Camp Rohrbach on the Pacific Ocean, South Beach, Olympic Penninsula

There’s something special about a fire. A glowing hearth adds to a romantic evening. A good meal is better by candlelight. A good read is better in front of the fireplace, and what would a campsite be without a fire.

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What is it about fire?

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We relax in front of it. We watch its flames lick into the air. We enjoy its snapping and crackling.

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If we want to make an event a little more special, we light a fire, and turn on the gas lights or light the candles.

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Fire is unhurried and relaxing. It’s hard to be hyper watching a fire.

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It’s the same with a stream. Unhurried, babbling along at its own pace, the sound and sight of it is relaxing, pleasant, satisfying, soothing, tranquil, and peaceful.

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To a fly fisherman it’s all that and more.

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Where the pool tails off into a riffle, an angler imagines a wild trout in its feeding lie, waiting for the hatch. Visions of big wild trout sipping a perfectly presented Parachute Adams warm the soul.

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It’s good to relax and watch the water. View the pool from upstream, and then get a different perspective by viewing it from downstream.

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Rather than run up to the stream and romp into the pool, casting willy-nilly for no apparent reason, really see the stream. Determine where the trout should be.

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There is no hurry! Maybe a fine cigar, a sip or two of good Scotch by the fire while relaxing and pondering your stealthy approach to your target.

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Now picture yourself camped by that pool, with a cozy fire, a meal you made in your Dutch oven over a warm fire, next to the babbleing stresam.