Rockin in North Carolina!

So avid readers of this blog (I love both of you!) may remember the halloween party in Asheville NC. Extremely avid readers may remember me mentioning meeting Dave, the chick magnet. Dave and I really clicked and I spent most of the night alternating between cracking up at Dave's wit and swopping fishing stories. 

NC is halfway between Florida and DC so it was an awesome excuse to go and see Dave. I arrived fairly late in the evening and Dave and Shelley (his wife) had prepared an incredible supper complete with hollandaise sauce to go with asparagus. Hollandaise sauce is up there with world peace. Shelley is great fun and we all had a great night drinking wine and chatting! After a long drive (14hrs) and a week of cold showers, jumping in the hot tub was a real treat! 

We suddenly realised it was 4am!!

Shelley with a 7lbs 7ounce sea trout!

The next day we went to visit Shelley's parents on their farm. Shelley's mom had made a delicous lunch and I got to meet Shelley's extended family and Dave's dad! We took the rods with us and fished for bass in the farm dam. I managed to catch two bass which restored the faith in my fishing ability. 

That night we met up with Dave's best mate Jodie, who is an excellent carpenter, builder and chicken wing cooker! We chilled at Jodie's and if lunch was filling enough, had a great supper too. 

Monday was president's day, but Shelley had to work. Dave pulled in some serious favours and got us access onto a private trout river. We had the whole river to ourselves and it was simply stunning! We each got a fat little trout. I had a funny moment when I looked away from my rod and became aware that my reel was jammed. But it wasn't; My guides had frozen trapping my line! It was fresh. After an incredible afternoon, we headed back and met up with Shelley at a local bar. I tried a buffalo burger which was pretty good. 

Although we tried not to, we stayed up late, drinking some beers and telling stories! Dave and Shelley were so incredibly hospitable and I was so touched by their thoughtfulness! 

I had a fantastic time and was sorry I only had two days with them. The only upside was being able to see my amazing wife again! I really missed her! 

Well, I'm looking forward to seeing Dave and Shelley again and taking Hannah with me this time!

 

Dave with a 7lbs smallmouth above and stripped bass below!