28 Days...

I left the house this morning only to hit the front porch and witness the forth coming of spring full on. The birds were in full song, the snow has receded, the maples are budding, and there has been a noticeable change in photo period. For the most part this past winter has been one of the best from a cabin fever perspective but lately I have to admit that I am missing my time spent lost in thought on the river. The countdown is officially on for the Big Manistee Spring trip at 28 days but there are no immediate plans for a day on the water. This saddens me deeply. With everyone’s work, family vacation, and laser nutt blasting commitments I have failed to schedule an outing for the immediate future. Twenty eight days and counting is a long time…
I have been haunted lately with images of early season memories from the west side trips of past. Visions of fields of yarded up deer and turkey every country mile. The sun rising over the frost laden trees. The crispness of the clear blue skies. Travelling down seemingly abandoned country side roads. Finally, the confirmations of a worthy adversary from deep in a cold fabled flow. I miss the all encompassing experience and therapeutic value it provides. Twenty eight days is a long time…