Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Fishing With Papa

Last weekend, I took a trip down to my hometown to visit my grandparents. It was more than just a visit though, we were on a mission. My husband and I have taken up fishing as a hobby, and my Papa has been an expert fisherman for most of his life so I thought he might be able to give us some tips. It turned out to be such a perfect, beautiful day and I could tell as it was happening that these good times with family would be something I will fondly remember for many years to come.

We packed up our gear into Papa's truck and drove down to the Deep Fork River, where we parked in a dusty lot situated next to an old cemetery.

Fishing with Papa

Then we headed off down the trail to find a good spot on the river bank.

Fishing with Papa

We let Papa lead the way because he's walked this trail many, many times.

Fishing with Papa

He led us to a nice little spot with beautiful views of the river to the East...

Fishing wth Papa

...and to the West.

Fishing with Papa

The muddy waters of the Deep Fork are the perfect habitat for catfish, so we got our poles ready for action.

Fishing wtih Papa

My husband stayed with his pole the whole time.

Fishing with Papa

I, on the other hand, propped mine up on a stick and began to wander around with my camera. I photographed the little rays of heaven shooting down through the trees...

Fishing with Papa

...the sparkles they created on the streams...

Fishing with Papa

...and my sweet teenage cousin, who is beautiful and creative and of whom I am so very proud (I was being sneaky and hiding in the grass so I could capture this rare creature in her natural habitat).

Fishing with Papa

This little outing with my family was completely priceless. It warmed my heart beyond description when I saw my Papa passing his knowledge onto my husband, who will surely pass it on to our children someday as well. I can't wait to go fishing with Papa again!

What are your favorite things to do outdoors with your family?

20 comments:

  1. What a wonderful day to spend a weekend! Nothing like sharing wonderful moments with the family!

    Great shots, btw!

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  2. Fishing is a wonderful hobby! The hubs and I have just recently picked it up too! Did you catch anything?

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  3. AnonymousMay 18, 2011

    I am the same way... sometimes my husband goes fishing by himself or with the guys, but sometimes I go with him... usually with camera in tow. I can't just 'sit' and fish for hours like men can... I'm much more of a wanderer. But I do love being there though, there is something special about spending the day with nature, for sure. ;)

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  4. I love doing stuff like this. What a great weekend! :)

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  5. Looks like a lot of fun! The first time I went fishing I caught a fish.... after three hours! ;)

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  6. When I was a kid, fishing with both my grandparents and my parents was a frequent activity. I loved it. But I especially loved it when Granny and Mom fried the catch!

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  7. Tiffany- Papa caught a big catfish (and then something else that he thew back). He was nice enough to clean his fish and send the fillets home with us.

    Cindy- We fried the catfish Papa gave to us. It was AMAZING! It's been awhile since I had fresh fried catfish, but I used to eat it all the time at Papa's house growing up.

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  8. What a perfect day:)
    xoxo

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  9. QT with the fam is so priceless! We've been going on family outings to the zoo and having a blast!

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  10. Holly you look like a beautiful violet hiding amongst the green.
    I like to have picnics with my husband and daughter in our backyard. My husband brings out a ukulele and plays for us. He also brings out an old time crank record player and plays old 78 rpm records. We eat and listen to music, dance and play. :)

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  11. Oh, it wasn't you being the violet! Nice photography Holly. :)

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  12. so sweet and wonderful!
    my husband has taken my son fishing a couple of times. cutest photo of my son with the fish he caught from one trip & poor dad didn't catch any that day :(

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  13. I like your blog and this post ♥

    Look into my blog too: *

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  14. I like to watch my Dad try to do yoga by their new FABULOUS pool. My dad insists he knows how to do yoga, but all he really knows is Downward Dog. And then he just stretches a lot. And calls it "doing yoga."

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  15. Swoon. Love your papa, love his connection with you and your husband and the whole "fishing philosophy" thing. my dad is always so serious about his fishing rod too, but neither me nor my husband are experienced in fishing (city kids, pfft!) and yes, I do look forward doing some fishing as a family like you did.

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  16. AnonymousMay 24, 2011

    What a wonderful day and memory!

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  17. I love this story the most of all. I have such wonderful memories too. And loved the catfish we used to catch in Louisiana. Here in Va. it is mostly trout or bass - and they're delicious too.

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  18. Hi Holly! I found you through your beautiful comment on the Twenty Somethings blog.

    That's beautiful! your husband/"Papa" look so relaxed, as if they didn't know you photographing them. I believe settings/weather like this tends to help people bond more profoundly, feel things more.

    -Ashley

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  19. How lovely!
    I love going out to riley's dads farm for fishing. so peaceful

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  20. Lovely post! Glad you were able to enjoy some yummy catfish prepared just for you! :)

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