Ow!  That really hurts.  I was lying on my back.  Pain was shooting through my right ankle.  At least my brother-in-laws fishing rod was not damaged.  Of course, my first brown trout was still with me too.  But, I was wondering if the pain was temporary or if I had a major injury.

I knew that I would be able to get out of the wilderness.  It was only 9 AM.  My brother-in-law was near.  His vehicle was well within reach.  But, I was seriously hurting.

My favorite kind of fishing is following a stream to catch the elusive trout.  Reading the water and locating hiding spots for leery fish is a challenge.  Surrounded by the beautiful terrain of mountains, forests, meadows is awe inspiring.  But, I was locked on to my mission: fish.

The morning had started with fishing for Rainbow trout in a small river.  I was fishing under a bridge when a horde of other fishermen showed up.  A tranquil morning turned into “combat fishing”.  These guys were so close that I had to practice short casting.  It was time to leave and find some solitude. 

I hiked down stream.  It lead me through a meadow that was peaceful and inviting.  Habitat for fish seemed endless.  Many casts were ignored by fish living in the stream.  But, then, the line pull taut.  My rod tip was dramatically bent over and the pulsating of a fighting fish shot adrenalin through my body.

Landing that trout gave me great satisfaction.  I strung it up on a branch that was lying in the grass.  That’s when I went in search of my brother-in-law to show him my catch.

Shortly after that I was walking along the banks of the river.  The ground gave way to a decline hidden by the tall wet grass.  An excruciating pain screamed in my twisted right ankle.  I went down hard on the ground.

For the next several days I limped around.  I’m moving better but having a bad wheel sure put a damper on all of my vacation adventures.  My family went Bouldering, ATVing, shopping, walking, and Rock Climbing without me. 

I did get a lot of reading done.  There was more time to pray.  For long hours I gazed out of the cabin window.  The pain has subsided but the pause is staying around a little longer.  Maybe it’s God’s mysterious way to make me rest.

photo credit: Google image