We didn't mean to go to sea

I have to admit to being a bit of an Arthur Ransome fan. Rod and Line (Cape 1929) is a classic in angling literature, but it's his Swallows and Amazons stories that float my boat.

I am enjoying re-reading them on these dark and dingy winter evenings. Check out these amazing new covers by Posti Pietari on the Vintage Classics editions - worth buying for the lovely new covers alone. Updated in such a fine way, absolutely stunning!

Bring out the old - Happy New Year

Sir Benjamin Stone

Sir Benjamin Stone

Sir Benjamin Stone

Sir Benjamin Stone

casus ubique valet

....semper tibi pendeat hamus. Quo minime credas gurgite, piscis erit.

Roughly speaking means: there is scope for chance everywhere; let your hook be always ready. In the eddies where you least expect it, there will be a fish.

There is always a chance indeed. My mate Jim says that I could talk my float under, but that is just how I approach my fishing. Days have been written off before and then bang! It happens. Ever the optimist.

Not on this day though. Although I did will my sprat to be investigated on two occasions by an unseen predator on this freezing festive afternoon. All I had to accompany the scene was a flask of beef tea and the soothing sounds of the river, wind and the whispering reeds.....next time!

Blessed are the float makers - Happy Christmas!

That's the Purple Pim!

Market Finds No 15

I was very pleased to come across Crystella - just keeping an eye out for wares of a piscatorial nature when this lovely box of 60's, or even earlier, baubles popped up - less than the price of a pint. No wonder these two chaps have such an expression of excitement - Happy Christmas lads!

Weird Veg!

Strange one this. Either a very well endowed carrot or a dodgy three fingered hand from an MR James book..............agggghh, remember that hand in The Stalls of Barchester? Yes, me too. Even though it scares me I still won't be able to resist a little viewing on Christmas Eve. Just as long as it's not me letting the hounds out for their last sniff round the garden before bed!

All Around The Town

All Around The Town - Dudley Dyer (1932)

Greetings to all Travellers - Walter E Spradbery (Curwen 1936)

Only 40 bottles to go!

We had such a glut of all the soft fruits this year. They never go to waste.  I managed to do a couple of gallons of the old Christmas cheer, nectar, winter warmer, soother, bringer of joy, linctus of happiness..........Jumbleberry Vodka!

Here you see the beginning of the operation - I haven't had a sip yet, honest. At the end of the operation the pantry (as I like to call it) or the larder (as The Captain likes to call it) will be groaning under the weight of more bottles to go alongside all the jars of chutneys, jellies, jams and...........bottles of beer!

Whilst clearing space I found a bottle of something which should really go under the buried treasure banner on this blog - a bottle of vintage strawberry vodka. Over 10 years old and I did have a little nip of that, medicinal purposes only of course........splendiferous!

Harcork Heaven

It just wouldn't be Christmas without at least one festive trip after the wily old grayling of the River Ebble. I was lucky enough to squeeze in a short trotting trip before being struck down with the cold to end all colds....................it was below freezing as I tackled up in the church car park still shaken after witnessing an awful accident en route. Slow down!

At first bites were hard to come by, but with the sun shining, maggots plumper than a suckling pig and a Harcork float like a Christmas decoration how on earth could I be down hearted.

The little Ebble is a joy to behold in its winter cloak. Fast, clear and cold. When the first dip of the float comes it is so fierce it almost wrenches the rod from my grasp.

Seven lovely grayling came twisting and turning to the net to be admired and then returned to their winter home. The float ambled its way down the stream in the most appealing way........Harcork Heaven!