e do da ~ a yo tli

Cherokee for father & son.. I feel my Cherokee history that runs through my veins awakens and recharges my soul when I am in the forest or on the stream. The bonding I have with my son is unbreakable. We have been out there together since he could cast a rod. I watched him grow into fine flyfisherman, outdoorsman and respectful of all things. Passing on your vaules and traditions is the goal of any father. He is approaching his 18th birthday, enrolled into college and plays guitar with his band who just had a show the day prior in Charlotte. I know he was tired from the night before but still, he gathered what he needed and followed me to the stream. I feel like me, his soul is refreshed within the forest and waters. I know now the foundation I have instilled will be passed on, being a father, you know this. I know he will pass on these things to his son or daughter for he is a oh-sda-duhn ~ Asgaya (Good Man).

One of many faces

Forgotten

Old railbed

Tired



He towers over me in spirit too!

Time to get out of the Bear sanctuary :)

Make every moment count!

This weekend I decided to throw Leasa a little surprise. I took her for a surprise Fly fishing trip into the Smokey Mountain National Park and the Cherokee tribal waters. Went the extra mile and rented a small cabin, a little shanty more like it but hey.. it was off the ground. Being she is a camping gal, I knew she wouldn't mind it. Went into town and introduced her to Adolph and Valeira, two of my Cherokee friends. Later I took her across Newfound Gap road into Tennessee where we ended up eating lunch at Alamo's and goofing around the area. Before dark, I wanted to get back across the mountain to catch a sunset and get ready for the fishing on Sunday. What an awesome drive! I highly recommend it if your in the area. On the way back to camp we were greeted by a Bull Elk, majestic creature he is. As Sunday arrived we geared up and had a blast along Bunches Creek, Bradley Fork and the upper Luftee. Memories made, great times and we made every moment count! I though you all would like to come along... Cheers, John.

Paid respects at the Veterans Cemetary

Was dark and only had the phone with me

I looked down and seen this at my feet!

Putting her new skills to work

Honest.. it was this big!

Home sweet home

A very Familiar spot

To Whine or Wine?

This blog has taken a twist with the terrible heat! There is not much water time when the temps are sustained like this so my time on the water is limited. One thing we have found is that you try to go regardless just to be out there, catch a fish or two, snap a photo and make the best of the rest of the hot day. Me and Leasa (She Rocks!) have found we like to enjoy the locale as much as possible on our journeys. As of late she has introduced me to visiting wineries which are all over Western NC. This day we fished upper Ashe county and boy it wasn't long until the heat dried up the day, the water, the fish and our minds so we hit the local winery. New river winery is located in Lansing NC within the old school house, a school my father went to! So.. what do you do when the days are cut short? I find it hard just to go home so enjoy some pics and here's to cooler days and more fly fishing!

PS.. Threw some other pics in too!

Cheers... JD