Monday, January 16, 2017

First Cast

OPENING DAY
River Tay
the garry flows again
WALLPAPER: GOOD GEAR
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OPEN IT
.. So then, two big events: we missed them both this year.
.. First; it's opening day of the salmon season on the River Tay.
.. Second; water restoration of 15 miles of the 'Dry Garry' will commence as soon as a bit of engineering work is completed. This first order tributary has been 'dry' due to hydroelectric priorities.
.. The major breach some 15 miles north of Blair Atholl will  commence in a few weeks to restore flows to the River Garry.
.. An initial breach has already been made at the Struan Weir to begin this process.
COURTESY DAILY MAIL
.. Spring salmon fishing is a big deal in Scotland. The river gets blessed with a toast, a splash for the river, and piping the fishers to the river.
.. A ceremonial cast is made from a mid-river boat and then, the river is inundated with hopeful fishers. Of course they all use Tay Rods for their Tay Casting. Even spin fishers know how to Tay Cast with spinning rods, {see videos below.}
.. The biggest ceremony is celebrated at  Kenmore. This year they are celebrating their 70th year along with the anniversary of the re-opening of the Kenmore Hotel [LINK-1].
.. The Kenmore Hotel was commissioned in 1572 by the then laird Colin Campbell, and has its origins in a tavern built around 70 years earlier offering accommodation and refreshments. It is reputed to be Scotland's oldest hotel.
AILEEN SWINGS A MEAN STICK
.. Although this is Campbell country, save for the pipers, the Royal Stewart Tartan is the most common pattern and the Dress Royal Stewart is de rigueur for the ceremonies.
.. Last year the ceremonies were opened by the Environmental Minister Dr. Aileen McLeod [LINK-2].
DRESS STEWART TARTAN
.. This would be the same as a cabinet level person coming to our village for the opener in Yellowstone National Park. It would hardly happen here.
.. For more information just run a web search. This is big news in Scotland. SALMON FISHING SCOTLAND is a good website for information, accommodations, activities, and fishing stuff.
.. The ABERFELDY website is a grand introduction to the area. Year round activities and other bits of interest are supplied by the site. Sort of like a regional chamber of commerce.
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 SEE ALL ABOUT IT
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..Well it's approaching a warm 0°F, so it must be time for breakfast and then wash and wax the car.
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WALLPAPER:  SALSICCIA, CARROT HASH, TATERS, 'N' EGG