[originally published on: May 14, 2006]

(6/14/2003 – photo by MRudd)

My friend, Mike A, owner of the Gold Pan RV Park in Platoro, Colorado, took me fishing in 2003. He was very generous and patient, loaning me gear, showing me a favorite spot, even cleaning the fish I caught on my first attempt (pictured above). When I caught a second fish, I was overcome by the realization that these fish lived in a beautiful place until I ripped them from their home.

The last fish I’ll ever catch:

Fishing with the Sensei:

PS: If you’re wondering about the title of this entry, it is in reference to this quote from — spit on the ground — Duhbya:

“I don’t know, it’s hard to characterize the great moments. They’ve all been busy moments, by the way. I would say the best moment was when I caught a 7½lb largemouth bass on my lake,” George W Bush said. [mjh’s blog — Dumb or Drugged?]