a good morning.

I woke to my alarm, and the feeling as if my head had just hit the pillow. It was mid July, and every year I spend more time on the river and less time on my sleep score. Shorts and my favorite hoodie laid on the floor as I placed the hat that has conformed to my head back in its rightful place. I started my truck and let it do its morning routine as I hooked up the trailer. A recognizable feeling greeted me as I woke with a purpose and a place to be. Shuffling through Marty Robbin’s hits, I watched as the sun peaked over the mountains.

I drove with the same excitement and appreciation as I did the day before, and the month before that. With very few trucks on the road, my raft followed me as if it was plagued with the same adventurous spirit. A coffee and two of my favorite scones waited at the to go table. I waved to the familiar faces behind the counter and echoed in response with a “good morning”.

As I climbed back into my truck toward my favorite place in the world I thought - “it really is a good morning”. The morning is good and it signifies what was old is being made new. A simple concept but one that is repeated daily. Perhaps most fly fishing guides choose such career paths for massive fish and an office full of water. But there are many secret blessings hidden in the world of a guide. One of these for which is the blessings of the morning. Maturity has brought reflection to the moments that bring unpronounced peace, and the morning while only lasting a short time, greets us everyday. I pulled into our meet spot where my friend and fishing guide waited with a coffee in hand. He told me good morning and I responded with softness “it sure is”.

I write this, not to persuade you into the wilds of being a fly fishing guide but rather share in the warmth of mornings. You may find routine and the elements of dark to light and cold to warm transgress with you in mind. We progress with the sun from a state of rest to the composure of purpose. My mom has echoed these words since I was a child and only until recent have I been able to enjoy them deeply.

“Arise, go forth, and conquer”.