Orvis / VT 2026 trip is in the books
First trip to VT and it was a success and a great time. 7 vets and 3 vols arrived, spent time with the Orvis staff fine tuning their skills and then a day on the water. The improvement in their skill levels was nothing short of amazing.
The bonding that took place with the vets during this trip brought them closer together and they found out they are not alone on the journey down the path to healing. It was great to see John L and Tim O, both vet participants working with the others to help them improve. The quiet ones talked, the talkers stopped and listened, it was a transformation.
At Orvis. Kyle, the head instructor at the Orvis covered fly-fishing basics then took the team to the pond for casting instruction using the new Hellios rods. Having Antoine with us allowed for even more one on one instruction.
We also were given a guided tour of the rod building shop, sorry, no pics allowed on their proprietary processes but we learned the full steps that go into both bamboo, and graphite rods.
The next day we fished the famed Battenkill. 7 vets, 2 vols. Now this river has not been stocked since 1969, so it is all elusive wild trout
We fished 2 sections of the river, put in 56 hours casting in a beautiful river surrounded by fall foliage but only 2 wild browns to the net. One other Trout, good size, practiced social distancing with a long line release.
Since this is a Team effort on fish caught, we were not skunked.
This was a time for the guys to unwind, focus on things that matter and continue on the healing path. There was time to bond, talk, and share. They were not alone.
Next up, less than a week away is Limestone Trout Club. Located in North Canaan, this private facility hosts our last outing every year. Five quarry pond on beautifully manicured property.
I'll report when we return.
Until then,
Tight lines,
Don
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