and Getting into Nirvana the Easy Way

Being a multiplicitous bunch, we attract people of all kinds! We have those who can innately tie a knot for any type of lure or fish, and yet there are those of US that just love The Nature of it all and The Cause, as we happily discuss it over caviar! Yes, we know who we are! Champagne goes well with the caviar, but I believe the flytyers take a slug of something else while standing hip-deep in frigid water at 5:30 in the morning. Not too appealing to me but that’s why I do Phone. Nothing wrong with being covered up in duck feathers sampling chocolate and talking on the phone to you guys! (Clean that intake!) But it’s The Cause that binds us all together.

Did you know that working one day a month up at the hatchery or on one of Bob Anderson’s special projects, actually absolves you from all time in hell (Episcopalians need only report to Pergatory)! For you Buddist’s, you’ll be transported immediately to the pinnacle of enlightenment thus forgoing the same old life over and over again (remember “Ground Hog Day?”)! And for everyone else, I guarantee that the serenity and sense of selfless contribution covers ANY Holy Day Requirement. I know. I spoke to the gods of the trees, the river and the salamanders and the spider that hides under the seat in the outhouse. This sense of serenity may be brief as you’re being chased by a mountain lion or you just dropped your car keys into the latrine, but at least you know you’re trying! That’s why it’s good to have a buddy up there who carries a fresh set of car keys. (I’ll stick to order out for caviar, champagne and sushi).

Navigating through the treacherous waters of politics, dealing with Mother Nature’s seasonal fickleness, and adjusting to the ebb and flow of volunteer whims, is what makes us work as a team. As far as who’s winning this competition of man vs. nature, nature’s clout dictates her limits to whatever mankind dishes out! Again, it’s the teamwork that wins out! Thank You, Bob Anderson, for helping to keep our hatchery roof and building in tact! Thank You, Bob Young, for showing up mid-week during your day off to do but what else? FEED THE FISH and CLEAR THE INTAKE!!! Thank you, Ron Burnett, who wants to commit days on his calendar and to Marla Lytle who squeezes us in while an acting docent at Big Sur.

The Training Class of 2008, has been a great group. Everybody gets called as much as possible, while allowing for busy schedules, family obligations and work routines. In fact, Welcome Back Michael Schumacher! He had been buried under a hectic schedule for a couple of years.

We’re continuing with the Web Site Revision as you may have read in other columns here. Immediate notice postings, up-to-date actions at the hatchery and eventually blog discussions can take place. We’ll also be able to accept MONEY over the net! And let’s not forget those pictures of those BIG FISH that some of you catch! You’ll be pleased.

A recent notification: our valued member, Bruce Newhall, who’s been one of our cornerstones, landed in the hospital recently. So far, he seems OK, but we wish him a speedy recovery and think of him. Heads Up! Bruce! As usual, you can call to register for our annual “Spring Training” class up at the hatchery. We’re running a little late this year because Mother Nature is throwing us another loop! Call me: Mary Hermansky: 831-331-5586. Back to my caviar and champagne. Have a good one!

WAIT!

For you other loafers out there, we could really use some help with a new Board Member acting as a Recording Secretary of all that we talk about. I need to find a replacement. How about it?! We meet in Watsonville, every 4th Monday of the month, and not every month at that. It would help me out a lot. Thanks.