The "high" I got from the race alone was well worth it, but I am completely stoked to have gone from 2 packs of smokes a day to a 1 hr, 59 min, 34.32 sec. half marathon in 167 days. As it turns out, 13.1 miles is kind of a long way (for me at least) to actually run and I literally fell over when I got out of bed too fast on Monday morning. That being said, it only made me grin as I grimaced and made my way to the bathroom. My knee that I was so worried about hasn't given me one bit of trouble so far and as long as it stays that way I think I'll continue my training for next year's race and hopefully, a better time. I did run a very sore, but decent personal time 4 miles this morning...

Now, as to the other non-fishing related topics being discussed lately. Apparently, a few folks, (but only a few) were not too happy with my use of the word "donation" in the last report so, I'll put it to you differently! After all, it's really only a "donation" if you don't take advantage of your "investment" during a one year period or, you "donate" less than $25.00... (That, by the way, is just fine by us if you really just want to help out!)

Quite frankly, I've been happily listening to folks thank me for our web site and updates for the past 13+ years and I just came up with a business idea around it to generate some short term cash flow after a slower year and try to assure some future sales. The idea is simple and to put it out there another way it's just this, you "invest" $25.00 or more in BBT and anytime in the next year from the date of your "investment" you get a one-time purchase at 10% off.

Anyone even remotely contemplating the purchase of a mid to higher end fly rod, fly reel, waders or, even a number of different items totaling over $250.00 on a $25.00 "investment" can now make that purchase and actually save a few $$ instead of putting a few more out. (A great excuse to use with the significant other as well!)

One guy on our forum did the math and decided that if we could get 1000 forum members to "donate" $25.00 it would definitely make up for the slow September so, if we could just get the other 969 members to participate now we'd sure appreciate it, but seriously, I hope that putting it this way will sit better with some folks and I hope that many more of you will take advantage of this win, win situation... ;^) Forum members please remember to give your user name as well so that your user title can be changed to either Supporting Member or Super Supporter accordingly. (Toll free 1-877-422-5394) A big thanks to everyone participating!

Speaking of participating... The annual fall river cleanup (and Halloween party) will be on Saturday October 31st. (Meet at 9am at the shop for a group photo and to split people up.) I realize that some of you might not be able to make that date because of the holiday, but it's the only one that'll work for us (BBT) this year and for those of you that can make it we'll dress up funny (Or not.) and go hit the river with trash bags and a great attitude followed up by the usual appreciation party afterward at my place.

PLEASE CALL THE SHOP to put your name and anyone else coming with you to the cleanup on a list. Anyone is welcome to show up last minute of course, but it sure is helpful to have an idea of how many will be there for food planning purposes.

Now, as to the fishing... I've had a number of very fun trips since my last report and had a blast on every one of them. The rains we are getting and will be getting over the next several days should help to wash out some of the old salmon and wash in some more silver! Still a number of "fresher" kings around if you pick thru them, but the focus is on Steelhead and trout now with this weather being just what we needed! As John stated in his report, there's a good amount of Steelhead around already, but we need the amount of natural food available to thin out a bit in order to target them with flies more effectively.

Both John and I as well as the Motel BBT have lots of great Steelheading dates available, so please give us a call and come spend a great day on the water with us. We'd love to show you the best our office has to offer and, possibly teach you a new trick or two. We offer absolutely no discrimination as to skill level or method used, but we do require that all anglers have a good time! Here is, what quite possibly will be, the last of my king photos for this season. A huge thanks to everyone who made it a fun and memorable one at that...

We do still have spots on our Argentina adventure this winter as well as the Bahamas in February and Alaska next August. Just call the shop or check the last report for more details if you're interested, contrary to some beliefs, we simply can't do those trips without you too...