While starting my job search, to get back into the grove of writing code, I’m setting up some challenges and learning goals to accomplish to prepare for interviews and coding challenges.
Over the weekend a I worked with a Non-profit organization called Fishing with Vets (https://www.fishingwithvets.com/), based in Minnesota. My cousin Aaron co-founded the organization with his long time Veteran friend Jeremy who wanted to give back to other veterans by providing opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The organization started in 2015 and only did a few trips a year. Now they are up to 9+ trips a year, some with up to 40 veterans. All the veteran’s meals, lodging, necessary fishing/outdoor is provided by the organization. Aaron reached out to me a few months ago asking if I would help organize a small trip to Colorado to provide an fly fishing experience. After hearing the background of the organization, I was happy to help.
I reached out to my parents Bill and Cyndi to see if they would be interested in helping host a weekend at the cabin. Bill, Cyndi, and Mark (the co-owner of our cabin) help provided & prep all the food, got beer donations from a local brewery Rails End, were fantastic hosts, and got passes donated by the Tarryall Fishing Club to fish private water near our cabin. I wouldn’t of been able to help pull this weekend without them. Dennis runs the Tarryall fishing club and is also a veteran. He was also excited to help the guys out and provide a great weekend for them.
I was the “guide” for the weekend, so I coordinated getting gear by working with Golden River Sports – they gave a generous discount on the waders and boot rentals. My brother Alex, friend Tyler, and Mark all lent their rods and reels to be used for the weekend. Another friend Mark reached out asking if we needed any help with the weekend, his dad, Scott owns ARS companies, which is a construction-based business in Denver. I let him know we could use some help paying for gear rentals, they donated enough to cover gear rentals and more for the weekend.
Last, but not least – the veterans, Mike and Mike – the main reason for the trip. It was a pleasure to hang out with these guys, learn about their life, experiences, and teach them how to fly fish. Neither of them had ever fly fished before and luckily, the fish cooperated, they were able to catch many Rainbow and Brown Trout, even a Sucker fish! Besides being quick learners and awesome first-time fly fishers, these guys do so much for their fellow veterans. Mike and Mike run a non-profit softball league/Tournament called Minnesota Softball Military Appreciation (http://www.mnmilitarysoftball.org/). Their organization raises money to donate to various Veteran non-profit programs – such as Fishing with Vets. They also work with non-profit organizations who help provide housing to struggling veterans to help them get on their feet. I found them to be truly inspirational, not just because they’ve served to protect our country, but that they continue to serve their fellow veterans today. They are truly exceptional humans.
Here is a list of the organizations they donate and or planning on donating too.
In the past years they have given to the following
The whole weekend was overwhelmingly rewarding. I’ve been wanting to give back to others through fly fishing since I started two years ago. This year I was finally in a place where I could help provide a great experience. Teaching Mike, Mike, and Jeremy how to fly fish, seeing their smiles and joy out on the water was one of the best ways I could think to thank them for their service to our country. Without all the contributions and help from others in the community, this weekend wouldn’t be possible, and it was amazing to see everyone step up and help where they could.
Weekend Recap VideoAll set for a day on the water! The veterans and I ready to catch some fish. Patrick, Jeremy, Mike and King MikeMike with a trout on!King Mike Casting like a pro!Jeremy with a nice Brown Trout! The Mike’s helping each other out with a Sucker Fish!Enjoying a campfire and good conversationThe guys with my parents visiting Rails End Brewery and getting a tour!
I started this blog to replace an old blog I had setup on a server a buddy and I were paying for over the past few years. We weren’t using it enough to keep paying for it so we recently shut it down. Lets face it though, this is basically a new blog, I only wrote two or three posts over the two years I had it so transferring the data over was easy enough. Needless to say, I’m trying to write more and reflect on day to day events, hobbies, professional life, and whatever else happens to come to mind.
I’ve been fly fishing for nearly a year now, during this time I’ve managed to catch four species of trout: Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and a Cutbow. For the summer of 2018 I set a goal to explore at least 20 new lakes/and or rivers and go on multiple multi-day backpacking trips. June 7th-10th, my mission was to explore a few alpine lakes and live in the back country for a few days with just my backpack. I went with my buddy Tyler, and met a few other friends up at one of the alpine lakes on our second day. Our mission – Catch a Golden Trout and while we are at it, catch some stunning Cutthroat Trout too.
I’ve been on the market for a new rod for a while now, to be honest, just didn’t know what I wanted. A few days before my girlfriend and I went to Lake City, Colorado for a Wine Festival I went to Orvis to try out a Recon Fly Rod, Orvis’ mid-ranged fly rod. While I was there, I wanted to try the Helios H3, you know, for the hell of it.
In February I bought a Catch Cam Net and a knock off go-pro to start filming some fishing adventures. On a beautiful February Day, I met up with my buddy Mike B and we got on some nice fish! Rainbows, Browns, Cuttbows. I was lazy about getting a video edited, but I’m getting ready for a fishing trip to Canada and wanted to have a full memory card. I put together a video of the days best clips. Enjoy!
Thursday May 17th, I took off from work and headed to the cabin. I typically like to go to a local stream before I go to the cabin, and this time was no different. I had to catch Dinner – I arrived to our local tailwater around 4:30pm, the parking lot was empty and the flows have increased substantially since the last time I was here. It looks like it’ll be great fishing.
