Reeling and Healing Midwest Blog

Check out the article by Patricia Montemurri in August 10, 2008 The Detroit Free Press. Our own Carmen, Lauren, Tanya, Ermora, Kelley and Mark are quoted.  Here’s the link:  http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008808100355

I’ll admit, I was intimidated. The idea of spending three days introducing 15 women to the sport of fly fishing was a little much. In addition these women were from different backgrounds, different ages, in different degrees of health and in different stages of a shared disease. And finally, and the piece-de-resistance, I would be one of the only males. What’s a guy to do?

During the preceding weeks, and all the way up until the first participant arrived, I was running scenario after scenario through my head. What do i do in case this happens, or this, or, god forbid, that?! I have taught dozens and dozens of people how to fly fish, often times in groups, but this was a whole new ballgame. As I said, I was intimidated.

So, how did it turn out you may be wondering? In short, it was a very special experience. The biggest part of it was not the fishing. It was being there. Yes, the fishing was fun and the chance to pass along knowledge and experiences to potential new devotees of a sport I love was enjoyable enough alone. The chance to spend some time on a lovely piece of trout water was also great. It all pales in comparison to the people. Those same people whom I spent hours and hours worrying about. How is that for irony?

Of course I did my share of carrying things from here to there, getting water, keeping track of equipment and other sorts of things. All the volunteers did. Those types of tasks are rewarding on their own. But it was being in the water with the participants - that’s where real special things happened. Women who normally have difficulty walking, relishing the river pushing against their legs. Or women who would cast their fly and actually see a trout rise - only to forget to set the hook because they turned to share a smile that a trout was “out there.” I watched their faces light up as the river worked its magic.

Out of the river, listening to them laugh and cry while talking with others, was…educational. Even I blushed a few times overhearing a few things (you know who you are).

I have done as much thinking about that time and those women since as before. Now I run things that happened over and over in my mind and it brings a smile. I am just as anxious as before. Anxious to do it again.

-DGM, Volunteer & River Guide

Reeling & Healing Midwest is heading to Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, MI from January 11-13, 2008 for our Third Annual Winter Retreat.

The “Pamper Your Inner Vixen” retreat will feature a guest speaker, Barb Badolati, from Alive & Well, spa treatments from The Looking Glass Spa, an interactive cooking class with Whole Foods Chef and Food & Lifestyle Counselor, Nancy Schwalm, African healing drumming with Rhythmic Adventures of Traverse City, MI, and a variety of outdoor and indoor activities to choose from.

It may be too cold to fly fish, but its always a good time to renew your spirit and hope and start the new year with a little pampering and fun. The plus is the camaraderie and support from new friends too.

Interested? We have a couple more openings available. Check out
our announcement and registration form for more details or phone 616-855-4017.

What an opportunity R&H Midwest was to be with ourselves, and in Mother Nature, with an incredible group of loving people. It was a place where my heart could “come out”, a place to get involved and discover. Thank you for a well-planned, fun, interesting, and very rewarding retreat! -Nancy S.

The October Retreat was fantastic! A wonderful group of survivors and volunteers eager to fish the Pere Marquette in search of brown trout, steelhead and salmon. The weather was amazing - better than last year when I had on four layers of clothing. I left the mittens and ear muffs at the river lodge and was in the river, helping guide, taking photos and listening to everyone’s story.

Read more about the retreat here.

I can’t wait for next year!

2007 was a fabulous year for Reeling and Healing Midwest.

Check out our 2007 Season Review and other retreat follow-ups. You can view photo and learn about what happened along the river banks. Follow this link to the main page and take time to check out the other links you find there.

Join us for the Third Annual Winter Retreat at Crystal Mountain Resort! Start off 2008 with a bang. More details below.

Download Registration Form

Twenty-five participants and volunteers are scheduled to fish the famed waters of the Pere Marquette River this weekend in Branch, MI. We’ll be staying at a private river lodge high on a bluff over the river with a thirst to fish for steelhead, brown and rainbow trout. Rumor is a few salmon are still occupying the waters as well. Perhaps we’ll see a few in action.

Survivors from all over the State of Michigan will be in attendance. A few have fished in the fall, but for a majority of the attendees, this is a first-time experience.

The weather forecast is great for fishing - 60 degrees and partly cloudy with the chance of showers.

Keep an eye out for our recap and photos.

FISH ON!

A great article about Reeling & Healing Midwest recently appeared in the July / August 2007 issue of Michigan Trout Magazine published by Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited. You can download a PDF of the article here.