Yesterday was a beautiful day visiting my favorite lady, the Elk River.  The water was up a little bit but still very fishable although milky, which tends to put the trout off the bite.  I didn't wade the waters that much because of the milkiness.  Hopefully I'll be able to post some pictures if I can revive my camera.  It kinda, sorta got wet.  You see there's this very old train trestle over the river in this tiny little former coal community called Bergoo.  The one thing about this trestle is that it isn't the safest bridge in the world and it's always smart to say a prayer before crossing it.  Plus, the Elk and I have had this thing for years, ever since I was knee-high to a short duck, where she tries to get me in the water, and I try to stay out of it.  So I say this prayer before crossing over not to fall in the river.  Ok, fine.  I get across and fish for a little bit and decided to take some pictures of these small creeks that flow into the Elk.  I found a pond in back of the woods along with this stream with these beautiful cascades down the side of the mountain.  After a couple of shots I wanted to go deeper into the woods but had to cross the stream where there was this little pool.  Trying to get up the bank a rock I stepped on let loose and off I went into the pool and the camera going underwater.  Ahhhhhhhh, c'est la vie.  I can see God sitting up there in heaven saying, "You didn't say anything about a creek!"  LOL....  But it was still a good day even if I didn't catch anything.  It's amazing how much stress can be taken away by a mountain stream.  The sound of the water is so soothing, almost zen-like.   Peace.................

Is she blow'n out?

Well, tomorrow I'm taking a little trip to see my lady.  Nope, not a human lady, the Elk.  Although I am single I'm not looking right now.  Anyways, just gonna go up and see what shape she's in.  She'll probably be blow'n out, in other words, running really high due to snowmelt and rainfall this week.  I'll still be able to get some pictures.  I am definitely needing this trip.  Might check out Shavers Fk. too, another favorite trout stream of mine.  Gonna be a good day.

Snowmelt on the Elk River, WV

Ugh!

I hate mornings.  Need coffee...................................

Why Elk River Soul

I'm sure some of you who will be checking this out are wondering why I've chosen Elk River Soul for my blog name.  The Elk River in beautiful West Virginia (yes, we are a state) rises high in the mountains and travels the entire width of the state to the capital in Charleston.  It is a renowned trout stream and that is why I love it.  You see, I was practically raised on that river, not because I lived on it but because it is the favorite trout stream of my old man.  I spent much of my years learning about trout fishing on the Elk.  My dad spent two years in Alaska in the Air Force and the Elk reminds him of many of the streams he used to fish there.  It is now my favorite too.  When I'm on her water I am home.  The riffles sing to me, they heal me, and I feel ok.  Everything that is bothering me is taken away by the current.  The pull of a trout on the end of the line, watching the ducks fly upstream, the mountaintops surrounding me....all of it soothes my soul.  My soul is happiest when I am with her..........hence the moniker, Elk River Soul.

First day

So this is my first day as a blogger.  What am I thinking?!?!  Usually I am a very private person and doing something like this is a huge step for me.  I mean, I'm putting alot of stuff out there for other people to see...my thoughts, hopes, dreams, failures, and on and on.  Perhaps I am looking for healing through writing, perhaps I am hoping that someone I love will see this one day, perhaps not.  I do know that I am lonely....not in the way of not having family or friends, but in the way of not having that special someone.  You know, the one who becomes your best friend, lover, spouse, or partner, whatever you want to call them.  Maybe I wish to spread to those who read this the love I have for others.  Since this is a new endeavour for me I hope you'll come along for the ride.