Why do we do this? What does our work with Veterans Flyfishing mean, and what does it say about us?
“Dear Sirs,
I can not begin to explain how valuable this program is. Just to get out for a day on the river and be able to relax and unwind! It is truly therapeutic, and I am very grateful”. – E
We are here because we want to share our passion, to help others be immersed in nature and the sport, to totally surrender to and be absorbed in the moment. To help others.
It is not too difficult to search for and find research and articles discussing the healing potential of flyfishing. These reflect the feedback we receive from our veterans, sometimes written and poignant, sometime delivered spontaneously, pure and raw while on the water together. It is a gift beyond words to both the giver and the receiver. This is why we have almost 4 dozen committed volunteers including professional guides and casting instructors.
Steve Ramirez captures the essence in some of the loveliest prose I have seen written in his book “Casting Forward”. “So, you stand in the river, facing upstream with the water rushing down upon you as if it could somehow fill the hollow emptiness – and somehow it always does. So it was one morning. I stood there, without even casting and with no trout rising, and as the water rushed past me, I knew it was washing my burdens behind me, swirling them downstream like the autumn leaves.” This quote and the paragraph that follows it in the book appear in the evocative film, “Mending the Line”.
“… before the fishing trip, for the past several days and several weeks I had been having a……. tremendously, unbearably difficult time due to certain life circumstances.
Your kindness, caring, company, conversation, and fishing instruction was a desperately needed complete contrast to and a healing balm and salve on what I had been experiencing.
I Thank You. I Thank You. I Appreciate You. I Am Grateful….” – V
This is the most powerful thing I have ever been a part of. Why do we do this? What does our work with Veterans Flyfishing mean, and what does it say about us? Come out and fish with us and see for yourself.
“The mountains are here, and the streams, and the trout. Where are you? Where are you?” – Harry Middleton.
Where are you? We will be waiting for you here with the mountains, streams and the trout. We all look forward to seeing you.