Fly fishing is life

Home Country By Slim Randles

Watching the fly fishing going on down at Lewis Creek is a little like box seats at the Bolshoi ballet. You might not even know what those old guys are doing, but dang they seem to do it well.

Long, sinuous casts out from the bank to the Lunker Hole. The Lunker, often dreamed, never caught, but our community would be the poorer without him.

“Fly fishing,” said Marvin Pincus, “is just another name for life.”

“Or love,” said our cowboy, Steve.

“Or frustration,” said Dud, who was about to shinny up a tree to cut loose a tangle made by his back cast. He wouldn’t have bothered, but that fly hanging down from that tall branch was tied by Marvin Pincus. And was therefore an objet ‘d arte, which we learned is a French term meaning darned cute. But if left in that tree, it might cause death and suffering to a bird.

“It could be a metaphor,” said Windy, making a little scud fly skitter across the surface.

“Metaphor?” Steve said.

Windy shrugged. “Heard that the other day. Means somethin’ like that there, I think. Might be a metafive …”

“Don’t think so, Windy.”

“Thanks, Doc. Jest cogmitatin’, you know, ‘bout life and when to use a dry fly or when to drag one a-them streamies along and temptationize them fish.”

“That’s pretty deep, Windy,” said Dud, nodding his head.

“Don’t think so,” Windy said, “Last time I fell in ‘twas ‘bout three foot or so. I jest fly fish cuz it’s more funner than drownin’ worms.”

“You can say that again!”

“Okay, Doc… I jest fly fish cuz it’s more funner …”

Were you aware you can hear six men groan above the noisy chuckling of a creek?

Grand openings in Grayling

GRAYLING- Hidden Nook Booksellers celebrated their grand opening on its sixth month anniversary and National Independent Bookstore Day. The ribbon cutting ceremony was performed by the Grayling Regional

Chamber of Commerce on Apr. 29.

Another ribbon cutting ceremony took place Apr. 30 for Spin City Wash. They celebrated their grand opening on its second day surrounded by family and friends.

Scoutmaster receives

Honored Eagle Scout Award

GRAYLING- Local Scoutmaster Loren J Goodale III was presented with the Honored Eagle Scout Award by the Michigan Crossroads Council, President Ford Division, of the Boy Scouts of America.

To be eligible for this prestigious award, the leader must have earned the Eagle Scout Award as a youth, be a current adult leader for at least fifteen years, and be nominated and approved by the council committee.

Mr. Goodale joined the Cub Scouts in 1969 and worked his way to Eagle Scouts in 1979. He became an Order of the Arrow member in 1975 and earned his vigil honor in 1982. He currently serves as Scoutmaster of troop 979 in Grayling, this is a position he has held since 1984.

Other leadership positions Loren has held include, Webelos Den Leader, Order of the Arrow Advisor, and District Training and Activities team member. He was an Assistant Scoutmaster for two National Jamboree contingents and the staff of two more. He attended Wood badge training and earned his beads in 1982 as a member of the beaver patrol.

Loren has been recognized previously with the Scouter Training Award, Scoutmaster Key, Scoutmaster Award of Merit, District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver, and the Adult Religious Award.

ROTARY SUPERHEROES –

The Roscommon Rotary Club held its annual auction / fundraiser at the CRAF Center in Roscommon on May 6. The Superhero- themed event featured dinner, and both live and silent auctions. Proceeds benefit community projects in Roscommon and Higgins