![]() Many of you that know me well enough have probably understood all you've read so far on the Sacred Waters website those of you have not let me elaborate. My latest inspiration for finally spearheading this project came on a day that just kept replaying in my mind, feelings that at least for me am incapable of putting into words. June 2015: I was guiding with a young man 9 yrs of age (solo as preferred to teach children or any loved one you’d like to learn and enjoy what you love). This young man was very eager to learn and asked tons of questions on our short drive. He expressed a strong interest in catching a sucker fish (which he and his grandpa seen in the river the previous day) so that was a conversation starter on the role sucker fish fit in the ecosystem. The facts that they are one of just a few of truly Native Fishes here as well as an endangered species. For me, his interest touched a nerve of the innocence and non prejudice nature of children. Long story short, we went through all the ins and outs of fly fishing. He did awesome catching a few suckers, smaller trout and the Big 20" Bow pictured here 100% all on his own. Afterwards, I dropped him off with his Grandpa discussing the day’s events with such enthusiasm and smiles. It was just a wonderful feeling that is hard for me to explain in words. Afterwards I proceeded to my next event for the day which was a Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Event we were hosting here in Pagosa Springs. I arrived at the event in time to help a few of the disabled veterans at a neighborhood pond while waiting for dinner to get finished. Again, those who have open-minds wanting to learn are inspiring to me. We commenced through all details of fly fishing. Seeing the excitement as people made good casts, caught fish, hearing the stories of their day fishing with our volunteer guides; their stories of how the sport of fly fishing has helped heal them being physically, emotionally, &/or spiritually. How it has Helped Save Their Lives, it all just hit home deep in my soul. As the evening progressed I gave a little speech and presented gifts to the Veteran group donated by Ross Reels USA. Once again to see the excitement, appreciation, gratitude from all these people and being able to give them all free rods, reels, fly lines, leaders, flies, and the ability to keep on Healing through Fly Fishing. I remember speaking of my morning’s event and how grateful I was to be able to do all of these things for everyone. How I wish I didn't have to work for a living so I could do all this for free everyday. Fishing makes us less the hostages to the horrors of making a living. It is a time warp we may step into for a little peace.
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AuthorOur President Joseph Eichelberger, with 20 years of guiding experience and a long family heritage of responsible outdoorsmanship, brings a unique perspective to our blog as he promotes fishing conservation and education in Pagosa Springs, CO where he's lived since 2008. Archives
July 2020
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