Struggling with the lack of daylight. Up before dawn to get the best I can. Fish, guns, dogs and kids mean I'm always busy but I savour long walks with the dog and occasional days shooting with friends. I love walking my patrol zone on the river. Seeing the last fish through and, now, the first kelts down, making life a misery for cormorants and gooseanders. I love the dawn and seeing the tracks of a fox or otter. I love pretending I'm training my puppy when we both know it's just fun to see what's round the next corner. Evenings of fire and family and, often, wine. I miss the bustle of a June gloaming and I ache for the love of short summer nights of peal and the odd grilse. But winter has its own special quiet; the incredible silence of a freezing December night. The more I learn to move with the seasons and enjoy the pleasures of each time the happier I am.
