Now at the Hardy USA office in Lancaster

With New York behind us and just a scintillating luncheon at the Angler’s Club of New York yesterday. And what a place the revered club proved to be: a  positive oasis of learned angling calm sandwiched in the helter-skelter  of high rise Wall street bustle – that actually, was clearly not so “bustly” due to the extraordinary events  unfurling in Washington and the inauguration speech being made by  Barak Obama. 

The club though, was just amazing. Pliesners’ (my favorite angling painter – American) on the wall, and my heros of the vice around the walls and in cabinets -Marinaro, Dettes, Wulffe, my true hero Chauncy Lively who I still consider the founder of modern fly tying…so many great men. It was really an honor and a rare privilege to gaze at all the pivotal forces and influential men of North American Fly fishing.  

But New York! New York…what a place…what  a sense of vibrance and energy and individuality.   I was gripped and enthralled by the place; from the neo-French eatery Balthazar, to the snow swirled and near obscured wide avenues. 5th Avenue in the snow is just, a defining site. The place is just grand: alive: energetic. Staying at the Warwick was also a thrill – the place where the Beatles stayed when in town- is one of those individual hotels that is the epitome of style, service and panache. All in all, this was a great day or two – and historic, too. You could almost sense the new found hope and aspiration…and sense of reality, coming from the people with the change of presidency. Fascinating times.

Post Marlboro Show

Well, as Winne the Pooh once said: “the more it snows…tiddly pom….” No idea what it means of course, but it seems to suit the scene that I woke to today. A great wave of snow has marched down the east coast.  and dropped in for a bit! Quite lovely. The quiet and just the purity of the snow and the surrounds was a joy. Not great for show attendance. But as is always the case, the odd surprise manifested itself. John Shaner and I positively drooled over the haul of old Hardy equipment brought in by a lovely lady from nearby Boston for our evaluation. To say the collection was breathtaking, would be an understatement. Two CC de France – one in stunning condition, which I cast – for the first time ever, the experience was utterly memorable. There was a collection of Perfects and what had to be  the find of the year; a mint condition, boxed, Illingworth threadline reel. Just spectacular. And the best bit was, the delightful lady had no idea of their importance or indeed, worth; I think that she was a little surprised. I go to New York tomorrow – can’t wait. A trip of firsts this.

Nearly Show Time

Well, the day is near dawning in the frozen landscape here in Boston…well marlboro…lord, it’s chilly. I will never complain about UK cold ever again – and this is mild for some. Mild!

I walked out into the street last night and the cold air assaulted me like a wall  and it felt as though something was literally pulling the air out of my body. It was extraordinary . 

We then went into the depths of Boston to the Union Oyster House – 1826 they opened doors for business which is pretty darn old for the USA. The sea food – the clams and basic fish recipes were just divine. Fresh, simply cooked, greta service and all in a booth next to the the one Jack Kennedy used to dine in. You could almost sense the banter, drawl and aspirations.  Who says the USA does not have history? It was fabulous experience. The show now beckons.

Brrrrrrrrr.

Just arrived in the Eastern USA – and Blimey! it’s chilly. Thick snow this morning and that also awaits our drive to Boston from New York….two shows to do, stores to visit and miles to travel; but all exciting and the prospect of meeting old fishing friends is always a real thrill. Isn’t it amazing the bonds that sport bind? And also the ties that endure, even thousands of miles and many years. Great thing, fly fishing.

 

Now off,  into the veritable white out….I might be gone some time.

Dragged into the new age…..whimpering

Well folks, I am thrilled (as is Midge) that you have answered and responded. I know this is faltering, but I am still getting used to all this new age stuff ….forgive me, my hair (what’s left) is that certain colour. Anyway off to do some shows in the USA and in time to leave Mrs J with the ALL the packing to do prior to the move to Dorset….I know what it will be like to suffer, believe me. I have also deduced that Pike don’t like feeding -2c: they have no sense of excitement or proportion - just common sense I guess.  

Bye for now

Hello: tis I…me…CJ…entering the rather weird and glorious world of blogging – and Midge, too, of course…

Heellllloooo folks, I really look forward to getting comments,  fly patterns,  fishery news, fishing news in general: and painting, too, of course…anything really. And will now be able (apparently, according to my IT gurus – Debbie and Midge) talk to you from all over the place and generally put the world to rights…and have fun. Happy Blogging is what I say!

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