DFoster

We shall endeavor sir-

Thanks Mark, we're excited to go. The only down side is missing a few weeks of prime fishing and being separated from our 2 dogs who we will miss terribly.

Thanks Silver! Rome, Pompeii and Pizza are all on the tour. History becomes so much more "real" when you see the locations in person.

Thanks Silver i’m not sure if we have enough time at this point to get one, but I will look into it

Thanks for the good advice. We have been warned about the pickpockets and uncaring police from my brother in law who is a United Captain. We are actually going to use small sling packs worn in front during crowded locations. These have multiple zippered pockets and will force any would be thief to have to guess. In my experience thieves always look for the easiest target. Even at home I always keep my wallet in my front pocket but I also will keep it on the bottom of the main compartment under my water bottles with the pack worn in front. We are travelling with another couple so we will have 4 sets of watchful eyes which is a good thing. As the police are not going to be any help at all so we are doing our best to make sure we don't need them in the first place. It's sad that we need to take these precautions in a 1st world country but when in Rome-

Thanks guys!

Next week I'm off to Italy with my wife for 12 days. Were taking a semi structured tour of the country so I don't expect to squeeze in any fishing. I am hoping to find myself in at least one of the Italian fly shops at some point during the trip to purchase a memento or two. Furs and feathers are out because I don't want to have to deal with customs any longer than necessary after the long flight home. Neither of us are Italian but my wife has a fascination with Italy, it's food and culture and as this is our 20th anniversary year so... I'm excited to go, I know we will eat well and it will be an amazing life experience but I hate leaving New England in the beautiful Autumn. Lately the cool, crisp mornings here constantly draw my thoughts to fishing. At this time of year it is inescapable for me and normally the vacation time I'm using for Italy would be reserved for long, wonderful days on a stream. That will have to wait until October though, this week is about packing and trip preparations. We have a wedding for a friend this weekend followed by the long flight out.

I'm with you George- I often pass right over the new fangled foam hoppers for a 100 year old Catskill pattern. The foam flies work, but there's something about fishing the traditional stuff I just can't resist.

Fat beauties, it’s always great to find a new spot!

A couple that I caught on Saturday morning. I tried to get a better photo of the rainbow but she was having none of it, the brookie was a little more cooperative.

That's a really nice Crappie!

Wow- nice fish!

From the smoker- brisket and meatloaf. Sides- corn, potato salad and tomato/cucumber salad with feta. My only complaint was the terrible low carb beer. 🤢