This past summer (2004) has been an adventure full of learning experiences and pearls of life I will take with me. I find I am taking each day as if it is my last day here at Pine Point Lodge. I am not taking anything for granted, the skills I have learned, the fishing, and most important the interchanges of conversation on the days I have had taught or guided clients. Every bit of my experience has been special, and I want and will continue to cherish it all.

There are many stories to share, the story that comes to mind, is the theme that my time with clients have not always been about catching fish. I have had many groups come this summer and each client has a story to share, the story I am going to write about is the story about a man with polio, John Carroll from California.
John Carrol ,a man in his late fifthties, had contracted polio as a kid, and though it was treated it turns out the the affects of polio will again strike the individual as an adult. This man now is limited to the use of his legs, often using a wheel chair or crutches to get along. His health issues are tremendous, including unhealthy weight. I only mention these limitations to share what a teacher he became for us all, not only the staff but a group of his friends who made this fishing trip to Pine Point Lodge.
John was determined to make this trip with his friends, but fighting his limitations was what this fishing trip would be about. His first hurdle would be to find out whether he could make it on the plane to Vancouver and then the smaller plane to Nimpo. Often times I heard him exclaim that he did not want to be a burden to anyone but he wanted to fish and join the fun with his fishing buddies. This was a lifetime dream, a trip to a remote fishing area that would include fishing trips from a 'float plane'. John especially wanted to join the fly outs to remote fishing areas, this would prove how far he could fight his wall of limitations and fears. Underlying every movement or decision would always be about fear, whether it was a fear of 'how he looked to others' or whether it was a safety issue I am unclear.

This mans friends were his greatest supporters of his life, they had been a part of this mans second family for his entire working career. It was important to everyone to make this dream a realty. With their help the first hurdle was a breeze, Rod - the owner of the lodge - was able to have a wheel chair available for his comfort upon his arrival. John really did not know if even this first part of his adventure would be a reality for him, he kept this journey one day and at times one moment at time.
The third day of his stay at Pine Point would include a trip on Nimpo Lake, it was my turn to be his partner. John had two days on the lake fishing with our more experienced guides. You have to know that he witnessed my first days learning how to drive a boat, including the first night where I ran the boat into the other side of the dock… You could see his hesitation to whether he wanted me as his guide, but he chose wisely, I was gifted to have John in my boat. Here was another challenge that he walked through, how we were going to get him into and out of the boat. A system was devised with a team of men, picking him up and having him slide onto the seat. I can tell you it did not always look pretty but he was family and we laughed and shared the experience with dignity.
I kept telling him what a great teacher he was for me and others, that we can look like a fish flopping on the deck, and have our fears and do it anyways. Our conversations and laughter we shared will always be something I hold dear to my heart.

The day I was his guide on the lake, was the day he was to have his float plane trip. The previous night the staff and the pilot, discussed whether we could safely get him on the plane and off. Because of his desire and 'heart' a plan was devised. During the course of the evening and following morning, this dear man flip-flop back and forth whether he should make this trip, another wall to conquer. His friends and the staff surrounded him with support, but in the end we granted him that this would always be his choice. My friend walked with aid to the plane where he would be first on, everyone was there to assist. Often times in life we are met with challenges and have to make the decision how far we can walk forward, 'where on wall will we meet our challenge', how far can we go. My friend took awhile to contemplate taking a step up on ladder to the plane. I do not know what was going on in his mind, I can tell you he did attempt the step up, where he banged his leg. At that point he made the decision it was not going to be this trip he makes on a 'fly out'.

We applauded his efforts and decision, though I can tell you there were a few tears, and pride for this courageous man. We later talked together about where on wall of life do we stop or take another step forward. He was my greatest teacher that day.
My wish for you, if you have the desire to take a fishing trip of your dreams, take it.
Side thought; "What in the world are you doing here? Because touching this wildness is the best way I know to undermine sadness." -Pam Houston, on why she fishes. There will be times when we feel like the world's greatest fisherman. There will be other times when you feel like a complete schmuck. Maintain your resolve whatever you happen to think of yourself or your abilities at any given moment.