Today I spent a few hours in Rocky Mountain Anglers fly shop chatting with John Gierach, noted flyfishing author. He was there to help pull in customers for a 50%-off-everything sale, since unfortunately RMA is up for sale after 11 yrs. I talked with Robin, the owner, and for a cool 200 one could have the business, less the building, which includes the trademark, guide service, fixtures, and permits to Rocky Mtn National Park. Anyone wanna to go halve-sies? :)
Its unfortunate, because this shop is more of a casual, cozy place than others and does not feel like a store. Its the kind of place where you could stop in for an hour, have a cup of coffee, and sit around tying flies while shooting the shoot with the shop keepers and locals, and unexpectedly walk out with an invite to have a burger and beer for lunch, a meeting set up for on the river the next day, or nothing at all, and feel good about the time spent.
So John was there today, and a few locals, and we sat around a fly tying desk drinking coffee and talking fishing. Every one seemed to know one another, pulled together by this common element of flyfishing. Folks were casually talking about where they are going fishing tomorrow (its mid December and it has been in the teens last week!). A typical break in the weather like we have now provides an opportunity to get out on the water. Incentive to get myself organized.
I asked John and the others where I could take Stefan this summer. They mentioned some local ponds full of panfish where A.K. Best (noted fly tier, flyfisher, and author) happens takes his grandkids.
I bought a few books and got John to sign them, and plan on donating one to my old Trout Unlimited chapter back in Chicago for their fundraisers.
Its nice to be in the thick of things, even if it's not out on the water.
