I wrote this in September of 2009. Since then, a lot has happened. Jerry never started a blog, but he’s still fishing.

September 15^th, Tuesday morning, 8:30 AM MT: I’m sitting on the deck overlooking Ashley Lake. It’s been about 18 hours since I’ve had internet access or a cell signal and I’m still alive.

Our host, Jerry has written a syndicated column about fly fishing for 30 years. We’ve had several conversations about starting a blog on the same topic. He’s curious, but honestly, if I could fly fish and I lived where he does, I’d be very reluctant to do anything other than fish, hike, or otherwise be close to nature. Nonetheless, I can’t help thinking that he’s got 60+ years of experiences in his head that people who wear suits to work and occasionally cast a line or take a walk in the woods would love to read. I can’t help but thinking that if he started writing about all the spots that he’s fished, things that he’s seen and lessons that he’s learned, that people who dream about living the way he does, would get a little closer. Whether he does or doesn’t, I’m glad that I had the chance.

I should point out that I had Jerry read this post before it got published. First, I’m sharing tidbits and my impressions of very private conversations. Just two guys, brought together by their kids, drinking beer and passing the time, getting to know each other. He may not want any part of it shared and if he says, “No.”, you’ll never read anything past the word, “alive”. Second, I want to make sure that my sharings are accurate. Memory, even within a few hours, can be fuzzy. So, I want to make sure that I get my facts straight.

OK, so, Jerry’s shared a few pieces of wisdom.

Don’t move to Montana if you don’t want to enjoy outside activities when it’s cold.

Montana has six months of winter and six months of crappy sledding.

Jerry teaches a fly tying class. He’s had lots of seniors take the course because they have it on their “bucket list”. Why do they wait?

So, I guess I just want to say, “Thank you, Jerry.” The lesson for us all is that with all that fishing, hunting, hiking and enjoying nature, you still made time to have a rewarding career, build two homes, raise a couple of great kids, and be a great host.