Wherever The Wind Takes Me
From Kenya to Uganda
I am going wherever the wind will take me
A smile resides across my face
Because today, by bus, from dawn till day break
I get to see, smell and fully engage
In the many senses that these countries bring
I am on a bus seated for 33 people-luxurious for Africa
Cushy seats
The windows are open on both sides of me
My hair is flying all around me
A huge smile is on my face-I feel so free
My team is mostly asleep all around me
All I hear is the sound of the windowpanes rattling,
The motor hissing and the wheels contracting.
Demolishing every bump in the dirt road beneath me
My chair is reclined,
I have no makeup on,
My hair is now turning into a knot-I am free
I close my eyes
A strong smell coming through the windows remind me of a
time:
Fishing on the Raccoon River with my Dad!
The scent of catfish stink bait consumes me
I bask in the moment
Remembering one of my most favorite moments-
My Dad teaching me how to fish:
Dry the lour and dunk it in the stink bait
Use a stick to push the stink bait onto the lure
Take your stance-slow, steady and confident
Release the bail and hold the line taunt
Pick your destination-the perfect catfish nook
Aim for your destination
Cast and release
It’s all in the wrist
Cheer for making it to the prime catfish location,
But don’t act surprised
After all you’re a Hess!
Give your rod a tug and pull the line taunt
Now, sit back, relax, drink and beer and eat a snickers bar
Wait until the catfish nibbles
When the line begins to vibrate
Wait
Wait a bit more, let the fish think it’s got it
PULL the rod FAST and steady!
A quick YANK will do the trick
Get the catfish hooked
Real it in slow and steady
Put up a fight when necessary-show it who’s boss
Bring it in the boat and let Dad do the rest!
I listen with a huge grin on my face as my Dad says to me:
“Good job baby!! You caught yourself a big one! Now let Dad
show you how to fillet it just right. Down to the spine. Now that’s a good
fish! That’s my girl, just like her Dad!”
Oh how I miss these days, but I am grateful that dear Africa
can offer me a scent that smells just like catfish stink bait so I can
reminisce on one of my most favorite moments-fishing with my Dad!!
Love you Daddio! Miss you so much! Can’t wait to fish again
with you when I get back!
A lovely picture of me at Jinja on the Nile River. Hot day!!
Travel day with the girls!! This was our luxury African Bus!
