & Reel must be having a tough time selling ad space; fortunately the fillers have been kind.

Hope to be a regular member of the forum again soon.

[steeldrifter]

Russ very nice to see you around, I've been wondering how you were doing



Steve

[WYKnot]

We got to Wyoming last summer, mostly moved in by July. I have been exploring the Black Hills watershed and tying flies for some of the local anglers. Spend 3-4 days a week on the road with SD DOH, bought a little (...as in light...) vise to carry around between hotel rooms. Not a bad living, I enjoy traveling to the rural health clinics, great people typically doing a fine job.

I updated my e-mail address in my profile, have not had an e-mail since June. Things can be a bit different in the civilian word, and the transition from the military has been interesting. I really enjoy grabbing a hot cup of coffee and watching the sun rise over the hills north of the house.

Beulah, WY is a neat little town (pop 33) that sits on Sand Creek. Not a destination spot unto itself, but the creek fishes well and is worth a stop. Anyone traveling I-90 through northeastern Wyoming, take exit 205, stop at the Stateline Station/Post Office/general store/travel center building, ask about "the new guy, you know, the old colonel” and you will eventually find me. I can show you a beautiful little spring creek. Rattlesnakes, poison ivy, barbed wire, browns, ‘bows, and the occasional cut-throat - all together a good time.

Russ

[Gregg A]

I've been through there a few times. Heck of a lot more scenic than this corner of the state.

[WYKnot]

Yeah, NE WY is easy on the eyes, but can be a might windy some days.

Cheyenne isn't so bad, but the drive from Gilette to Douglas is a long stretch. First time I drove that highway, I though that the road was paved in fur; there must be 10 road-kill rabbits per square foot of road way.

[Gregg A]

Cant be as windy as Cheyenne. I think the manufacture the wind here. I think it is definatly the road kill capitol. Your right though, it is a very long drive. I make sure I keep some CD's in the truck so I have something to listen to when I cant pick up a decent radio station.

[WYKnot]

Capt. Ronald C. Hasz
West Point, New York"

By the way, Ron Hasz is a fine officer and a real gentleman. He was recently promoted to Major and got married this past weekend; it has been a busy month for that young man.

[TroutBum]

Russ,

My son is going to be moving to Casper in June to begin his medical residency at the hospital there. I will, of course will find an excuse to go out there to visit. How far is your place from Casper, or maybe meet halfway. BTW, I am a spring creek junkie and can't get enough of that stuff, tiny flies and flat water.

[WYKnot]

My son is going to be moving to Casper in June to begin his medical residency at the hospital there. I will, of course will find an excuse to go out there to visit. How far is your place from Casper, or maybe meet halfway. BTW, I am a spring creek junkie and can't get enough of that stuff, tiny flies and flat water.

TB, Casper is the gateway to some great trout water, about 200 miles from Beulah, with some good meeting places in between. I share your passion for spring creeks, the whole setting (small water, crystal clear water, challenging casts, small flies) is wonderful.

What specialty is your son going to pursue? I went the research route (PhD) instead of clinical (MD), parasitology and infectious disease. Please pass on my contact information to your son, never hurts to have a friend in NE Wyoming.

[TroutBum]

Russ,

My son is taking the safe route, Internal Medicine and then open a primary care/family practice when his training is done.

[WYKnot]

I admire your son's determination; medicine is a long hill to climb. I hope he shares his father's enthusiasm for flyfishing.

[TroutBum]

I'm afraid that neither of my sons have any interest in fly fishing. I dutifully took them fishing when they were kids, but it just never caught on with them...

[WYKnot]

I'm afraid that neither of my sons have any interest in fly fishing. I dutifully took them fishing when they were kids, but it just never caught on with them...

My youngest (…of 2 boys) is the same way. He ties flies with me on occasion, but hasn’t caught the flyfishing bug, at least not yet. I will gladly take the occasional fly tying session and see where that leads him; as you undoubtedly know, “pushing” teenagers is seldom a fruitful endeavor.

[DFix]

Good to see you're settling into retirement- whatever that is.
Have to check out contact info.