Beautiful, I too found myself on the mcloud a year and a half ago while going through some tough changes of my own. I actually referenced it a bit in my first Substack post. Was wonderful to return to such a beautiful and special place, even for a moment through your thoughts here. Thanks!
Great idea, but probably not interested right now. Followed my Grandfather’s footsteps last spring and fished rivers there at a remote lodge. My Grandfather made split bamboo rods and fished Chile in the 1950s. Grew up fishing in Michigan, lived in Colorado and now in Farmington NM. Lots of good water. Have a raft and float the San Juan. Look me up if you get this way, and thanks for a wonderful article..
What a fabulous essay. Change does indeed come for us all. (I for one love the ghost fish, but then again I was there to see that beauty. Whoops!)
Proud to be part of this excellent piece. Thank you Jake.
And if you do visit the McCloud, be careful — she's tough. And make sure you visit Ted Fay's fly shop.
Ted Fay’s is a national treasure. So are you my friend!
Beautiful piece and beautiful pictures, light leak and all.
Beautiful, I too found myself on the mcloud a year and a half ago while going through some tough changes of my own. I actually referenced it a bit in my first Substack post. Was wonderful to return to such a beautiful and special place, even for a moment through your thoughts here. Thanks!
So happy to find your account. Love the approach and been looking for exactly this here on Substack. Would love to connect!
Welcome aboard, Sam. I appreciate the kind words. The McCloud holds many secrets, and we were lucky to discover a few. Happy to hear I did it justice.
Your writing never ceases to evoke strong emotion in me, Jacob.
I'm not sure there is a better compliment for a writer. Thank you for reading!
Thanks for sharing. Had never heard of that river.
If you’re ever in Northern California, I highly recommend a visit.
Yup looks fabulous!
I’ve been thinking about putting together a practical guide to the McCloud. Is that something you’d be interested in?
Great idea, but probably not interested right now. Followed my Grandfather’s footsteps last spring and fished rivers there at a remote lodge. My Grandfather made split bamboo rods and fished Chile in the 1950s. Grew up fishing in Michigan, lived in Colorado and now in Farmington NM. Lots of good water. Have a raft and float the San Juan. Look me up if you get this way, and thanks for a wonderful article..
Always wanted to fish the San Juan!
Is it Groundhog Day or something? Was just checking to see the last time you posted.
It’s been a minute for sure. Busy summer and fall — still catching up!