TIME TO BREATHE..

As the total catch for the East Ranga passes 5,000 for the season, maybe its as good a moment as any to take a deep breath of fresh Icelandic air and reflect on the past 2 months.

It has been a bizarre summer indeed. Awful in many respects, especially for those who are suffering the stress and anxiety of shielding themselves or looking after vulnerable family or friends. But quite special in other regards, maybe we have spent a bit more time appreciating simple things like space, solitude and nature.

Certainly I have tried to take time to be thankful for not only the luck of a great run of salmon during East Ranga’s first ever fly only prime season, but also for being fortunate enough to have wonderful lodge teams and guide teams who have worked tirelessly - remaining calm ‘above the water line’, even if often paddling like crazy under it (to observe the COVID restrictions and safety measures that have complicated life for everyone.)

So whilst living in hope that someone far cleverer than me will come up with a vaccine that works, the lesson I will take into 2021 is to take more notice of what is already wonderful and often right in front of me but not fully appreciated - nature, good hardworking people , kind gestures, the moment - rather than the future. Oh, and Atlantic salmon.