Journal Entry
THE FIRST TIMER
Journal Entry
A note to first-timers and those new to the North Woods I will make a bold ( if not obvious ) statement : Time in the great outdoors is for everyone . I mean it . Do you love fresh air ? Getting out on the water ? The feel of the air all around you as you take a deep breath in ? The thrill of catching your food ? Fishing is a meditative , connect-to-nature experience - a JOY that everyone should try to experience .
I was nervous about heading to Forest City , Maine , for my very first Fishing Lodge getaway . My experience with fishing was minimal , and the idea of learning to fly fish felt like the stuff of an 80s-sweeping romance movie . I planned ahead by signing up for L . L . Bean ' s Fly Fishing Discovery Course . I spent a day with instructors at the fishing pools on the Freeport Campus . There , I familiarized myself with all the gear , learned how to tie knots , and practiced my four-part cast . I needed this entré́ e into fishing , as I didn ' t want to jump in a canoe without a basic understanding of what fly fishing was all about .
On the day of our trip , we made our way north on I95 and then towards the Canadian Border through some of the country ' s most beautiful forests . As we entered the archway of the rock maples of Forest City , I noticed how peaceful and quiet everything was . It was remarkable , made even better when we turned into Wheaton ' s Lodge on East Grand Lake .
My initial apprehension about being a " fish out of water " was quickly dispelled by our lodge owner , Patrick Patterson , and our guide , Daniel Daggett . Patrick greeted us warmly , and his dogs led us down to show us the lakeside launch . Patrick had a shed full of gear and waders in every size - he took charge of our daily schedule and helped us make our plans .