I hope you are all doing well and are finding ways to cope with our current reality. Though things may look bleak, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, though still distant and dim. Holiday gatherings led to spikes in Covid cases throughout our region, and local medical systems were severely impacted, but the numbers of cases are slowly coming down and vaccinations are now available for those 65 and older. Stricter stay at home mandates are beginning to loosen, and opportunities to get out may soon be increased. The inability to move about and socialize have taken an emotional toll for many. These conditions have resulted in feelings of loneliness and depression for many. It is likely that many in our club have become victims of these feelings.
I would like to challenge each of you to make several calls to others in our club, especially if you are aware of members who are alone and isolated. Call them and let them know that you are thinking about them and take time to provide them with a little human warmth. If you are feeling lonely and depressed, make the calls yourself because many are feeling the same way and would welcome your call. As I have pointed out in previous monthly letters, we are as much a social club as we are a fishing club, and part of being a social club is assisting other members during times of need.
Though outdoor opportunities are still few, there are still some local chances to get out and fish. In Escondido, even though boat rentals and camping have been suspended at this time, Dixon Lake is open for shore fishing with the next plant being 3000 lbs. of Rainbow Trout on February 3. Lake Wohlford was closed for boating and fishing through January. Lake Poway is open for fishing but closed its’ boat operations after receiving severe wind damage and has not announced when boat rentals will resume. They will have two 1500 lb. stocks in February; one on February 11 and the other February 25. For those with boats, Lake Hodges, San Vicente, and El Capitan are open for bass and crappie fishing.
Though we will not have a physical meeting this month, Ken Harrison has set up another interesting zoom meeting for us. Orchid from Baja Tours will be meeting with us through Zoom on February 13 at 9:30 am to talk to us about future fishing trips to Mexico. I would like to personally thank Ken for staying involved with the Club and for setting up these great talks for us.
I hope all of you will tune in. I for one, will be dreaming about and missing all the great treats our members usually auction off during the February Annual Bake sale. Hopefully, we will be able to return to this tradition next year. Monique and I wish all of you a Happy Valentine’s Day.
