It is pretty early here in Paris and I am sitting here imagining a lot of people driving south having set off early towards the Itchen.
The more local anglers will be either getting ready, packing the car, sieving bait and/or filling the thermos flask.
I will miss the great FM craque on arrival at the venue, the chatter, the wind-ups and the bacon butties and tea.
That said, I think it is really terrific that we can all meet together to fish a river in winter, with some having travelled a long way.
I think too that it says an awful lot about our little Internet "home" so full of great characters, albeit ones who can disagree about so many facets of this great sport of ours, and yet still come together for a good day out.
I wish you all tight lines and a great day.
Now, a little personal example of how the FM 'network' has once again proved to me that FM is a great place to be;
As many know I had a little 'argument' with my car last Sunday which resulted in some cracked ribs, bumps, cuts and bruises.
Living on my own it was quite difficult to manage a lot of those daily tasks that are so necessary, and especially things like trying to re-strap my ribs.
So, who turned up to offer help, advice and friendship, my 'lovely' ex-wife?
No way!!!!!
It was Claudia, who I had only met twice before, once at the Gold Valley FM fish in and once for a chat about river fishing.
She made sure that I had anything I needed, re-strapped my ribs and more importantly spent time chatting and making coffee and generally being a real Star
Claudia, Thank You so much.
Not only was Claudia a star, but the number of e-mails I received from lots more FM regulars really cheered me up at a time when I really needed that. So, thanks to all who took the time and the effort - again, what a great place FM is.
Now, get out there and give those lovely Grayling a good run for their money . . . .
