I decided to take my map today and read within it's contour lines the secrets in which they may hold. Gazing at Ridgelines, Spurs, Saddles and Depressions taking several dead end guesses and nearing the end of a beautiful day, I discovered Sacred Ground. A place I feel will not be recorded in my Fishing journal, highlighted on a map nor discussed in great detail except as tales passed down to the next generation. A beautiful place where the Wild Trout once released, ran directly back to gulp your next cast much like a child, trusting, innocent and unknowing of the lessons soon learned. As I sat creekside, Eastern Tiger Swallowtails swarmed about landing amongst my gear in such a way, attempting to gain my attention. This made me think of the Cherokee that once dominated this area.. the Cherokee believed Butterflies carried the wishes to the Great Spirit in heaven to be granted. Release after release I realized my wishes were indeed granted.
As I worked my way back through laurels, hardwoods and pines, I looked back and realized that I seen no presence of man, no sound, no blown trash, fire pits or beaten paths and was over whelmed with peace. I'm not sure if I will return, I'm not sure it's a place ready for us humans..It seems to be doing just fine without us. It was a privledge to be on "Ay tee kaw ee ay lay - gah dah" today.
Just a few shots streamside & a couple from my travels... Enjoy, Cheers... John
Hello John,
ReplyDeleteIt certainly does not happen to often that one comes across such an area of untouched and unspoilt beauty (especially over here!). Thank you for sharing this place with us via your words and pictures just don't tell where it is ;-).
Regards,
John
Gorgeous shots! Butterfly\fly reel shots are nearly impossible to get. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteMurphy.. Thanks! It was an experience that will be remembered. One can hope there's many more of these places left.
ReplyDeleteColorado.. Thank you! I've only got one other shot similar but when a Mayfly landed on my four weight. Wish I took more especially the one that landed on my shoulder :)
That sounds like quite a spot you found. I enjoyed the read very much and outstanding pictures!
ReplyDeleteWonderful, thanks John
ReplyDeleteoutstanding place. I'm tempted to say "I wish there were more of them around", but it is their rarity that makes them special.
ReplyDeleteNice pics!
James.. Thanks for stopping by. We need to hit the Waters soon!
ReplyDeleteWolfy.. Great to see you again. I to wish to find more like this place. Just being there put you so in tune with your surroundings, beautiful it was.
Bill.. Thanks so very much for stopping by and enjoying the trip with me. Its important to me that others feel a fraction of the experience with me. Thanks for doing so.
ReplyDeleteExcellent writing and pictures as always John, but I especially love this post. It has a most wonderful feeling about it. Peaceful and innocent. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteKari, Thanks so very much for stopping in. I tried to convey the experience the best I could so you could get a small taste of the experience. It does me good to hear that you enjoyed the pictures and short story. Now if I could ever get this blog to be as sharp as yours.. it would be complete :)
ReplyDeleteGreat pics, even better backstory. Not sure if I'd need to go back either.
ReplyDeleteSolid post. Very inspiring. Thank you for sharing with everyone.
ReplyDeleteBen
Trout.. Thanks! Its a hard decision..lol
ReplyDeleteAz .. Great to see you again and thanks! Glad you found a little something in it. Was one of those rare moments you just try to find the right words for. Thanks again for stopping by!