Almost there

In less than 24 hrs I will have cast a line into Church Lake, at my syndicate fishery, for the first time since this pandemic situation began. I can't recall feeling any more excited about going fishing in my entire life? To be totally honest, it won't matter a jot if I catch or not, the fact that I'm able to cast a baited hook, once again, suggests that there is light at the end of this, awfully dark, tunnel. 3 kg, dry weight, of munga has been prepared although, obviously, I don't envisage needing anything like this amount for my initial visit. All that's required now is to prepare my flavour smoke, liquidised sweetcorn and tuna flakes, and job's a good'n! I've got a couple of extra camera batteries in the tackle bags, so am hoping to get a few shots of the ridiculous array of gear that is now deemed "essential" when faced with a new challenge. I've made the decision to use the Duncan Kay's to start with, as I have no idea how these carp behave, so don't wish to destroy a sixty year old, split cane, rod whilst discovering I'm under-gunned. All part of the, never ending, learning process? Best err on the side of caution until I've got my feet under the table, so to speak!

It's been a beautiful day here, on Thanet, with early cloud burning away to reveal a wonderfully clear sky, light winds and brilliant sunshine. Bev loved it, pretending to be a lizard, laid there on her sunbed, just like she does in Kefalonia, but without our friends. (More about them soon) I spent the majority of the day watching the local Buzzards and Sparrowhawks going about their daily routines, whilst noting a definite increase in House Martin and Swallows around Newlands airspace. Camera is always close to hand and I was happy to stand in my study door and record, both, Jackdaw and Wood Pigeon just because I could.