11/01/12

A front row seat to the passage of time, minute by minute, while a myriad of treasures are
exposed along the way. Depending on the level of interest, on how closely one chooses to
observe, these long hauls to the south can fit any description between dull and marvelous.
It's a broad spectrum either filled by interest, appreciation, and curiosity, or voided by
the standard shore side pace that demands instant gratification from every minute passed.

It takes time out here - time to unwind, stop the world, and observe. Today was as perfect
an opportunity as one could imagine to savor the ocean in its finest form. From daylight
through dark the mirror surface abounded with tokens of ancient sea lore - smokestack
columns and massive slabs of charcoal, blue, tan, and grey interrupting the serene,
quicksilver panorama, their chaperones in legions eliciting unrestrained mirth and belief
of things right in the world with their carefree, captivating, jolly antics; a value can
not be assigned to such conditions. The passage of time today produced a treasure of
experience counted in priceless emotion.

We also rigged our tackle, played some cards, read some books, and enjoyed much lively
conversation. While the whales and dolphins seemed the day long contracted background
entertainment, a few small jumping tuna, a few kelps packing smaller dorado, and a few
stripped marlin tails were passed with ambivalence; bigger and better things call from
below - we think. For certain the weather is forecast to cooperate continuing the trend of
near flat calm established late last week.

A little contrast of thought to start the day. Fishing begins tomorrow and even finer
opportunities to focus on detail will become. The best fishermen and anglers, whether they
know or acknowledge the fact, are masters of observation; they observe and pay heed to what
their sense reveals; they adapt minute by minute as conditions and signs dictate; keen
attention to detail is the key to success. Such attributes are useful off the water as
well.

Tim Ekstrom