I Kinda Miss Film

I just dumped a load of images from my digital camera to the laptop. I save a folder of images of each rod I make just because it's pretty easy to do that. I name the folder with a date code and brief description so I can fairly easily find what I'm looking for when the need arises. I have folders going back to 1999, probably tens of thousands of digital images, But I still kinda miss film.

Kodak quit making 35mm slide projectors in 2004. I have one in a box somewhere, I promise I will sort that last shoe box of loose slides and show some on a bed sheet hanging from a curtain rod (I don't know what happened to the fancy, folding movie screen).

Maybe it's just too simple now - set the Camera to "A" for all things automatic, push the little button, plug the little card into the printer, push the "instant fix" button and E-Mail the picture to Aunt Betty.

What happened to the neat little black plastic cans with the colorful film cartridges inside. Opening the camera and carefully aligning the sprocket holes on the film and then the gentle tension as you ratcheted the film advance lever until #1 came into the window. The lady in the PhotoMat Booth who took your stuffed envelope and promised real pictures in 3 or 4 days. I actually spent a little time in a home darkroom with an enlarger, 8X10 photographic paper and trays of developer and fixer. Watching the images eerily appear is still a mystery to me. I kinda miss it.

14 Days and Counting

Mission Accomplished. Quite a road trip yesterday that included a semi-planned stop in Palatine for a quick visit with one of our Jeep Trout Expedition members & family. First time I was entertained with a 12 pack of Diet Dr. Pepper - to go! Nice.

Next was a blast down Rte. 66, past Stateville Penitentiary (they tore down Joliet after Jake was released),

and on down the road to the Autobahn Country Club. What an adventure!

So Charlie got a new fishing pole - I think he liked it. Looking forward to standing in the river, trying to fool that AuSable Brook Trout into eating a tiny Sulfur Dun and putting a bend into that shiny piece of Bamboo. June will be here before you know it.

But Wait ! 14 days and counting before we wing our way West for the first adventure of the season - watching the long range forecast with our fingers crossed and packing some extra fleece - just in case.

On the Road Again

Saturday morning and I'm starting to think about getting ready to hit the road - heading west to Chicago (or at least Joliet) to deliver a brand new split bamboo fly rod. It's a bit of a drive, about 5 hours, but a little human interaction is nice after all this E-Mail, Cell Phone, Web stuff. Technology is great but it hasn't replaced the hand shake!