High Cumberland Would You Believe?

It's been a fun last few weeks. My bike-wreck wounds are healing, I've been busy with my artwork and I've had a few chances to get out and fish a little. A couple of Saturday's ago, I participated in the 4th annual Greenway Arts Festival in Murfreesboro. This is a good little event; it's laid-back, a one-day deal and a great opportunity to show off my paintings to a wide array of people.

Of course, my part in this didn't exactly go smoothly. It was raining when we were attempting to set up the booth (it hasn't rained in weeks -- and hasn't rained since), and there were more than a few things that we forgot to bring with us -- including the sides of my tent and a painting or two -- but we managed to overcome the adversity, chase away the rain, get settled and enjoy a productive day on the banks of the Stones River. As usual, I had a great time meeting with new and existing customers and talking with them about art, fishing and football. I truly appreciate everyone who attended the event and made the time to stop by my tent. And, special thanks go to my Mom and Dad, who traveled up from Memphis to support me (in a bizarre way of thanking them, I made them help break down my booth -- what an appreciative and considerate son I am).

On Saturday, Sept. 27, Betsy and I attended a donor appreciation event sponsored by the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Association. This was held on the Cumberland Plateau near Crossville, Tenn., and about 250 of TPGA's friends gathered at Scott's Gulf, perched on a mountain-top high above an enormous gorge that hid the upper Caney Fork river. The scenery was incredible, of course, and I was honored to watch as several of my Brook Trout Study prints were awarded to major contributors to the TPGA. Here are some pics from the event:

Thanks to Steve Walsh and the rest of the TPGA crew. You've made sure that an absolutely beautiful part of Tennessee can be enjoyed and appreciated by generations to come.

Sadly, I have very little to report on the fishing front. Hopefully, the upcoming weekends will allow for more time to be spent on the rivers. I'll let you know ...