From left to right are Gary Wilson, Jim Smith, Dick Robinson, Myself, and Bob Windel.
Gary is a 30 year friend from church, and is the art professor at Monroe County Community College. On this trip I discovered Gary’s outdoor culinary skills were top-notch. Gary cooked those mountain trout for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and we never got tired of eating them. As long as we were fed well, nothing else mattered. I also discovered why people like him so much! He has a sense of humor that is witty, self effacing, and mischievous at the same time.
Jimmy Smith, at the time, was my best friend. We slept in the same tent, and basically fished every pool together. Jimmy was a pure “city boy” and I wanted to show him a side of life unfamiliar to his upbringing. Believe it or not Jim packed in his guitar, and serenaded us around the campfire at night. I discovered the soothing voice and musical talent that was just waiting to be mined from this, as yet, undiscovered talent. Jim and I no longer see one another, and his lost friendship is a definite negative in this journey of life.
Dick Robinson and I graduated the same year from high school, but only became friends through our church associations. Dick was one of Monroe’s best tennis players, along with his younger brother LaVern. Dick was an accomplished artist, and a purest in every sense of the word. I never realized what an art form “fly fishing” was until I watched Dick perform, in the middle of a high mountain valley. It was awe inspiring to watch him in action. Once he hooked a fish, and landed it, he was so gentle with the release. Dick was totally in tune with his surroundings both spiritually and emotionally. Dick died in his 40’s from brain cancer, and is sadly missed by many.
Bob Windel was the new kid on the block, as we had never met him before. He was Gary’s brother-in-law and soon became fast friends with us all. Bob was a starting college lineman from Minnesota, and was highly scouted for the draft. When push came to shove Bob choose a career in education rather than the NFL. Bob is now the administrator of a private school in Eagle Colorado. His rugged surroundings mirror Bobs love of the outdoors, but masks his caring and gentle nature. I discovered that this gentle giant was not only big and strong, but strong in his faith as well. I liked Bob from the second I met him, and have admired him and his wife over the many years and miles separating us.
On any backwoods experience companions can make or break a trip. When multiple personalities are involved things can go in the wrong direction, in a hurry. This was one of those trips that was made in heaven. Not a “blip” on the screen, nor a discouraging word. Great memories are made from such meshing of men’s hearts and souls!
On a side note, Gary Wilson’s son Darren is a college professor at Judson, and just finished his second film documentary about the miracles of God in this present age. Bob’s son Bobby is one of the camera men and helps with the editing. Reviews of Darren’s first film “The Finger of God” can be found on the Internet, along with information on his new venture into independent film making. You will be challenged by what Darren discovered as he traveled the world documenting the miraculous.
Mike
Wow, looks more like the James gang!
Camping, Hunting or Fishing – it leaves us with a lot of memorable experiences that remain close to us. Life goes on but these experiences are a treasure chest we look into when we need something to make us feel good.