My tribal bamboo fly rod!

The above photo is a direct result of the following:

6 months of planning, 7 friends (including my Aunt from Seattle) and 74 hours of work (I was slow and others had to assist me...hence the "tribal" in the rod)...

Originally I had planned to write out a thoughtful blog each day of the class but that was completely unrealistic a bit ambitious.  So, where did we leave off?  I forget...but will tap into whatever memory I have left after a week of being  inundated with bamboofly rod maker responsibilities.

Riley's sense of humor...my name is spelled Shannen!

Have I mentioned that straightening the strips almost killed me?  Again, I will not bore you.

After this week, I have a new respect on every level for Bill's undeniable patience and seemingly endless volcano of talent.  This week was special for a myriad of reasons...

My space...brand new perspective these days.

My favorite...planing

 Strangely enough, I really enjoyed planing the rod. Once I got into a rhythm, it was almost relaxing.  

9 weight!



Binding

I have skipped about 1000 steps but do you think that I may the first person to ever build a bamboo fly rod in big hoop earrings?!?



Us

Grip shaping

Coating wraps

My Tribe...Bill, Roni, Me, Rick, Linda, Doug, Terry, Jeff, Kathy and Riley

About last night...

...and this bamboo fly rod making class.


Okay, I skipped a day because the second day of class started out with straightening strips and the night ended with math!  So, I decided not to tell the tale.  However, I got through it and finally tamed my bamboo strips.



This is how the day started

This is the only way to end a day after wrestling with bamboo strips

Bamboo Fly Rod Class Day One...

After my first day in class making my first bamboo fly rod,  I have discovered the following:

Bill's job is so much better than mine.

Of course, we started with a raw stalk of Tonkin bamboo and 9 hours later ended up with something that kind of resembles some (12) strips of Tonkin bamboo.  Surprisingly, it was fun!  I especially enjoyed the flaming and scraping...so much better than paperwork.



And so it begins...

Each step was a bit of an out of body experience considering I finally have a "dog in the fight" when it comes to using these tools and manipulating the bamboo.  In fact, the bamboo takes on a life of it's own.

I'll introduce the "players" tomorrow...or not...Bill keeps us busy.

Of course, the kids are getting along fine without me.  No blue paint...yet.  My parents are staying with us to help out, my Aunt from Seattle flew in for the class and our friend Kathy is here at the house/class as well.  The unexpected added benefit of this week is that we are all together for the second evening in a row and my parents cooked for us like we were little kids.  Nice.



Flaming...surprisingly fun!

Scraping...fun as well!

 So, tomorrow is another day.  Me and the bamboo.

Confessions of A Bamboo Fly Rod Maker's Widow

So...after 14 years, I am taking my first bamboo fly rod making class tomorrow.  Why 14 years?  Well, like many of you reading this, it's something I have always wanted to do but life has been in the way. 

Let's see between work, 2 small children, building a new bamboo fly rod making shop, new office, new Inn, buying the local fly shop (long story...we'll get to that) and the generalities of life...I have every reason to say...


"I don't have the time to take this bamboo fly rod making class."


"I'll do it later this year or wait until things slow down a bit in our lives."


"I can not afford to be away from work for a week..."


"My kids will dissipate into the atmosphere (or get into blue paint)  if I am too busy to smother them."


This is what happens when I am gone...for 5 minutes...what will happen this week?!?!?

The list goes on and on and on and on and on and on and on (to infinity).

I have come to the conclusion, like anything else, you MUST make the time to do things that are not directly related to being productive and responsible but in direct relation to evolving as a person in this lifetime.

Bill and I vibe extremely well together in every way...marriage, life, parenting, leisure and the literal work aspect of things.  The next six days will determine if we work as well together as student and teacher. 

So, stay tuned...class starts tomorrow...I will try to "evolve" my way through the week.