Crushing Your Comfort Zone

Over the years, I've encouraged my readers to push beyond their comfort zones to explore new waters and fisheries, expanding their horizons while adding to their own life experiences. Trying to lead by example, I hoped to bring the same excitement I feel when looking out at a fresh new view wherever my adventures have taken me. We all share a passion for angling, but when boiled down to the essence of the sport, it is the places it takes us that carve their mark into our hearts, sometimes changing us forever.

For those of us looking begrudgingly at the calendar as each page turns, filling those pages with adventures becomes more important than when our faces featured less patina. So, when Jennifer brought up Patagonia last year, I gave her the contact information, and she ran with it. We wanted to focus on dry fly fishing, so our dates were chosen accordingly. The fact that they coincide with my 68th birthday was just a bonus; I love turning that page somewhere other than here in rainy Oregon. We're leaving on February 11th, and I'm already getting excited.

I've never traveled outside the country to chase Trout; British Columbia Steelhead don't count, so I'm looking forward to this adventure as it offers plenty of new challenges. What rods should I bring, and which lines will be needed? Do I need waders, or should I plan on wet wading? I know the guides will have flies, but I'll want a few of my favorites to test in the southern hemisphere. What should I take? The only thing I know for sure is there'll be clear rivers to wade, beautiful scenery, birds, wildlife, and a culture totally new to us. It promises to be a most memorable adventure.

In addition to our seven guided fishing days, we'll have a few extra days to explore the area on our own. A friend has offered up the family estancia near San Martin, complete with horses, cattle, Gauchos, and small creeks filled with Brook Trout, as a welcome distraction before facing the return flight home. Jennifer is already giving me refresher horseback riding lessons in the comfort of our living room to prepare me for this part of the trip. My previous and only riding experience was into the Sierra Mountains a few years ago and was preceded by in-depth riding instruction by Jennifer while I drove to the pack station in June Lake, CA, where we mounted up and climbed into the clouds. Fortunately, my trusty steed, Buba, was a forgiving mount and made me look good the whole way. I'm a little apprehensive about this trip, as the horses in Argentina probably don't speak English, and my Spanish is more suitable for ordering drinks or finding the bathroom. This part of the trip will definitely strain my comfort zone.

If my gaucho skills prevail, we'll make our way back to Buenos Aires and spend a few days taking in the sights of that famous city and playing tourist, but eventually, a silver bird will carry us back to reality and the next adventure waiting on the calendar.