Getting on an airplane these days creates a myriad of emotions-anticipation of new adventures, joy in returning to normalcy, uncertainty about changes to transit procedures and the never ending anxiety about covid. We’ve traveled so much with the trailer, we have forgotten how challenging it is to stuff all our belongings into suitcases. I stuff the bare minimum of flyfishing gear with jacket, rain gear, waders, boots and wading staff into one roll on; clothing, tripod and hiking boots into another and then there is my photography bag which always seems to weigh a ton.
Our flight is on time and we are seated next to a beautifully coiffed and very talkative woman in her 60’s who has a wings pin on her lapel. She is a flight attendant returning from Australia. She tells us her favorite route was to Taiwan but because of the threat of attack by China, has chosen a new route. she keeps us entertained on the less than 2 hour flight.
Albuquerque airport is small and we quickly get our car and begin our 3 hour drive to Farmington. Storm clouds roll in with gusts and heavy rain. Such timing… this rain will wash the rivers out, making for poor fishing conditions.
We check in at the Best Western. Our guide for tomorrow calls and we arrange a meeting time. We are looking forward to fishing the San Juan river.