The Middle River Group, LLC

fly fishing, conservation and politics.

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Patagonia leads again.

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image courtesy of Patagonia

Patagonia says “let’s be first.” This time to save the planet. 

This past week Patagonia came out with a new mission statement:

“Patagonia is in business to save our home planet.”

“We’re losing the planet because of climate change, that’s the elephant in the room. Society is basically working on symptoms. Save the polar bear? If you want to save the polar bear, you got to save the planet,” Chouinard says. “Forget about the polar bear, they’re toast anyway. So I decided to make a very simple statement, because in reality, if we want to save the planet, every single company in the world has to do the same thing. And I thought, well, let’s be the first.”

Patagonia will focus on three key areas: agriculture, politics, and protected lands.

They can count me in.

image courtesy of Patagonia Provisions.

Read about it here > Patagonia’s new company mission is to save the planet

What I use: Patagonia’s Tough Puff Hoody

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PC: Patagonia

Guiding in the fall and winter is a challenge for me when it comes to comfort.

Here in Virginia, with its variable weather, planning a day on our spring creeks takes a little ingenuity. 35 degrees at 7 a.m. can swing to 60 degrees by 2 or 3 p.m. that same day.  And add a little moisture to the equation and the gear bag starts to fill up.

I’ve got my suite of work-arounds, but it usually means I wind up taking more than I need for the day.

I was in the shop the other day (Mossy Creek Fly Fishing for those who don’t know) saw the Patagonia Tough Puff Hoody and decided to give one a try.

Here are some of the features that make it a standout:

  • It stretches. That means it moves when I do. When I reach out with the net, having my jacket go where I go is very helpful.
  • I can push the sleeves up. There are two times when this is especially helpful; when I reach into said net in the water and when the temp outside warms up a bit but I’m not ready to give up my coat.
  • DWR fabric. That is Patagonia’s water repellent fabric finish. Sure, I look at the WX before every trip, and if it is going to be a deluge (read full rain gear) for the trip we will likely pass or dress accordingly. But ’round these parts showers, either rain or snow, pop up with little warning and that extra protection comes in handy.
  • Abrasion resistance. Sometimes, you just have to push through the “pucker brush” to get where you need to be. And my fleece and Nano Puffs show it… A little “up-armoring” is welcome.
  • Breathability, wicking and warmth. If you are active, and guides are, then you can work up a sweat. Wicking the moisture away and having breathable fabrics can really increase the comfort level at this time of year. Conversely, when you are standing around reading the tea leaves in a fly box or waiting for a fish to stick its nose up, having some insulation is plus, a big plus.
  • A hood. Sure, it is called a hoody for a reason, and the hood comes in handy to regulate comfort. While my Kromer works fine, a little extra insulation for the neck and noggin sure is nice.
  • Pockets. Four big ones. Two at chest level, big enough for fly boxes and two more at the waist for fly boxes or what have you. And they all zip.

The one thing I really like: Having my hemostats handy. The tool I use most often when I am guiding is my hemostat. While you can’t see it in the image I grabbed from Patagonia, there is a tab below the left hand chest pocket to attach a zinger or, in my case, keeping my hemostat securely at hand. Priceless.

One thing I would add: a zippered inside pocket.


On the passing of George H.W. Bush

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Sully, former President George H.W. Bush’s service dog,
lies next to Bush’s casket ahead of national memorial services for Bush this week.
“Mission complete,” Bush spokesperson Jim McGrath said when he posted the photo on Twitter tonight. #Remembering41

https://nbcnews.to/2EaiMBp

Because the difference is so stark between George H.W. Bush and the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue the loss is felt more profoundly.

This is wonderful tribute to George H. W. Bush by Bill Clinton.

Source: Bill Clinton: George H.W. Bush’s Oval Office note to me revealed the heart of who he was – The Washington Post

Happy Thanksgiving 2018

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For the last few years I have been posting this Thanksgiving day quote from Theodore Roosevelt. I have yet to find one better on this day.

“Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.”

Theodore Roosevelt, Thanksgiving, 1903

And never forget on this day and every day, paraphrasing Winston Churchill, we enjoy Thanksgiving because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.

For them I am eternally thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!