11/27/19

Today I decided to make a trip up to the Blue River in Oklahoma with my cousin. The Blue River is about a four hour drive away, but never seems to disappoint this time of year. I fish there year round for smallmouth bass, but this time of year offers some of the best trout fishing within driving distance of DFW. We packed up the truck and headed out around 4:30 AM to get there and on the water for the morning bite that always proves its worth. As we took off into the darkness with coffee mug in hand I could feel the trout calling my name. It feels like such a long time since I have gotten to fish that I forgot how much I truly love it. Although it was cold, it was worth it. My cousin and I started the morning slow-stripping wooly buggers with one lead split shot to get them down to the bottom of the river faster. I quickly hooked up with the fish pictured below. It was the first of many rainbows that day. This river is unique because it is catch and release only, which never really affects me. I rarely keep fish but when I do I make sure to eat what I keep. This river also has a barbless hook policy, meaning that you must mash down the barb of the hook. This policy proves effective in ensuring the fish stay healthy all winter. As the sun heated up the fish slowed down quite a bit. We didn't let that stop us from having fun. We walked a good part of five miles of river, talking and laughing as we continued our pursuit for finicky trout. At the day's end we counted around twenty five fish between us. A solid day for sure. However, on this particular outing I think we enjoyed each other's company more than any fish caught. I always enjoy the breaks from school so much because they give me an opportunity to catch up with family and friends that I don't get the chance to see on a daily basis.

11/27/19 Journal

I woke this morning at 7 am sharp to a burst of orange shining through the window of my parents house. It was an astounding sunrise to say the least. I immediately grabbed a jacket and some shoes and rushed downstairs to get a closer look. When I made it down the stairs my dog, Bell, was waiting patiently to go explore the new day with me. I opened the back door and she burst through out into the year. I wish I felt this much energy. Getting a closer look, this sunrise was truly spectacular. An explosion of orange with hints of pink, surrounded by a pastel blue so revealing of the season of fall. I sat mesmerized on the back porch for about ten minutes, soaking it all in. When I'm at my house near TCU, I rarely even see the sun until it is well above, except for days I run Trinity Trails. It is nice to feel such a connection with nature, while being so close to the city of Fort Worth. Not only does my parents house present these scenic sunrises and sunsets, but at night you can look up and see almost every star in the sky. Well not quite, but way more than I can see from TCU. Looking up into that sky, I am reminded of just how small we are, wandering around aimlessly, believing we are the most important being in the galaxy. How naive. Though I am just as guilty. The morning has become my favorite time of the day here. I can wake up and witness this amazing sunrise in solitude, then put some coffee on and take time to reflect on my past, as well as my future. With decisions for dental schools coming out Monday, I have done quite a bit of the latter.

Duck Hunt

This morning Billy and I set out to hunt some ducks on the Brazos River right below Possum Kingdom lake. With coffee in hand we left at 4:15 AM sharp in order to secure our spot on the river and get set up. When we arrived we geared up to face the brisk morning temperatures and began our descent into the river bottom. We slowly navigating the steep descent, battling the rocks while wearing waders with rubber boots. Once in the river bottom we hiked about 200 yards to a pocket where I have had success in the past. At this time the sun was beginning to crack the horizon. We needed to get set up quick. Billy and I began to throw out decoys, forming the U pattern with the landing strip facing into the wind. Ducks are smart birds. If something is just slightly off with your set up you can kiss your chances of a successful day goodbye. After wading into the chilly waters of the Brazos and setting out decoys, we found ourselves sitting on the bank waiting for the official time for sunrise. At 6:58 AM we were locked and loaded, surveying the sky around us in hopes of spotting birds in the distance. Around 20 minutes after sunlight we were blessed with some birds. I saw them cutting at lighting speed, following the winding turns of the river towards us. I reminded myself and Billy to keep our heads down and don't look at them. Ducks have an incredible ability to spot the whites of a hunter's eyes. If they do this you blow all chances of them landing in your spread. The ducks approached, about 5 or 6 in a small V. They made one lap around as if critiquing our spread. Well it must have passed the test, because on their second lap they neared and locked their wings down. It is truly a beautiful sight. I waited patiently to give the cue. A couple seconds after their wings were locked I yelled, "Take em!" Shots rang out, but only one duck fell. This was for sure a poor display of our shooting capabilities. You can practice and practice, but you will never simulate the adrenaline you get when those ducks drop their wings and it's go time. I fired 3 shots but only 1 bird was down. I couldn't remember where I even aimed because of my excitement. I quickly found my bird and got back into position. Although Billy and I enjoyed sitting and telling lies on the river bank, that was the only group of birds that came in.