It was one of those trips, one of those perfect days. When leaving Flamingo,
the sun was just a warm glow in the eastern sky. Only there, was a sign
of color, all else, a mix of gray's and blacks. Not a breath of wind. The
air refreshed by the night. The morning moisture was on the decks of the
platform we would use to stalk our quarry this day. Weapons were poised
and ready. Expectations were high. For
this, was the hunt.
An adventure to the outer reaches of Everglades National Park is best shared
with good friends, but often
on a journey like this, is where
the bonds of friendship
begin to weave for a guide and
his angler. For a moment of
wonder is surrounding them if they have the vision
to see. If they take
the time to dream of what it once was, here in the clear
waters and protected cuts of Florida Bay.
What a wondrous place this must have been a hundred years ago. As we glide
through the waters making our way through the maze of channels, it seems
it could be, for a instant. Only for the skiff that carries us to our destination,
the silence is broken. In front, the mirror of water changes into a
slice of ripples behind, as the colors of morning rapidly change. Like a new life, the day begins to
unfold.
As our spirits drink from the well that is nature, we can feel the healing
of our hearts & souls. To be witness, and not embrace this moment,
would be tragic.
The sky now from black, to the palest blue. The skiff moves in silence,
approaching, a hint of a breeze is seen , but not enough to
cover the wisp of silver tail. Piercing the mirror of water, a shimmering
knife reflecting the still rising sun. Adrenaline flows, the heart
pounds, years of practice forgotten in an instant. Finally,
into the path, the fly is placed with surgical precision, the strike,
the set, and the fight begins.
At this point, victory is ours. Before we ever hold, or measure,
or weight, we have won. We have seen our quarry, silently approached him,
and convinced him with a collection of fur, feathers & steel.
We have entered into a brotherhood. For this is not just a mere fish ....
This is a phantom,
but today ..... there is success.
Today, is the time and the place
of dreams ..
mine & yours.........
Capt. DJ Sutton
11/06/98
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