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COVID Winter and Sportsmen
The COVID-19 virus is one of the most horrible events of my lifetime. I hope the people responsible for distributing the vaccines can get them out soon so the effects of the virus can be mitigated and we can return to relatively normal lives.
Besides all of the medical issues presented by the virus, it has been responsible for cancelling many events, some of which have affected sportsmen.
Probably the most evident cancellations for sportsmen are the popular outdoor shows that are normally held in various sections of the state. Not only has the local Jaffa Outdoors Show gone down the tubes; those in Harrisburg, Monroeville, and other locations were cancelled as well. The cancellation of these shows has eliminated a number of nice gatherings of sportsmen who like to spend a day or two at the shows looking for outdoor gear and outdoor trips for the upcoming year and engaging in conversations with other sportsmen.
Fly tying is a popular winter activity for many fly-fishermen. Enthusiastic fly tiers often enjoy sharing their skills in tying flies with other people, especially young sportsmen. Veteran fly tiers often organize winter fly tying classes, which not only help young sportsmen learn to tie flies but that also provide informal meetings of interested trout fishermen. Locally, the John Kennedy Chapter of Trout Unlimited (Blair County) usually sponsors a six- or seven-week fly tying class during the winter; but to my knowledge, the class was not held this winter.
Most enthusiastic sportsmen were left on their own to escape the "shack nasties," since large-group gatherings were pretty much put on hold. A few hardy souls like to go out on frozen lakes and ponds to do some ice fishing. However, since the early winter was a little warmer than usual, there has not been much ice fishing in or near the Cove.
Cross-country skiing can get outdoor enthusiasts out of the house. However, the 12 inches of snow from the December nor'easter didn't last very long. I got on my skis only once before it became too slushy to ski.
However, with some relatively comfortable days during early January, stream fishermen were able to sneak in some early adventures. I was one of them. Using nymphs, I sallied forth a number of times to several of my favorite trout streams with mixed results.
In mid-January, I had a minor surgical procedure on my shoulder, which put me on the "Unable to Fish" list for a while. By then, it had become too cold to fish anyhow.
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