Humphrey checking in ...

[Neal Humphrey]

Bill suggested I post a little check-in message.

30 years ago I used grab a fly rod and skulk around Northern California with Bill and a variety of other dubious characters (like myself). Then I moved to Marin County (and fly fished for sharks in Drake's and Tomales Bay). Seven years ago I moved to Utah. I have decent trout fishing a few minutes from my home on the Weber and Ogden Rivers, and pretty good fishing anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour's drive away. A couple of hours gets me into the High Uintas for alpine fishing, or Strawberry Reservoir to do some "Berry Picking" for huge cutthroats. In half a day's drive I can reach Island Park, ID, Yellowstone, WY, Green River, UT. And I do, but not often enough.

I will be on the Weber this evening with my wife, Christine. There's a vigorous caddis hatch near Peterson. She'll probably out-fish me. A few nights ago I managed to briefly snag a muskrat. Almost broke my new rod -- and a leg chasing the critter downstream until he shook the fly out of his fur.

I still get back to Sacto from time to time to see the grandkids 'cause the fruit of my loins decided to make their lives there. I'll drop by the store next visit. Be ready to repent.

The Rev'd Neal Humphrey
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Fruit Heights, Utah

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

If my memory serves me right Neal was the manager of Sierra Outfitters which was right next door when my shop was across the street at Town & Country Village West where the post office is now.

I guess we call those "the good old days".

We will keep an eye out for you Neal.

[Neal Humphrey]

I call 'em the days when I was a flat-bellied young fella ...

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

No kinden'.......getting old isn't for sissies.

[gryhackl]

Neal
Awfully good to see your message show up on the board. It's been a few years and I'm glad to hear life's good. Tight lines to ya' and I hope I'm around when you stumble by the store next.

[Darian]

Hmmmm,.... This wouldn't be the Neal Humpries that co-authored a book titled, "Steelhead Fly Tying Manual" with Tom Light, would it

[Neal Humphrey]

Yup. That was me. And it's singular "Humphrey" -- no plural "Humphries" -- which according to those who know me, is a blessing.

About a year ago a parishioner actually tracked one of those old books down on Amazon and had me sign it. 'Twas the first and last time I ever signed a copy.

[Hewie]

Here's a long shot: ever run into Fred Miller and his golden Sparky or Buddy? He spends more time fishing the Weber than just about anybody, but usually up river just below Echo. I used to fish the Peterson stretch until I moved back to Cali 5 years back. I sure miss it!
Dave

[Darian]

Neal,.... Apologies for misspelling your name. I have a copy of the book, also. If you cxan let Bill know when you're coming down again, I'll bring it in for your autograph.

I still recall conversations with Tom Light in the shop on Folsom Blvd. Lotsa good memories

[Ed Wahl]

Sierra Outfitters! Haven't heard that name in a while. I bought a ground cloth,(I think only old farts know what those are anymore), years ago. Still using it and my friends can't find anything like it anywhere. Nowadays you get some high school kid giving you the benefit of his experience at REI and trying to sell you a footprint tarp for some tent. Hey, when did I get old?