"If you don't know where you're going any road can lead you there" A wonderful lyric, by the late George Harrison, which describes, perfectly, my own adventures with natural history, and the great outdoors, which I have enjoyed during my life. I often make very glib comments about plants, basically because I've never been interested. Doesn't mean that I won't ever look at, or point the camera in the direction of, one. Quite a few times, whilst wandering around on holiday, I have been drawn towards plants which are either unfamiliar (most are!), outrageously flamboyant or strikingly fragrant. I've never, yet, been enthused enough to seek further information or actively look for plants, but I cannot deny the fact that they enhance my time in the field. Similarly spiders, beetles, etc are always able to provide interest whenever encountered, yet haven't ignited the spark to pursue the study any further. Butterflies are a completely different ball game; they are an amazing group of insects which have captured my imagination and I will expend time trying to get an id on any encountered which are new to me. I can offer no logical explanation for why I'm enthused by certain aspects of nature but not others. I suppose it is a similar situation with my flirtation with "field sports" - I'm a passionate angler, yet never felt the need to buy a shotgun, foxhound or ferret. I have little problem with the hunting, shooting, fishing aspect of our countryside traditions. But I do have major concerns when blood lust and the quest for that extra dollar uses the smoke screen of traditional pursuits to disguise the industrial scale slaughter they provide for the filthy rich. Allied to this is the associated persecution of our native birds of prey, Hen Harriers, Golden Eagles and the like, thus systematic removal of our children's heritage by an industry that blatantly flaunts its' contempt as it rides roughshod over all legislation . Absolutely indefensible - end of! Bottom line? Money talks, big money talks very loudly; doesn't matter whether it's an incinerator in Beddington, an airport at Gatwick or a Grouse Moor in Northumberland? What they want, they get, because they can afford it - to hell with the environment and the anti's. As for the law? Money makes the law, our family solicitor commands £550/hour - how does the law work when this is normal practice? You and me can't afford to get involved in legal battles - thus money wins regardless of legality. Time to take a deep breath and move on!
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| I now know this to be an African Ringlet |
Out early again, this morning, and a short session at the larger of our two club waters. I'd chosen to use rather generalist tactics in the hope of getting a bite, from anything. Bait was cubed Spam and prawns, perch were certainly in my thoughts but not specifically targeted. Just as well, because when I arrived there was a layer of "cat ice" covering much of the fishery and I was rather restricted in my swim choices. With prolonged, heavy, rain forecast, I quickly set up my brolly and proceeded to get two baits into the ice free water. Nothing on the prawns, but two short pulls on Spam meant that I changed both rods to this bait and was eventually rewarded with a spirited little scamp Common Carp. I hadn't blanked, so was well pleased under the circumstances. A flyover red-head Goosander meant that I had another addition for the year list so, all in all, a very pleasant few hours despite the rain.
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| Quite a tussle on 4 lbs b.s. line and a size 10 hook - great fun in the cold and rain! |
I packed up my soaking wet tackle and headed home. The first carp of 2018 in the bag and the start of another campaign. I'm having serious thoughts about rejoining the club, as pleasurable as it has been, because their venues don't hold the stamp of fish I seek. I'm glad I've made the effort but simply can't afford to waste my time chasing something which doesn't exist. I have several options open to me and will take my time to decide on which one offers the best chance of a successful conclusion to my quest. I know what I want but not yet the route, required, to get me there?
An interesting couple of posts Dylan, bearing all the hallmarks of somebody getting to a certain age and looking back at where he's been and was it all worth it and more importantly, what excitement can the future still continue to bring.
ReplyDeleteI have also had several blank spots in my interest in wildlife through life, I like to see moths, dragonflies and bees whenever I can but have never taken an interest in being able to properly ID them. My three core interests have always been birds, butterflies and wild flowers. Group wildlife watching is also not for me, ever the loner on the marsh is me.
As I replied to Steve Gale on the previous post, most of the content is just me "thinking out loud". I wish to enjoy myself, whatever I choose to do, and for this to continue as long as possible. As there is no known cure for the aging process, I will do my level best to make the most of the time available.
DeleteHi Dyl, when you mentioned solicitors it reminded of a book I read called 'The Screwing of The Average Man' by David Hapgood. It was published in 1974, and for a 13 year old, most revealing.
ReplyDeleteNot read it, but get the gist. I am perfectly happy being a very ordinary guy doing my bit to get by. My life experiences far outweigh any financial reward gained from greed orientated exploitation of my fellow human beings. A simple soul I might be, but I will go to my grave with a clear conscience. I wonder how many politicians, business leaders and legal bods could claim the same?
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