It's time to finally spring forward

March 27, 2005

Resslin' Around/Cassey Ressler

Right around this time every year, I stump my wife with the same question - "Do you think I have enough Woolly Buggers, and should I tie up some more rabbit hare's ear nymphs?"

She always looks at me kind of funny, but I'm used to that look by now. For me, the first signs of spring get my fly-fishing juices flowing.

Around the middle of March, as the snow starts melting and the days start feeling warmer and longer, my thoughts start to drift to large rainbow trout, fighting silver salmon and seeing my tent alone on a sandbar.

Late March and early April can be the longest few weeks of the year for Alaskans, as May through August is our reward for September through February.

March and early April are like a parent holding a piece of cake just out of reach of a young child - they are big teases, although you know that if you are patient enough, you'll finally get the cake. They are enjoyable months, but not nearly as enjoyable as the real prize - the summer months.

You can tell I'm not alone, too. Those whose passion is gardening have turned their attentions to getting their seeds planted, and their landscape plans ready. Golfers have busted out their clubs and are keeping an eye on the greens. Motorcycle enthusiasts are making sure their bikes are ready to go for the summer riding season. Everybody, it seems, is ready for summer.

Alaska's long winters force us to go all-out during the summer months. You have to take advantage of the daylight.

It would be a crime if you lived in Alaska and didn't take advantage of the natural wonder and beauty that surrounds us, particularly in the summer.

The holidays are over. The Iditarod is finished. The snow is gone. Bring on summer.

Casey Ressler (valleylife@frontiersman.com) is the Valley Life editor. "Woolly and Bugger" are his two favorite words.