A few weeks later, Marvin introduced me to a number of local salmon fly tyers that have since changed my life. The Cotingas are a unique group, in that they have no officers, no newsletter, no dues, just salmon fly tying. The many hours spent in their company over the next several years remain very dear to me. I cherish the friendships made there.

Early in 2002, I relocated to the Central Coast of California, and after a few months of unpacking and getting settled, I have once again returned to the tying bench. During the months that I was out here on my own and living out of a suitcase, I did manage to build some wings; I took a small envelop full of materials and built wings at every free moment. The result is an inventory of presorted and matched materials that at least contain the right ingredients for several dozen flies. Most of these wing sets are made with very large materials, as I received a dozen very large (6/0 - 10/0) Reinhold Exhibition hooks as a going away present from my friend and partner Wick Clark. My objective over the next few years is to grace those lovely salmon irons with rare and unusual furs and feathers and my best efforts at tying the Classics.

Thanks,