Wedging your Fly?

Almost sounds like a third-grade recess tease, doesn't it?

I'm taking a fly-casting class. Of course it is like hitting wedges, because learning takes more than a weekend. It also requires a level of basic skill before moving toward advanced methodology. These lessons can't be rushed. In the same manner than women of the LPGA can slip a wedge within five feet, we learn that strength and competitive spirit have little to do with succeeding, when the best flycaster in the country is about five foot two, and might weigh 110 pounds with every tackle box she owns pinned to her vest.

Success also requires a really short checklist. "Slow...faster....QUICK...." Why does the instructor demonstrate with such ease, and yet my fly seems to snap off before it lands? Can the old golf mantras actually be true? Learning to swing easy is the best way to hit it hard? Slowing down the fly cast is actually the best way to pinpoint your delivery?

And why are we avoiding any discussion of medical diagnostics? Because we're not only standing on the riverbank, we're also trying to get out and hit balls at the range. Nothing is going on that we can rush, for the important medical appointments happen in two weeks. Then, we'll all know much more than we do now. In the meantime, at least I've learned how to tie double surgeon knots and land a delicate piece of yarn under the school's swingset. If the trout ever get tired of the river and decide to take up residence at the playground, I'll be ready for them.