Fishing at Canyon Fairy with Capt. Joey

It's been over 40 years since I have seen my friend Joey and it is as if we never missed a day. We became friends around 1964 when his father, Benny Grisfe hunted my parent's property in the Catskills of New York. Joey would accompany his dad to build a cabin in our woods and to help my folks make hay. Joey would then become one of the hunters in years following. In 1970 I departed for the U.S. Navy and I would not see him again until this trip. We stopped earlier in the day at Sturgis to see the mass hysteria of biking in the Black Hills. Of course with Bikers there was much to see that was not of a normal setting. But we could see the freedom of their souls heading down the highway toward Mount Rushmore. Many, many of them were veterans and they surely displayed great pride in their ride and their country. We pulled in to Joey and Ruby's driveway around noon and quickly made it through the greetings and salutations to catch up on life. He has been in Montana for 15 years and has killed most of the species that adorns the mountainside. But as most of us in life find our way we learn to pet the animals and admire their beauty vice blowing a hole in their hides. He is quite a special person and first delighted our palates with his culinary charisma. We feasted on Joey's Walleye, homemade Amish bread, corn on the cob, and his better half, Ruby's red rice. Norma and I got the tour of the "Captain's" room where Joey rigged his fishing weaponry. Also, he threatened us with becoming part of his wall of fame. Little did we know that we would make that honor. We were up the next morning before the chickens and on our way to Canyon Ferry for 12 hours of sheer (hard work)fun in the sun. As we danced upon the water in his Trophy boat we enjoyed the perfect, no kidding, perfect weather. On each side of us were mountains, and cliffs that would house the diving Swallows. Who needs to go to Capistrano to see Swallows. This place had it all. I will let the pictures speak for themselves but will tell you that as we closed the doors to our vehicles enroute to Great Falls the first raindrop hit the windshield. Perfect day, 30 fish, phenomenal Captain and Guide, and memories that keep the smiles wide. Can't say enough about the day. It is what keeps you coming back because you can't believe it just happened. I am slightly embarrassed to say that we slept until 10:45 the next morning. ;-)