What is it about moving water that draws us from afar? Makes us skip out of work? Entrances and enthralls us? Excites us and soothes us? From the tiniest trickle to the worlds largest rivers, we, as a species, seem drawn to moving water. Whether for its life-giving, thirst-quenching sustenance, spiritual renewal, adrenaline rushes or simple relaxation, I can think of no place where it can all happen.
For those of us who find an angling connection to moving water, there is that anticipation, excitement and hope that precedes each trip. Even though we go to the same places maybe; we know full well that each time reveals an entirely new place. Maybe only subtly different than the last time, beckoning close inspection. Or, a changed riverscape, such as after a freshet or even a flood. Always, there is an opportunity of discovery, of finding something new and different – perhaps overlooked during the last visit.
So, many of us get giddy with excitement about going to the same old places, fishing the same old water and hoping for the same old fish. Because we know, deep down, that this time it will be completely different.
Shaken Rain 