Lost Drafts
Going through the site for some Fall cleaning and found a draft I never revisited, until today. Oh well, thought I’d send it out there anyway. This one is over one year old. I’m still looking for Diamond Willow.
Went fishing with a few hundred new friends at the spit pond. It was the day that they opened it to snagging (ed note; for the 2018 season ). A bit earlier than usual this year and usually marks the end of the silver season.
I’ve been carrying a diamond willow stick around for quite a few years now. This is what they look like before you remove the bark.
Not much to get excited about, right?
After removing the bark and some of the sap wood, sanding a little and coating with epoxy…….
The character of each piece comes out.
I used Viet Nam colors, naturally.
Then I made a cane for a friend here.
This is the stick I used. Below is the handle I made for it. It is solid fiberglass rope and epoxy and wrapped with bicycle handlebar tape.
This could be fun!
Looks like I’ve finished around nine sticks and canes since. 
I am running out of raw material but I’m having trouble scheduling a trip to the interior to get some more.
Anyone up for a road trip? The weather in the interior is perfect for it.
So far I've reached acceptable proficiency at the following, in chronological order: Silversmith, infantryman/door gunner, helicopter pilot, fireman, carpenter, residential contractor, FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist and crotchety old retired guy. Currently, I'm learning to fly again and that is what this is all about. 7/7/2020 edit: As I have had the opportunity to reflect (old people do that a lot) on my actual proficiency level at the above occupations, I feel adjustments are in order. The term "acceptable" depends on the observer, their own proficiency and experience level. Acceptable to me might be woefully deficient to the master. I think it would be more accurate to claim that I have earned a living wage at all of these occupations but never got rich. Actually, I feel that I have gotten rich at the last one. I have what I need and am profoundly grateful for all of it. The future looks bright indeed, as I have learned to fly again. For that I have all of you to thank. Thank You!
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