The first week was cancelled as a result of COVID.
Now, the second week is cancelled as a result of both COVID and the impending arrival of Hurricane Iasias.
Thought it was about time to bring you up to date on our Galax, VA-bound anglers. The bottom line is half of those who said they wanted to go have had to decline. Some have a very justifiable concern about COVID-19 (as do I so I am not convinced we will get to go in the long run), others have family issues, still others non-COVID-19 health issues and so forth.
But, though we have canceled the first week (late July) the two scheduled then can switch to August so we have three boats for 6 people August 3-5. At this point, the Hampton Inn folks say life is pretty well back to normal and the restaurants seem to be open. Our guides say they have been very busy.
I am delighted we have a number of new members going: Tom Duym, Bruce Golden and Tom Brennan and two almost new members Ron Harris and Myles Dotto. I look forward to “transitioning them in the faith”- getting to share the ethos of Cape Fear Flyfishers as well as learning a lot more about them- which is part of the ethos. You can drag a preacher out of the pulpit, but you can’t drag the preacher out the angler- especially when he is a Scots Presbyterian! Ethos means basically our characteristic way of acting and living as well as why it is that way. In other words, I going to be shoveling it that week. But once you get a member on a trip, I think you see a dramatic improvement in the involvement and ownership of the Club.
So I am delighted we have so many newbies going. I just hope we can go.
Let me digress a bit. I completely understand the value of having people make their own arrangements with the guides and hotel and all. But, there is benefit to having one of us who has been around the block a few times deal with guides we have used on numerous occasions. They know how we work, know we’re not trying to screw them, and know we will be using them again in the future. So long-term gain takes precedent over short-term gain. Fortunately, Elk Creek has been having a very good year. When we canceled Bristol, I expressed concern that we were leaving them in the lurch. They said not to worry about that. I was very pleased that President Bill said he was making sure Seth didn’t forget him. In the long run it pays to make sure they know we are concerned about them.
Just so you will know, each year for Galax, I have suggested that those of us going could put the guides up in a hotel so they wouldn’t have to drive so far each morning and afternoon. Even though I was told they want to get home to wives, children, and/or dogs plus clean up their rigs and get our lunch material, I will still offer. Some of these guides are driving 2-3+ hours each way when we fish Galax. I’m impressed.
Thanks for listening. I haven’t even finished my first drink and I’ve gone to preaching. But in all the trips I have taken, the guides always volunteer that we are the most thoughtful group they guide- from Canada to Louisiana to Georgetown to Elk Creek. So we must be doing something right. Let’s just keep doing it. Ask your guides next time about the worst folks they have ever guided!
I remember last year in Galax one of the new guides said what a pleasure it was to guide folks who knew how to cast. So that’s my job- to make sure of all of us can cast that last 40’. I remember all too well when I couldn’t. Hmm- that was the first year in Canada and I caught more trophy smallmouth than any year following- 3 citations. Oh well. Casting’s not everything. The guide put me on fish and scared them into biting.
Enough rambling, we are set to go in early August. I‘m stoked.
Things to bring:
-Bug spray & mosquito netting (may not need it but better to have it and not need it…)
-Hat with a wide brim – sun off your ears ad flies off your neck
-Polarized sun glasses- especially amber
-Shoes you don’t mind getting wet and that will dry quickly pus some to wear for dinners
-Wool sock will keep you feet warm, even when wet
-Rain gear (waders if you must) bur rain pants will work very well
-Cool weather gear (some fleece, a vest or jacket- it can get cool in the mountains
-Cash for tips ($50-$60 per person per day ($100 id you have a solo)
-credit cards for hotel and dinners
-check for boat/guide rental (payable on Wednesday)
-extra clothes for diners
-Meds/C-Pap, etc.
-Camera/Smart Phone and charger
-Dry bag- I have several and will bring them
-Favorite snacks
-Adult beverage of choice. I will have some Scotch and some plastic glasses better than those of the Hampton Inns. This is for our evening gatherings after dinner and before bedtime when we sit around telling lies. After Sunday, we can refurbish our supplies. I doubt I will run out of Scotch!
-Let us know about food allergies- we should have crab cakes, tuna and salmon for our lunches Alternatives will be provided if you have allergies.
-6-wt to 8-wt rods and reels. I will have some extras and the guides can share theirs if give advanced warning.
-The guides provide the flies, leaders and tippets. They even tie them on for us- their choice.
Elk Creek Outfitters charges:
$500 per full day- 2 anglers
$400 per full day- 1 angler