So here we are again, sitting patiently at the doorstep of another Christmas. Between the weather, work, and shopping season, I’m not sure how I managed to make it this far in one piece! This last year has been full of surprises, and the Christmas season certainly has a way of putting things into perspective. More than gifts and cookies (but not much more), Christmas is a time to take stock of all that you have to be thankful for. My list is vast, encompassing everything from my first career teaching position, to that beautiful day I spent on the river during a trout frenzy in May. The road has not been without its twists and turns, but the scenery is always breathtaking.

If anything, this last year has really given me a new outlook on change. I guess I used to be somewhat naive when I returned home from college,  thinking the places and people that fill my life weren’t changing in any sense of the word. The fishing never got worst, but it never really got better. Summer days on the lake never ended on a bad note, even when I managed to have “too much fun.”  Even my dog never seemed to age, continuing in her relentless cycle of eat, sleep, eat, sleep.

Now that I once again call northern Maine home, the little details I had missed for nearly five years have found their way back to me quickly. The crowds are different now, new faces dot the landscapes of bridges, streams, tackle shops, and river banks. Best friends still remain, only as a more refined group of hardened locals. We laugh about the past, but work diligently towards the future, never really knowing what tomorrow might hold. Time still moves slowly in these parts, but with more purpose than I noticed before. The little things I miss about my past suddenly don’t seem so important anymore, proving once and for all that less truly can be more. In between work, early bedtime, and weekend errands, I’ve come to realize that my little place in the world is growing up with me. Like a finely aged wine, my life seems more refined on this night before Christmas. My mind is at ease, with fewer questions remaining unanswered than in earlier years. I know where I belong, and for that I am blessed and eternally grateful.

Up’North has followed a similar path as of late, not counting our usual lull during the holiday season. I must have the most patient readers in the world, because traffic has remained steady even in my numerous and prolonged absences. I think it’s fair to say that the focus has somewhat changed, and I’m at peace with that. People want original content in any shape or format, and I couldn’t be happier to oblige. At the end of the day, I draw inspiration from all corners of the globe when determining the direction of Maine Fly Castings. I would like to thank everyone who played a role in my success this year, be it through endorsements, inspiration, or any sort of contributing content.  The list includes, but is certainly not limited to, the Fishing Poet Mr. Matt Smythe, brother Lipton, aka the Roughfisher, all the fellas at Chi Wulff, LOTFO, and everyone at LLBean. Ian Majszak of Detonation Studios, Nick English and all the people at Simms Fly Fishing, Ben and the rest of the clan at Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters, and any other fly fishing industry figures who have opened their arms to me and my humble website.  Rhon Bell of BackwoodPlaid.com for the outstanding photography and constant support, Mr. Michael Gracie for your consistency in producing an outstanding blog that remains among my favorites, Brett Colvin and Jason Morrison for your inspiring work behind the lens, and any other blogger, writer, photographer, artist, or fishing junkie who has dropped me a line to chat, given me helpful advice, or just produced quality work that I truly enjoy.

The best part about my experience with Up’North is the people I meet and interact with along the way. If I could thank all of you in person I would, but geography can be both a blessing and a curse. I hope to chase a few fins with each and every one of you when life allows, and look forward to eventually sharing stories and drinking your beers when I visit in the near or distant future.

Merry Christmas ladies and gents, make it one for the record books.

-Ben