A Fly Rod, a Hammock, and Moving Water – Solo Overnighter in Northern Michigan

[Adventurous_Angler]

It is officially fall and the changing of the seasons is in full swing here in the upper Midwest. The nights are carrying a chill that lasts far into the morning, the days are shorter, and many forest animals are exhibiting a renewed focus on winter preparations. The trees are also embracing the change by swapping their green leaves for ones that are blaze orange and royal red or even abandon them altogether.

Each year I find myself more and more impacted by this inevitable transition. It sounds strange, but a small part of me fades as the vibrance of summer dims and Falls grip begins to tighten on the world around me. I am not certain what triggers this. Have I become increasingly resistance to change the older I become, or do I truly dread Fall and what comes after? Whatever the reason, I find myself challenged and perplex with the melancholy that Fall ushers in somewhere deep inside of me.

I decided that best way to wrestle with these questions was with Fall itself, so I packed up my hammock, grabbed a fly rod and explored some old fisherman trails along a small creek. While I did not find answers to the questions I had, perhaps what I discovered was much more important.

Hope you enjoy the images.

A.A.

River Jewel

Moving Water Ridge Trail

Setting Up

Hammock: WB Ridge Runner

Evening Bow

Cedar Grove Basecamp

Morning View from the Hammock: 38 Degrees

Breakfast - Shug Style

Morning Glow

Fox Squirrel

Overlook

Leftover Kings

[ObdewlaX]

Your trip looks like a really good time. I think it would be fun to fish for dinner. A few years ago, I bought a couple of Tenkara rods & flies to take on the trail but never got serious about it. Now that I'm on the cusp of retirement, I'll have to correct that.

Thanks for posting.

[Justin P]

What more could you ask for in a trip, looks perfect!

[Adventurous_Angler]

Your trip looks like a really good time. I think it would be fun to fish for dinner. A few years ago, I bought a couple of Tenkara rods & flies to take on the trail but never got serious about it. Now that I'm on the cusp of retirement, I'll have to correct that.

Thanks for posting.

ObdewlaX - I really enjoy bringing a rod along. I've found that it gives me something to look forward to once at camp but also brings me on the path less traveled since it is less about point A to point B and more about what is around the next bend when you have a rod in your hand.

Cheers,
A.A.

[Rhody Seth]

Nature is the best place to ponder life's big questions. Great pictures. Those fish look like they're waiting to be scooped up in the last one.

[ofuros]

Wriggly blue lines, fooling trout, hanging between trees = heaven.

[Rolloff]

That did it for me. I'll be sending that Tenkara order in and probably won't get a chance to use it much before next spring.

Life is short.

[Hang Williams]

I always take a fishing rod with me when I go backpacking. Heck, I don't know if backpacking would be interesting enough on its own. Nothing much better than a good mix of a pretty hike in, successful bluelining, and then a cozy night bundled up in a hammock with a slight chill to the air to make you appreciate the warmth of your cocoon.... yup, I need to make some plans to go soon.

[Adventurous_Angler]

Nature is the best place to ponder life's big questions. Great pictures. Those fish look like they're waiting to be scooped up in the last one.

Rhody Seth - Some of those fish did get scooped up. There were quite a few bald eagles along the stream taking advantage of the old salmon, but the bends were so tight that by the time I saw them, they would spook and fly off, so I wasn't able to get any decent photos. Better luck next time.

[Adventurous_Angler]

I always take a fishing rod with me when I go backpacking. Heck, I don't know if backpacking would be interesting enough on its own. Nothing much better than a good mix of a pretty hike in, successful bluelining, and then a cozy night bundled up in a hammock with a slight chill to the air to make you appreciate the warmth of your cocoon.... yup, I need to make some plans to go soon.

Hang - You nailed it. Nothing better...